Creating Dance

REVISED

Fall 2012 quarter

Faculty

Robert Esposito dance, kinesiology

Fields of Study

aesthetics, art history, dance, linguistics, somatic studies, theater and visual arts

Preparatory for studies or careers in

dance and theatre.

Description

This focused, one-quarter, movement-based program, involves progressive study in modern dance composition, theory, and technique. Prior dance experience at the beginner/intermediate level is advised.

Activities will include regular classes in Laban-based Nikolais/Louis dance technique, theory, improvisation, composition, and seminar. Students will engage in vigorous physical activity based in basic anatomy and dance kinesiology, using a Pilates-based floor barre. Mind-body (somatic) work will be based on Feldenkrais’ “Awareness Through Movement” and theories of Gestalt psychology. Regular work in dance improvisation and composition will emphasize the personal and group dynamics of power-freedom-belonging-fun. Students will learn basic craft principles of composition: the formal design of space, time, shape and motion, drawing content from their own life experience and past interdisciplinary study to create original dance theatre work. Compositions will be performed weekly in performance forums that include faculty and student-centered critique and analysis.

Theory, texts, and seminar will review the history, development, and methodology of dance and movement as somatic therapy, draw distinctions between art and psychology; and explore the creative process in therapy and the therapeutic efficacy of dance and other art forms. Seminar will draw on texts in psychology, art history, linguistics, poetics, and neurophysiology to develop skills in critical analysis and discourse, as well as situating texts, art and performance in their historical and sociocultural contexts. Writing will balance creative and analytical forms and research styles. The program culminates with a Week 10 showing of selected student work.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$50 for museum and theatre fees, DVD production costs

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions