Introduction to Dance

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 1.

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of the technical and expressive nature of dance and of compositional principles and practices in a variety of contexts.

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 1 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. perform demonstrating  technical and expressive skill
2. transpose a dance idea from stimulus to finished composition

• participation in social dances from various cultural/historical contexts
• analysis  of the stylistic features and cultural significance of various dance forms
• introduction to technical/expressive skills
• introduction to compositional principles and methods of construction
• introduction to dance appreciation
• practical and theoretical study of selected professional dance works

Risk assessment is covered in detail at the start of the module and relates to the principles and policies of the University of Brighton and BAALPE’s Safe Practice in Physical Education and School Sport (2004). Safe practice is then applied and reinforced throughout the course of the module and students are instructed to follow all principles and policies in non-contact time.

Contact time:

Tutor led practical work

Video observation and analysis

Self and peer evaluation

Presentation to peers

Non-contact time:

Improvising and creating for weekly tasks/public performance

Rehearsing  and refining for weekly tasks/public performance

Video observation and analysis

Directed reading

Books:

Bremser, M. (1999) Fifty Contemporary Choreographers. London: Dance books.

Smith-Autard, S. (2005) Dance Composition. (5^th Ed.) London: A&C Black

Videos:

Students are directed to view a variety of videos depending on the dance style/choreographer studied e.g.

Everybody Salsa, Irene Miguel

Honey Kalaria’s Bollywood Workout

Swan Song (English national Ballet) Ghost Dances (Huston Ballet) Christopher Bruce

 DV8 Physical Theatre- Enter Achilles

Akram Khan Dance Company-  Rush

Matthew Bourne – The Car Man

Web sites:

Students are directed to research from a variety of sites according to the dance styles/ professional work  studied e.g.

Belletcompanies.com: http://www.balletcompanies.com/ (accessed August 2007)

Rambert Dance Company: http://www.rambert.org.uk/index.html (accessed August 2007)

New Adventures: http://www.new-adventures.net/index.php (accessed August 2007).