Modern Dance Training 1

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Subject guarantor:

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Name of lecturer(s):

Andrea OPAVSKÁ

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The concept of individual lessons leads to a gradual adoption of movement principles and method techniques of contemporary dance, improvisation and touch technique, which contributes to the training of movement memory, development of the muscle apparati, strengthening physical fitness and technical level of movement. A general and important extension is the development of knowledge and awareness of the movement potential of one's body which originates in the practical research of using physical laws and kinesology. Among other further results are student self-promotion, respect of one's body, shared responsibility for the process and development of the students artistic personality.

Mode of study:

This is a practical look into the technique of contemporary dance originating in theory knowledge.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Mastery of the basics of this technique which is based on the movement of a dancer's body in place and in space.

Course contents:

Contemporary dance techniqus present and open system of practice methods which emphasize natural movement expression and effective body function in motion.

The warm-up is focused on an awareness of basic body posture and the relations of its individual parts in vertical or horizontal positions, coordination, body center and periphery integration. To gradually and sensitively activate the muscle and joint systems at all three levels - spinal, lateral and contralateral. The following movement links in floor work, center work, and work in space use and develop the fundamental movement principles - body fall on a vertical axis and horizontal level, searching for the moment of rebound and suspension, developing impulses and feeling spiraling as motivation for change in body position, succession of movement, awareness of bodyweight, its transfer and use in movement, use of support points, perception of opposition, counter-movement - or topics: walk, run and internal space, accleration-deceleration. The close of the lesson devoted to extension or strengthening bearing parts of the body and reintegration.

During each class breath support is reiterated which provides fluidity and interlinking of individual movement sequences, maintaining lightness and relaxation also in fast and dynamic movement. The activation of the deep stabilization system is linked to breathing which contributes to the effective organization of any type of movement. Attention is as well focused on precise localized movement initialization and manner of its subsequent articulation which gives movement a noticeable form. Each movement sequence is emphasized with a precise definition of the spatial orientation of the movement. Indirectly related to this is an extended attention to proprioception in space, in which the student moves and their situation in relation to colleagues.

Emphasis is palce, as well, on changable dynamics, difference in movement quality and musicality.

Movement priniciples during both semesters systematically reiterate and are gradually linked which results in an awareness of and internalization of the fundamentals and practical use. Parts of various and complex movement phrases are revealed which requires necessary physical and mental concentration by the student.

Students are systematically guided to an awareness of methodically linked practice.

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

Assessment methods and criteria:

Credit is awarded based on:

1) required participation in a minimum of 10 lessons

2) participation in the workshops by Zuna Kozankova Liquid Joints (29.9 - 2-10), Jaro Viňarsky (9-13:00, 9-13.11) and Limón Today (14:00-19:00, 9-13.11) and their written analysis (class structure, aim, main principles, instructor approach, etc.)

3) a written review of two premieres (performances) of contemporary dance during the Winter semester.

Written work to be submitted by: 11. Jan. 2016.

Course web page:

Note:

No notes

Further information:

Course may be repeated

Schedule for winter semester 2015/2016:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2015/2016:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Dance Pedagogy (Bc) (next compulsory subject)