Methodology of Contemporary Dance 3

Display Schedule

Code Completion Credits Range Language Instruction Semester
107MES3 credit 4 Czech winter

Subject guarantor

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Name of lecturer(s)

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Contents

The movement vocabulary of modern dance has not been codified and there is no set system of exercises. The methodology is based, primarily on a detailed analysis of movement principles and various methods which emphasize natural movement expression and effective function of the body in movement. This comes from practical research in the use of physical regularities and kinesology which generally leads to the development of recognition and awareness of the movement potential of the human body. In instruction, the students acquire, not only, theory information but all method and teaching knowledge. Skills are checked and consolidated, as well, through practical exercises in which the students learn to investigate and create a particular teaching style.

The syllabus for the Summer semester includes these topics:

  1. Use of creative methods in the creation of one's own movement material based on a research of individual principles.
  2. Difference between floor work in the modern dance techniqe of Martha Graham and contemporary dance technique, its basic movement principles.
  3. Basic movement principles up side down (historical roots, five principles: collapse - expansion, change weight, push, initiation of the spine, acceleration - suspension).

Learning outcomes

These lectures serve the development and consolidation of teaching skills, comprehensive considerations of movement with a sensitivity to detail and consideration of anatomical relationships. This course supports the development of one's creativity, movement research and analyses, forming one's individual teaching style. The aim, also, is to acquire teaching practice which is consulted and for which feedback is given.

Prerequisites and other requirements

The requirement is the completion of Modern Dance Methods 1 and 2, primarily, an openness to learning new skills, development of movement quality and the principles of modern dance, improvisation skills, creativity, interest in theory, effort to learn about current events in modern dance in teaching and choreography in the Czech Republic and abroad. Recommended: participation in dance - education classes and workshops arranged by other professional institutions, a monitoring and comparison of teaching methods of various instructors, continuous gathering of new information through the internet. Independent study is emphasized through e-learning, study materials and recommeded professional writings.

Literature

Feldenkrais, Moshé: Awarness through movement (Pohybem k sebeuvědomění). Praha, 1996

Lewis, Daniel: The Illustrated Dance Technique of José Limón. New York, 1984

Schurr, Gertrude; Yoccom, Rachael D.: Modern Dance. Techniques and Teaching. New York: The Ronald Press Company, 1949

Horosko, Marianne: Martha Graham. The Evolution of her Dance Theory and Training. Pennington, 1991

Stewart, Virginia: Modern Dance. New York, 1991

Stodelle, Ernestine: The Dance technique of Doris Humphrey. Princeton, 1978

Warren, Larry: Lester Horton, Modern Dance Pioneer. New York, 1991

Cohan Robert, The Dance Workshop. London, 1986

Cohen, Bonnie Bainbridge: Sensing, Feeling, and Action. Northampton, 1993

Novack, Cynthia Jean: Sharing the Dance. Madison, 1990

Evaluation methods and criteria

Credit is awarded based on:

a) 80% class participation

b) written analysis of two workshops in modern or contemporary dance, which the student completed in the Winter semester.

c) written review of two performances of contemporary dance which the student attended in the Summer semester

d) instructing a practice in a class for „Methods of Contemporary Dance“

e) minimum 4 hour teaching practice at a dance conservatory and two hours listening.

Note

No notes

Schedule for winter semester 2023/2024:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2023/2024:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans