module specification

The focus of this module is on the analysis of choreographic repertoire through practice and theory. Through the study of selected professional works, students will build on their understanding of technical training in both Urban Dance and Contemporary forms.

None

• This module aims for the student to:
• Develop a practical and theoretical understanding of the movement vocabulary and technical style of selected professional companies/ choreographers.
• Develop technical skills learnt in both Contemporary and Urban forms through self and guided discovery, improvisation and experimentation.
• Through the deconstruction of the work of a selected choreographer (historical/ current) students will develop analytical and critical faculties which can be applied to a broad range of dance work.

Technique classes will support the performance of selected material
as students continue to work on areas such as alignment, strength, flexibility and stamina. Through practical classes, the observation of professional artists, live/recorded work and guest workshops, students will perform pieces of work created through experimentation and interpretation of selected work.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the genre of work and the development of particular working processes.   Seminars will support the practical work and facilitate reflective documentation detailing research on artists, the process and final product to be produced as a seminar presentation.
Examples of artists include: Hofesh Shechter, Jasmin Vardimon, Jonzi D and artists contributing to the Breakin Convention Festival.

Studio based activities will support the development of the underpinning principles of Contemporary and Urban forms, thereby increasing the individuals understanding of their body and style of these distinct genres. Research based tasks will develop the students wider knowledge of Contemporary and Urban repertoire and choreographers. The use of the on line Moodle facility will be key to viewing clips of their own and professional work. The module is supported by research conducted in the module Choreographic Fusion, as students explore the work of professional choreographers as related to their own practice.

On completion of this module students will demonstrate the ability to:
• Perform pieces of work inspired by professional repertoire, demonstrating  technical training, whilst encompassing stylistic features of the work.   
• Apply principles of technical training in both Contemporary and Urban dance forms to the performance and execution of material
•  Analyse the working methods and concepts behind the work of selected 
choreographers

1. Oral presentation where students will provide evidence that they understand the methodologies and key characteristics of the style of work being studied in the module. Week 7 20%
2. Presentation of Practical work such as a solo and group piece from each genre, demonstrating further development of techniques and skills acquired in
Year 1. Students will be assessed on the use of energy, rhythm and
dynamic phrasing, artistic interpretation, complex co-ordination. Solo,
and group work, Week 14 80%

Essential

Bremser M. (1999) Fifty Contemporary Choreographers, London: Routledge.

Cooper, M. Kramer, N. Rokafella (2005) We B*Girls, New York: PowerHouse Books

Rabaka, R. (2013) The Hip Hop Movement: From R&B and the Civil Rights Movement to Rap and the Hip Hop Generation Lexington Books

Stalling Huntington,C.( 2007) Hip Hop Dance, Meanings and Messages, North Carolina and London: McFarland and Co Inc

    Journal
    Dance Europe bi-monthly