Analysis of Dance 1

Subject guarantor:

Dorota GREMLICOVÁ

Name of lecturer(s):

Dorota GREMLICOVÁ

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The course aim is an introduction to the method origins of dance analysis and existing analytical procedures. The course provides a basic reference and concepts for analysis of the internal structure of dance and its external context. Theory knowledge is applied to dance material. The course is to contribute to abilities in understanding dance, the nature of its creation, and particulars of various types of dance.

Mode of study:

Presentation of theory concepts. Video recording sample analyses. Discussion.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

A good bearing in dance issues, knowledge of various types of dance, movement experience, knowledge of arts theory are necessary for this course.

Recommended optional programme components:

No electives required for this course.

Course contents:

A historical overview of the development of dance analysis, leading persons: Presentation of the formation of dance analysis as a specific dance scholarship discipline, its purpose and originating conditions, issues of dance notation methods (comparison of film recording and graphic dance notation as the bases of dance analysis), connection of the development of dance theory and analyses, leading persons of the history and present of dance analysis (Rudolf Laban, Claudia Jeschke, Adrienne Kaeppler, and others).

The original principles of dance analysis, language and phrases: Ferdinanda de Sussure Theory as a foundation of dance analysis, concepts of language and phrasing and use in dance analysis.

Methods in dance analysis: overview of existing dance analysis methods, distinguishing methods attempting a general applicability for various dance types and styles (Laban's movement analysis) and methods intended for analysing specific dance systems (ex: forms of historic dance, classical dance techniques, ethnic dance, etc.). Laban's method, its source, ascent and forulation, universal character and use, main principles, spatial analysis of movement, theories of effor/shape and their specific features.

Janet Adshead-Landsdale model of dance analysis: presentation of a model base on 4 analysis steps, a comprehensive analysis of dance components, dance form, dance interpretation and evaluation.

Analysis of the components and forms of dance: A detailed presentation of the first steps in dance analysis focused mainly on an internal structure analysis, recognition of composite elements of dance and manners of their links in dance. Theory knowledge is directly used in classes for the analysis of selected dances which present variable examples of various dance styles, historic forms and geographically diverse dance cultures. Working primarily with video recordings, possibly dance scores (ex: Václav Nižinský's The Afternoon of a Faun, to the music of Claude Debussy). Part of the class activities is working with music scores in the analysis of the relationship of dance and music.

Recommended or required reading:

Adshead, Janet ed.: Dance Analysis: Theory and Practice, London 1988.

Guest-Hutchinson, Ann; Jeschke, Claudia: Nijinsky´s Faune restored, 1991.

International Encyclopedy of Dance, New York, Oxford 1998 (heslo Laban Principles of Movement Analysis).

Kaeppler, Adrienne L.:Dance and the Concept of Style. In Dance, Style, Youth, Identities, Proceedings of the 19th Symposium of the International Council for Traditional Music Study Group on Ethnochoreology, Strážnice 1998.

Sachs, Curt: World History of the Dance, New York 1937.

Saussure, Ferdinand de: Kurs obecné lingvistiky, Praha 1989.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

Assessment methods and criteria:

Credit is awarded based on:

Activity in classes

class assignments

During the semester independent study of assigned literature, home preparation of analyses are required. The complete assessment is comprised of an evaluation of activity in class and completion of class assignments.

Condition of successfull completion of the course: active work in class, completion of class assignments.

Course web page:

Note:

none

Schedule for winter semester 2012/2013:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2012/2013:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Obor Pedagogika tance (Mg) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Choreografie (Bc) (compulsory subject of the main qualification)
• Obor Choreografie (Mg) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Taneční věda (Bc) (compulsory subject of the main qualification)