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Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize modern dance terminology to describe advanced modern dance
exercises, technical principles, and movement vocabulary.
2. Perform advanced modern dance warm-ups, techniques, stretching and
strengthening exercises, movement vocabulary, and choreography.
3. Describe technical principles incorporated in advanced modern dance
and apply to the execution of advanced modern dance movement.
4. Analyze elements of space and energy inherent in advanced
modern dance movement.
5. Create original dance movement through advanced level modern dance
improvisations and choreographic studies.
6. Display performance skills in presentations of advanced modern dance
choreography.
7. Identify basic rhythmical concepts and relate these concepts to the
execution of advanced modern dance movement.
8. Count advanced modern dance movement sequences.
9. Critique a modern dance performance or dance piece applying
advanced modern dance concepts.
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I. Advanced modern dance terminology and corresponding movement
vocabulary
II. Advanced modern dance technique
A. Technical principles such as alignment, balance, extension,
extension, turn-out and inward rotation of the legs, off-center
movement, initiation of movement with breath and core
B. Floor work: Warming up, stretching, limb and core strengthening
C. Locomotor movements such as triplets, prances, walks, runs, leaps
D. Linking movements: Across the floor and center combinations
III. Picking up and retaining choreography
IV. Elements of dance in advanced modern dance movement
A. Space: Use of level, facing, direction, dimension, planes, etc.
B. Time: Use of tempo and rhythm
C. Energy: Use of weight, movement qualities, etc.
V. Performance skills such as:
A. Projection
B. Dynamics
C. Musicality (reflecting musical mood, accents, dynamics, etc. in
the performance of dance movement)
D. Managing performance anxiety
E. Use of breath
F. Creating the illusion of effortlessness
VI. Creative problem solving based on elements of modern dance (space,
time, and energy) or other paradigms such as gesture, contact, etc.
A. Improvisation
B. Choreographing an advanced level modern dance study
VII. How to execute modern dance movement. Each instructor approaches the
"how to" of executing dance movement differently. Pedagogy may
include:
A. Verbal descriptions
1. Dance terminology
2. Use of imagery
3. Biomechanics (Anatomical and kinesiological references)
B. Demonstration of movement
C. Tactile information (hands-on)
D. Kinesthetic awareness enhancing tools or methods
E. Corrections
F. Critical analysis of performed movement
VIII. Critiquing modern dance choreography - what to look for in a modern
dance work
Topics for repeating students: Although some concepts, techniques, and
movement vocabulary will be reviewed, the specific choreography of the
movement sequences included in every phase of the class and the music to
which it is choreographed will vary from semester to semester. Therefore,
information conveyed to meet the demands of that choreography and the
learning experience for the student will vary each semester that the
student takes the course.
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Homework (averaging 1 hour per week per unit):
1. Weekly practice of instructor choreography and dance skills covered
in class sessions
2. Choreographing original dance movement
3. Performing exercises to strengthen and/or stretch muscle
groups required to execute dance movements
4. Written critique of a dance piece or performance approved by
instructor. Note: Critique is based on a performance occurring during
the current semester or for video viewing option, instructor will
provide or approve a video.
5. Reading of class hand-outs (3 to 4 pages per semester)
In class assignments include:
1. Modern dance technique class activities assessed in terms of technique
and performance (class performances)
2. 1 to 3 performance exams
3. Improvisations
4. Note-taking when appropriate
5. Practice sessions
6. Written final exam
Optional assignments
1. Modern dance video viewing and analysis
2. Partner activities focusing on dance technique
3. Student choreography work sessions
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Instructor Prepared Materials