Modern Dance Training 2

Subject guarantor:

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Name of lecturer(s):

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The design of individual lessons lead to a gradual adoption of movement principles and methods of techniques of contemporary dance, improvisation and touch techniques, which also contribute to the training of movement memory, developing the muscle appratti, strengthening talent and movement technique level. A general and important metastructure is the development of the recognition and awareness of the movement potential of one's own body which comes from investigating the use of the nature of physics and kinesology. Among other basic starting points is also the self-reliance of the student, respect for one's own body, mutual responsibility for the process and development of the artistic personality of the student.

Mode of study:

Exercises applying theory knowledge.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Completion of Modern Dance 1 and 2.

Recommended optional programme components:

A recommended elective element is participation in dance education classes and workshops arranged by other professional institutions. An interest in contemporary Czech and World dance choreography is required.

Course contents:

Contemporary dance technique represents an open system of training methods which emphasize natural movement expression and effective body function in movement.

Warm-up is focused on an awareness of the basic structure of the body and relations among individual parts in vertical or horizontal positions, their coordination, integration of the periphery and center of the body. Gradually and sensitively the muscle and joint system is activated at all three levels - spinal, lateral and contralateral. The resulting movement phrase in floor wok, center work and work in space uses and develops basic movement principles - fall of the body on a vertical axis, searching for immediate reflection and suspense, developing impulses and sense of springing as motivation for chaning body position, successive movement, awareness of bodyweight, its transfer and use in movement, use of support points, perception of opposition, countermovement - or topics: walking, running, internal and external space, accelleration-deceleration. The final lesson is devoted to countermovement or strengthening stressed parts of the body and reintegration.

In the course of each lesson breath support is repeatedly emphasized, which ensures fluidity and continuity of individual movement sequences, maintenance of ease and freedom in quick and dynamic movement. The breath is deeply linked to the activation of the stabilization system which contributes to the effective organization of any movement. Attention is also focused on precise localized movement initiation and manner of its subsequent articulation which gives movement its clear form. Each movement sequence emphasizes a precise determined spatial orientation of the movement. Indirectly related to this follows a broader attention to the proprioception of space in which the student moves and its their situation in regards to colleagues.

Emphasis is placed, also on changable dynamics, diversity in movement quality and musicality.

Movement principles, during both semesters, systematically repeat and gradually are joined to one another. With this comes an awareness of the internalization of the basics and their use. this are discovered as part of various and complex movement phrases which require a particular necessity of physical and mental concentration by the student.

Students are systematically guided to becoming aware of the methodic continuity of exercises.

Recommended or required reading:

Feldenkrais, Moshé: Awarness through Movement (Pohybem k sebeuvěmomění), Praha 1996

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

Schurr, Gertrude; Yocom, R.D.: Modern Dance. Techniques a d Teaching.

Horosko, Marian: Martha Graham. The Evolution of her Dnce Theory and Training, Pennington 1991

Stewart, Virginia;comp: Modern Dance, New York 1991

Stodelle, Ernestine: The Dance Technique of Doris Humhrey, Princetown 1978

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

Cohan, Robert: The Dance Workshop, London 1986

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

exercises

Assessment methods and criteria:

Credit is awarded based on:

a) 80% class participation

b) written analysis of two workshops on contemporary or modern dance, which the student completed during the Summer semester

c) written review of two contemporary dance performances which the student attended in the Summer semester (Written review and analysis comparing the two evenings/dance conservatory performances.

Course web page:

Note:

No notes

Further information:

Course may be repeated

Schedule for winter semester 2013/2014:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2013/2014:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Obor Pedagogika tance (Bc) (next compulsory subject)
• Obor Pedagogika tance (Mg) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Choreografie (Bc) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Choreografie (Mg) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Taneční věda (Bc) (compulsory optional subject)
• Obor Taneční věda (Mg) (optional subject)