module specification

This module continues to focus on the acquisition of dance styles and technique through practical classes focusing on body awareness. Movement vocabulary and the use of terminology will be used in Urban Dance Forms alongside an awareness of the different forms of contemporary techniques to enhance practical performance. Students will view the work of professional artists to increase their understanding of the two genres.

Contemporary and Urban Dance Forms 1 or APL.

This module aims for the student to:
• Gain a greater understanding of the terminology of Urban dance forms and extend movement vocabulary.
• Develop movement vocabulary and deepen knowledge of Contemporary forms.
• Understand the stylistic requirements of Urban and different Contemporary forms such as musicality, the use of weight, grounding, and dynamic articulation of movement.
• Develop reflective practice using a range of strategies including peer assessment and technology.

Study throughout this module will be characterised by practical technique classes and tutor feedback in order to develop individual body awareness and an understanding of strengths and weaknesses.
All classes will continue the practice developed in Contemporary and Urban Dance Forms 1 and be underpinned by a study of anatomical principles and the presence of Pilates/body conditioning to enhance knowledge of alignment. The viewing of live and recorded work and guest workshops will enhance knowledge of urban and contemporary dance forms. Through practical classes students will perform tutor led technical studies in each genre and be expected to understand the relevant terminology. Work will be supported by a video journal and evaluative tasks that analyse progress.

Practical classes will develop the students’ technical and expressive skills and will focus on the development of movement vocabulary and terminology. Classwork and technical studies will be taught and practised by students. Awareness of individual strengths and weaknesses will be developed through the completion of the video journal. Continuous assessment and feedback from tutors and the one to one tutorial in week 7 will provide opportunities for students and tutors to review progress and set targets for further development.

On completion of this module students will demonstrate the ability to:
• Through regular attendance at classes in Urban dance forms demonstrate an increased knowledge of terminology and movement vocabulary.
• Consolidate knowledge of anatomy and alignment in the development of own body awareness and the development of movement vocabulary.
• Through practical classes and the observation of live and recorded work understand the dynamic requirements of different dance styles.
• Analyse and evaluate own work and the work of others using weekly video recordings and observation notes.

1 - Presentation of practical work demonstrating further development of skills from Semester 1. Students will be assessed on the articulation of the feet, strength and stamina, musicality, spatial orientation - directions and pathways, elevation, gravity, suspension and fall. Week 13 60%

2 - Coursework - completion of video journal and oral evaluation. Students video themselves weekly, executing a technical study in rehearsal. Using this video they identify areas of strength and weakness in relation to the assessment criteria focusing on strength and stamina, musicality, spatial orientation - directions and pathways, elevation, gravity, suspension and fall.  This information is articulated through an oral evaluation with tutors. Week 13 40%

Essential

Buckroyd, Julia (2000) The Student Dancer. Alton: Dance Books.

Blakley, Paul. (1992) The Muscle Book, London: Bibliotek.

D.J Hooch( 2011) B-Boy Championships,(From the Bronx To Brixton)London:Virgin Books, Ebury Publishing.

Franklin, Eric (1996) Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.

Taylor, Jim & Taylor, Ceci (1995) Psychology of Dance, Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.