Dance Studies 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

240 hours per year. Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 36 hours of self-directed, individual practice.

None

Dance is delivered in this three-year course with a clear focus on specific Music Theatre repertoire. The curriculum aims to develop kinaesthetically intelligent Music Theatre performers whose understanding of dance is clearly connected to the dramatic aims of plot develoment and character insight. Particular focus will be on the development of a sound technical basis, providing safety for the dancer whilst supporting the requirements of differing choreographic genres to achieve dramatic aims. A core curriculum of jazz, tap and ballet will be taught – but will move beyond these areas as necessary - with the emphasis being on the understanding of individual physical mastery as a pre-requisite for partner and ensemble interaction. Students will gain improved posture through dance and movement techniques, benefiting also from improved health and well-being.

Dance in this course also includes the classes in Awareness through Movement. This topic aims to develop freedom and expressiveness in the physical instrument of the actor through a program that may include introductory classes in Yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique and Pilates. Classes will be structured to provide models for daily practice to facilitate autonomous learning and continual progress. It will support the core learning in singing, acting and dance through increased flexibility, kinaesthetic awareness, core strength, efficiency of movement and physical ease and openness.

Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand the fundamental components of stage movement - space, time, weight/dynamics, energy, momentum and physical awareness specifically related to jazz, tap, ballet and music theatre choreography;
• appreciate different choreographic techniques and styles and demonstrate a developing understanding of the practice and artistic application in Music Theatre;
• understand the fundamentals of dance-based anatomy, injury prevention and rehabilitation and nutrition;
• display a fundamental comprehension of both theory and technique in classical, jazz and tap dance;
• display an emerging understanding of the relationship betwen 'the actor' and 'the dancer' as a foundation for holistic Music Theatre dance;
• convey an innate comprehension of the adaptability of the physical form as unlimited beyond the skeletal frame;
• understand the appropriate application of improvisation as opposed to precise choreographic representation;
• exhibit improved levels of flexibility, kinaesthetic awareness, core strength and physical freedom;
• understand the benefits of a freer, more flexible and open body for their work as singer/actor/dancers;
• devise and maintain an autonomous program of daily practice to increase flexibility, core strength and ease of movement.

Continuous: Preparation and participation in classes, demonstrating continuous application to given tasks (70% total - 30% jazz, 20% tap, 10% ballet, 10% Awareness through Movement)

Formal: Performance of two set tasks in jazz and tap, one at the end of each semester, and the submission of a review of a live dance performance to be submitted at the end of Semester 1 (approx 1,000 words) (30%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the subjectc Theatre students should be able to:

• demonstrate an appropriate level of skill in the three major skill areas of singing, acting and dance, both individually and in combination;
• recognise their uniqueness as a performer and maintain that integrity whilst developing diversity;
• practise their craft with autonomy, confidence, self-awareness and self-motivation;
• synthesise the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to the various requirements of genre and style in diverse range of Music Theatre practice.