Dance Elective 1

60 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The dance elective is designed to enhance students’ development as versatile dance artists. Students will maximise their movement potential through deeper, more intensive practice in a selected area OR broaden their skill acquisition and increase their skills in a complementary area. Students choose ONE of the following modules:

BODY MOBILISING/BALANCING utilises techniques and approaches from various somatic practices e.g., Yoga, Feldenkrais, Conditioning programs etc., to assist the Dance student to improve individual body range of movement, flexibility, strength and tone. Easeful movement is facilitated through emphasis on correcting muscular imbalances throughout the body.

VOICE is a physical activity, and as such, complements training in dance by allowing the individual to discover interdependence of voice and body. The focus of the work lies in addressing idiosyncratic habits which may inhibit the dancer who wishes to use their voice generally and specifically, in performance. The subject will include a selection from the following: physical awareness of breath in the body, muscularity, resonance, and rhythm through the kinaesthetic awareness of voice in the moment of speaking. Students will be expected to draw upon their experiences of integrated MindBody practices to facilitate the interdependence of voice and body.

BODY MOBILISING/BALANCING

• identify muscle imbalances and improve muscle function to promote more easeful movement;
• improve and retrain neuro-muscular patterning and coordination and work towards freedom from habituated restrictions and greater connectedness;
• maximise mechanical balance of the skeletal structure and improve whole body integration;
• improve lumbo-pelvic stability and mobility; develop the ability to make informed choices about appropriate exercises in training and rehabilitation.

VOICE

• identify idiosyncratic, habituated vocal patterns and work towards freedom from these restrictions;
• develop and strengthen spinal support in order to free the breathing process;
• connect breath and movement and sound;
• centre the natural voice by creating a physical awareness of sound; work with focus, energy and responsibility in class.

Attendance 10% A formula is applied to a student’s actual attendance which distributes marks from 10% down to below zero.

Mark for Course Work 90% comprised of Progress 30%; Standard 30% and Work Ethic 30%

Franklin, E., Dynamic alignment through imagery, 1996, Champaign, IL

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be have:

• the capacity for kinaesthetic awareness;
• the ability to interpret and analyse;
• the ability to apply theory to practice;
• the capacity to synthesise data and evaluate information;
• the capacity for imaginative, transformative and interpretive activity;
• the capacity to work with unconditional positive regard for self and others;
• the capacity to utilise an internal evaluative mechanism;
• the capacity to give and receive informed feedback;
• the capacity to develop a work methodology;
• the capacity to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team member whilst respecting individual difference; the capacity to engage in productive self directed learning and research.