CHOREOGRAPHIC STUDIES
You have 13 Choreographic Studies assignments over the first half of the semester. Links to details for each study can be found under the tab Choreo Studies.
A choreographic study is “an exercise in the craft of choreography. No matter how short, the study should stand by itself; it should have a beginning, middle and end; and be about something. It should be set clearly (so that it is repeatable) and ready for discussion.”
– Lynn A. Blum, L. Tarin Chaplin, The Intimate Act of Choreography.
Most of your studies will probably be around 1-2 minutes in length.
“Turning In” your Choreographic Studies:
- Perform in class on assigned date
- Post a video (could be recorded when you show in class) on the Assignments page for that study. Go to the tab “CHOREO STUDIES”. There is a drop down menu for each study. Post your video. Identify by your name, name of the study, and include a 1-5 sentence reflection on your process, ideas, etc. If you miss the class date for showing, go ahead and submit the video. We will not be able to live view studies except on the date as listed in syllabus. If you need help figuring out how to add your video to the page, contact [pelzelmo]
You will learn best if you complete all 13, however – Life Happens. The completion of 12 studies is acceptable. Always make an attempt (it is in the trying that the learning takes place). We are going for PROCESS not “PERFECTION”.
WORKING WITH THE ELEMENTS OF DANCE WEBSITE information here
RESEARCH CIRCLE PROJECTS information here
READINGS & VIEWINGS links are in the calendar. You are expected to take notes, and keep those notes in your journal for reference in class discussions. If the assignment is to visit a website, you are expected to thoroughly explore the website – read, look at video clips, explore all tabs, etc.
NETFLIX “MOVE” SERIES We will be watching all five episodes of this Netflix series. If you do not have access to Netflix, let me know. We can work something out. For each viewing keep notes in your journal: What is the influence of place (where they are living or from), family, tradition, expectations of being an artist on this artist(s)? Based on what we are learning about choreography – elements of dance, choreographic devices and choreographic structures – what are you noticing?
“A CHOREOGRAPHER’S HANDBOOK” BY JONATHAN BURROWS We will work our way through this book during the course. You are expected to keep up with and reference all readings. Available as an e-book through the library or purchase.
YOUR JOURNAL. Bring your journal to ALL classes. Use it as a place to take notes during class, while doing readings and viewings, while developing choreography. Make it your best friend.
ATTENDING MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS and turning in a written reflection. You are required to attend two mainstage productions. “Rabbit Hole” March 11-12. Write a reflection about how movement served as a physical design element for the production. Submit by email no later than one week after you see the production. “Dance Ensemble” Apr 28-May 1. Write a reflection about choreographic elements, structures and devices that you were able to observe and how they were used for effect. Submit by email no later than one week after you see the production.
FINAL PROJECT. Your final project is a choreographed dance, no longer than 7 minutes in length. You are expected to show four drafts before our final showing. Dates are listed in the calendar. If you miss showing a draft in class, we will reschedule so that you can get four feedback sessions on your work. Additional information will be shared after spring break.