THA 110b Modern Dance and Movement Time: T F 12:30-1:50 Location: Spingold Rehearsal Room Instructor: Susan Dibble Contact Info: [email protected] Office Hours: Wed. 12-1 or by appointment
Monsieur Ibrahim: “A man’s heart is like a caged animal, but when you/he dances his heart sings and is like an angel in heaven…”
Course Description: Modern dance cannot be described as particular style of dance or a single technical method of movement. It is rather a point of view toward DANCE as ART. Modern Dance is theatrical dancing for a serious artistic purpose that was developed largely independently of, and in opposition to ballet. It stresses individuality of expression over uniformity of method. In the United States in the 1920’s and 1930’s Modern Dance became a very exciting expression of the theatre. According to Martha Graham a pioneer of modern dance, “the great mission of the dancer is to contribute to the betterment of mankind.”
Course Objectives: Modern Dance is a higher form of communication. This course is taught with the understanding that our “movement never lies”- Martha Graham. Through dance we can express a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and ideas. We can also create visual imagery in space that gives an experience that is often powerful, enjoyable, and inspirational. Another important part of the course is exploring time and space-dynamics and design. Different music selections will give students an opportunity to work in contemporary and traditional forms. The students will be offered an opportunity to find freedom and joy in their accomplishments in the class. We will work on duets, trios, and in larger group dances that are choreographed in the modern dance tradition.
The dances that the students will learn are choreographed by the instructor who has worked extensively with the styles and techniques of Martha Graham, Jose’ Limon, Merce Cunningham, Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, and other modern dance choreographers. Each student will be encouraged to work with commitment, focus, energy, and discipline, while widening their horizons and developing a high standard of dancing while learning about the art of Modern Dance. They will also be asked to use their imagination and collaborate with class members in partner exercises that are designed to develop choreographic skills.
Class Schedule and Content:
9/1- Introduction and basic techniques 9/5- Introduction and basic techniques
9/8- Francois Delsarte
9/12- Rudolf Laban and Francois Delsarte
9/19- Mary Wigman
9/22- No Class
9/26- Isadora Duncan
9/29- Isadora Duncan
10/3- No Class Brandeis Thursday
10/6- Martha Graham
10/10- Martha Graham
10/13- Nature and Elements-influence on Modern Dance
10/17- Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon Styles
10/20- Group Work on Mid-Term Project
10/24- Group Work on Mid-Term Project:
10/27- Present Midterm Project
10/31- Helen Tamaris
11/3- Anna Sokolow
11/7- Warm up and Video Viewing- Alvin Ailey
11/10- Merce Cunningham
11/14- Review Dance Styles
11/16- Review Dances Assign Final Research Projects Due 12/6 and 12/8
11/24- No Class- Thanksgiving Break
11/28- Review Dances: Use Class time to work on research Projects. 12/1-Present Research Projects
12/5-Present Research Projects
12/8-Final Class: Present Dances from Class
Requirements: Attend all classes and be on time. Participate fully, be open to the new forms of dance, focus on learning steps and exercises, and work collaboratively with classmates. Feel free to ask instructor for help outside class time. Complete all assignments and readings, and learn all dances taught in class. Notify instructor when you must be absent. Wear appropriate dance clothing-leggings, sweatpants, and tights. Students will be dancing barefoot. Do not eat food, chew gum, or drink anything except water in the classroom. NO IPHONES ALLOWED during class. Turn them off and put them with your backpack, shoes etc.
Grading: Each student is allowed 2 absences. Each additional absence will lower the grade by ½ point. For example: Assuming the grade starts at A, and you have 3 absences, the grade will drop to A-. If you are late 3 times your grade will drop ½ point.
The only letter grade that is given is the final grade. Each student is evaluated on his or her individual level of experience. I will expect you to know the dances we learn in class, and be prepared to present them as best as you can on the final day of class.
75% of the grade is based on punctuality, attendance, effort, energy, focus, growth and progress, and an open-minded approach to the style of Modern Dance that requires a commitment to expressivity and strength of character and technique.
25% of the grade is based on thoroughness and commitment to assignments that are worked on in and outside of class.
You are expected to be honest in all of your academic work. Please consult Brandeis University Rights and Responsibilities (http://www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/srcs/rr/) for all policies and procedures related to academic integrity.
Success in this 4 credit hour course is based on the expectation that students will spend a minimum of 9 hours of study time per week in preparation for class (readings, papers, discussion sections, preparation for exams, etc.). Reading Assignments: I will provide assigned readings posted on Latte.
Project Assignments:
Midterm Due 10/24: Create a piece during class time that incorporates assigned material from work of painters, sculptors, poets, writers, architects, and musicians from Modernist Period.
Final Project Due 12/5 and 12/8 Research, dance, oral presentation about a choreographer from the Modern Period.