THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
Department of Theatre and Dance
COURSE: Theatre 3440 Modern Dance III/II
CREDIT HOURS: 1 CONTACT HOURS: 3
TUES/THURS 9:30 - 10:50 Fine Arts Dance Studio
INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Stalder, 212 Fine Arts, 766-5138 or 766-2198 for messages
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 11:15 - 12:00, Thursday 2:00- 2:50 P.M.
Appointments please
REQUIRED TEXT: Dell, Cecily A HANDBOOK FOR MOVEMENT DESCRIPTION
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An comprehensive course in the principles and techniques of Modern Dance. Continuation and expansion of concepts presented in Modern I/I, I/II and III/I. Advanced rhythmic analysis, Effort/Shape theory, compositional forms and improvisation will be presented. Successful completion of Modern Dance III/I or its equivalent required before taking this course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To investigate further the principles and techniques in Modern Dance. Specifically, intermediate level movement forms, rhythmic analysis and compositional theory in preparation for Advanced technique class.
2. To refine the ability to perform detailed movement patterns, to understand and evaluate qualities of movement, musical analysis, spatial relationships and design, and musical analysis as they relate to Modern Dance at an intermediate level.
3. To develop muscular coordination, agility and kinesthetic sense at an intermediate level of difficulty. To prepare the student for Advanced Modern Dance.
4. To introduce the student to Laban's Effort/Shape theory and Notation.
5. To enhance self awareness and creativity by exploring further improvisation and the compositional process.
Grading:
Technique = 55%
2 Analysis papers = 10%
2 Compositions = 20%
Written project = 15%
Grading Scale:
92 - 100% = A
84 - 91% = B
76 - 83% = C
68 - 75% = D
Below 67 % = F
EVALUATION
1. TECHNICAL
A. 1. Mid-term technical demonstration based on curriculum.
Date: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
2. Final technical demonstration based on curriculum.
Date: THURSDAY, MAY 2ND
** THEATRE AND DANCE MAJORS WILL PERFORM FINAL DEMO MATERIAL FOR END OF YEAR EVALUATION ON THURSDAY, MAY 3RD, 6:30 P.M.
2. COMPOSITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A. 1 composition (64 - 128 measures) based on Compositional forms, to be presented at mid-term.
DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH
B. 1 composition (128 measures) based on Effort/Shape theory, to be presented during final exams.
DATE: DURING REGULAR FINAL EXAM PERIOD
**** GUITAR ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY APRIL 13, 3:00 P.M. CONCERT HALL
3. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A. Written summary of Compositional Forms
Date Due : THURSDAY FEBRUARY 29
B. Worksheet on Musical terms, Effort/Shape and Notation.
Date: TUESDAY, APRIL 16
C. Written project utilizing Effort/Shape and Notation.
DATE DUE: FINAL EXAM PERIOD
D. Summary notes on effort/shape and compositional form studies.
To be handed in with performance of studies, (2/29 and final period).
4. ATTENDANCE
Attendance in your daily technique class is most important in mastering the skills of dance technique. Absence from two classes is permitted without penalty. Classes missed beyond this point will result in a 3% reduction in your final grade per class missed. If you are enrolled for S/U, 70% must be earned in order to pass the class. Classes may be made up in a manner agreeable to the instructor. All 'make-up' classes are the responsibility of the student and must be taken care of within two weeks of the missed class. If you are signed for the class as an audit, a firm commitment will be required as to when you will be present. The instructor reserves the right to remove auditing privileges should this attendance obligation not be met by the studenT.
ANYONE MORE THAN 5 MINUTES LATE FOR CLASS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE BUT MAY OBSERVE CLASS. THE SECOND TIME WILL BE COUNTED AS AN ABSENCE.
CLASS ORGANIZATION
Classes will adhere to the following format:
1. Warm-up (floor, Pilates and standing)
2. Axial and Locomotor Movements
3. Musical analysis: compositional forms
4. Introduction to Movement Description and analysis.
5. Expanded work in improvisation and composition.
6. Development of movement sequences for evaluation.
CLASS CONTENT
1. Floor - Graham floor work, stretching
2. PILATES exercises for strength and flexibility.
(level 4)
3. Review, expansion and incorporation of material from levels I/I, I/II, and III/I.
4. Incorporation of Graham and Humphrey movement styles
5. Musical Analysis/Compositional Forms
A. Two-part (AB)
B. Three part (ABC)
C. Rondo (ABACA)
D. Theme and Variation
6. Movement Description:
A. Laban's Effort theory: Flow, Weight, Time and Space
B. Effort Elements in Combination
C. Laban's Shape Theory
1. Shape Flow
2. Directionality
3. Shaping
D. Effort/shape
1. Interrelationships among qualities
E. Laban Notation - Elementary level
7. Improvisation
A. Solo improvisational studies
B. Group improvisational studies
1. Theme/Quality/Problem Solving
2. Ad-hoc (props, verse)
3. Contact improvisation