Dance Technique Extension 1

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Approximately 60 hours in total.

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

Dance Technique Extension is designed to complement Dance Technique 2 (Dance) and Dance 2 (Music Theatre) through additional classes, which provide diverse approaches to training and exposure to industry professionals. Students take three dance technique extension classes each week. Students choose between two classes in Contemporary Dance technique and one in Ballet OR two classes in Ballet and one in Contemporary Dance technique. Classes continue to focus on developing technical expertise and artistry.

This subject will enable students to:

• extend the understanding of Contemporary and Ballet technique and the objectives of technical training in these genres through: physical and kinetic understanding of technical exercises; correct alignment and transference of weight, coordination and use of rotation; strength, stamina and control when performing enchainment and movement phrases; expanded movement range, technical skills and versatility.
• apply alignment principles, technical accuracy and energy efficiency through: use of anatomical knowledge to facilitate full movement range of the individual body; increase in muscular efficiency through appropriate use of effort to reduce tension and overuse of muscle groups; capacity to dance with a balanced relationship between strength and flexibility; application of principles of alignment to achieve excellence.
• work within a range of Contemporary Dance styles and vocabularies through: facility in using the spine and the surrounding muscular structures in a versatile range of ways, and as a place of movement initiation; capacity to execute both simple and complex coordinations; capacity to work with and explore weight transference.
• work within the aesthetics of the Ballet technique through: performing all enchainment with co-ordination of head, arms and torso complementing the action of the legs and feet; demonstrating musicality and expression appropriate to the style of enchainment; demonstrating an analytical approach to ballet technique, to apply and retain corrections, self-assess and problem solve.
• dance with dynamic range, contrasting movement qualities, kinaesthetic awareness and engaging presence through: capacity to explore and commit to a broad dynamic range and movement quality; demonstration of musicality and phrasing; clear and engaging use of focus and projection; freedom of movement through efficient muscle use when performing enchainment or movement phrases.
• dance with spatial awareness and clarity through: awareness of others in the space and measuring distance; capacity to differentiate between movements of different dimensions and accurately execute floor patterns / choreographed pathways through space; ability to travel expansively through space.
• demonstrate a strong work ethic, maintaining self-discipline, concentration and application through: a focussed, intelligent and inquiring approach to learning; a constructive response to, and application of feedback and corrections; a capacity to challenge self and take risks within safe dance practice.

Attendance (10% of total subject mark)
A formula is applied to a students actual attendance which distributes marks from 10% down to below zero.
MARK FOR COURSE WORK (90% of total subject mark)

60% Ballet and 30% Contemporary Dance OR 30% Ballet and 60% Contemporary Dance

Progress 30%;Standard 30% and Work Ethic 30%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will have:
• the capacity for kinaesthetic awareness;
• the ability to move within aesthetic domains;
• the facility to perform contemporary dance and classical techniques;
• the application of theory to practice;
• the capacity to synthesise conceptual ideas and evaluate information;
• capacities of imagination, transformation and interpretation;
• the ability to perform at optimal level.