Modern I Course at a Glance 2020-2021 Unit Intro to Modern I Foundational Technique Exploring Graham Modern Dance Pioneers Creative Composition Technique Duration 16 lessons 16 lessons 8 lessons 16 lessons 16 lessons Technique/ -Classroom Procedures - Space, time, energy -Graham Technique (general -Study of technique principles that were -Improvisation Vocabulary -Class Etiquette -Class Structure principles and practices) developed and codified by modern dance -Flocking -Positioning of arms, -Presence of Body/Mind -Application of technical principles: pioneers. -B.E.S.T. head torso, legs, and -Basic position of arms, head Fall and recovery -Undercurve/overcurve -Pathways feet torso, legs and feet Contract and release -Dynamic qualities (percussive, swing, -Individuality -Basic Principles: -Basic Principles: Spatial Exploration vibratory, sustain, suspend, collapse) -Rhythm alignment alignment Use of kinesphere -Phrasing head-tail connection head-tail connection Levels flat back flat back Pathways c-curve c-curve contraction contraction -Agility, versatility and flexibility parallel vs. turn-out parallel vs. turn-out awareness of space awareness of space -Basic Videography applications - Lighting - Angles - Framing - Spacing History -What is Modern -Where do the basic principles of -Who is Martha Graham? -Modern Dance Pioneers: -Rhythm and Improvisation Dance? modern dance come from? -What was her effect on the modern Isadora Duncan are rooted in African Dance dance world? Loie Fuller Ruth St. Denis Mary Wigman Ted Shawn (Denishawn) Martha Graham Doris Humphrey José Limon Critical -What makes a good -Identify the use of B.E.S.T. -Analyze Martha Graham’s -Students will compare and contrast the -Peer observation and Analysis dance video? -Peer feedback and evaluation on choreography styles and contributions of these pioneers evaluation the use of body, energy space, and -Identify Graham’s technical -Research and oral presentation on time movement modern dance pioneers. -Self-analysis of basic principles -Research paper (top 10 works of the 20th of dance Century) -collect information -use resources -citation format · Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Music and Dance Education 1 8/10/2020 Modern I Course at a Glance 2020-2021 Creative -Composition using B.E.S.T. and -Students create movement -Students create movement sequences -Composition and Composition the basic principles of modern sequence based off of Martha based off of the various dance styles improvisation inspired by the dance Graham’s technique. founded by the modern dance pioneers techniques of: -Modern Dance Pioneer choreography -Isadora Duncan presentation -Denishawn -Ruth St. Denis -Ted Shawn -Doris Humphrey -Martha Graham -Improvisation based upon the 4 elements of dance. Portfolio Upload performance of Martha Upload research presentation and paper Upload performance video Graham movement sequence Enduring Dance satisfies a basic Dance is the integration of the Martha Graham is recognized as a The modern dance pioneers created a new Although modern dance is Understandi human need to move body with energy (dynamics) in primal artistic force of the 20th form and expression in movement as a continually expanding, ngs expressively and space and time. century. rebellion against the rigid conformity of changing and reflecting new communicate with the ballet. Their expression reflected the ideas, trends and theories in physical body in Knowledge of the inner workings As a choreographer, she was as natural impulses of the body, freedom of our world, it owes a great conjunction and of the body enables the dance prolific as she was complex. individual artists and an elevation of debt to the contributions of coordination with the student to make intelligent, Graham created 181 ballets and a dance as high creative art during the early the pioneers of modern world around you. thoughtful choices in conjunction dance technique that has been decades of the 20th century. This period dance. with the abilities and limitations compared to ballet in its scope and was characterized by creative innovation The study of modern of the human form. magnitude. in the arts, industry and science, Dance composition is dance technique turbulence in the world arena and World learning how to shape encompasses a full It is essential for a dancer to Her approach to dance and theater Wars I and II. movement ideas into range of physical, become aware of body/mind revolutionized the art form and her choreography. intellectual, spiritual, connections in order to apply innovative physical vocabulary has The entire dance community of emotional and corrections with ease, learn irrevocably influenced dance performers and educators owes a debt to Improvisation opens the mind psychological aspects efficiently and effectively in the worldwide. the contributions of the pioneers in the to original ideas which stem of student growth and dance class and develop field who bravely forged a path for new from an unconscious inner development. themselves into artists. Her legacy is perpetuated in expression, individual innovation, and impulse in the body. It creates performance by the Martha Graham creative exploration of movement. greater awareness of Dance students should The structure of a dance class is Dance Company and Graham 2, and body/mind connections and demonstrate physical purposely methodical beginning by the students of the Martha Advances in modern dance are deeply allows the dancers to use and intellectual with warm-up activities to begin Graham School. rooted in the techniques and theories intuition and imagination strength, flexibility, blood flow, short, small repetitive Martha Graham’s ballets were formulated by the pioneers of modern while moving spontaneously. coordination, and movements to engage the inspired by a wide variety of dance such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. agility. muscles, broader movements to sources, including modern painting, Denis, Ted Shawn, Martha Graham and Limitations or structure stretch the muscles and then larger the American frontier, religious Doris Humphrey. placed upon improvisational Successful dancers more complex movements when ceremonies of Native Americans, activities helps to guide should demonstrate the body is fully engaged. and Greek mythology. Many of her Popular culture and experiences influence improvisation in a particular full commitment, most important roles portray great our understanding and appreciation of direction, and lead appropriate etiquette, Self-reflection and personal women of history and mythology. artistic work. exploration toward a evaluation are essential for particular end. Without Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Music and Dance Education 2 8/10/2020 Modern I Course at a Glance 2020-2021 and positive attitudes dancers in order to set goals for structure, improvisations with respect for their future objectives. https://marthagraham.org/history/ A portfolio is a representation of a become ‘free dance’ and can teachers, classmates person’s growth and development over be spiritually uplifting, and and the working In order to achieve the highest Modern dancers must attain skills in time. physically rewarding but environment of a class, standards in dance, a student must moving into and out of the floor without direction. rehearsal studio or exhibit passion, persistence, with ease, grace, coordination and A portfolio showcases a person’s best theatre. strength of character, self- strength. work in a condensed format, and assists in confidence and self-discipline. personal reflection, evaluation and goal setting. Essential What will make us How does knowledge and Who is Martha Graham? How do the contributions of the modern How are the contributions of Questions successful this year? understanding of how the body dance pioneers impact us as dancers the founders of modern dance works, enable me to become my What was her effect on the modern today? reflected in modern dance What is modern personal best in dance? dance world? today? dance? How is the development of modern dance What are healthful practices and What are the identifying connected to culture, historical events, What is composition in Why is proper how do they influence my characteristics of Martha Graham’s and social mores? dance? etiquette for dance progress in dance? technique? class, rehearsal and How do the techniques of the modern How can improvisation help performance What does body/mind awareness dance pioneers inform your practice of me to become a better important? mean and how does it help me dance today? dancer? Choreographer? develop my dance skills? What Performer? Why is repetition does it mean to ‘focus’ in dance What makes a choreographer great? important in class? How do parameters and the developing dance How does personal preference, popular use of structure help or hinder technique? Why is it important to culture and prior experience determine creative choices? demonstrate dynamics in what you value as an audience member? movement? Why is compilation of a portfolio over How is a modern dancer’s use of time important? space different from dancers in other genres? What does the portfolio say about you? What does it mean to ‘connect’ to the floor? What makes a good dancer into a great dancer? How does structure in a dance class allow for establishing proper etiquette, healthful practice, strength building, skill building, flexibility training, body/mind connections and building performance competencies? Baltimore County Public Schools Office of