Dance Technique 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

144 Hours

None

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirments for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Dance Techniques 1 establishes the basis for fundamentally aware and intelligent dance artists. Four classes a week in both Ballet and Contemporary provide the foundation for students to become technically strong dancers and to explore the artistry of dance technique. Classes will focus on developing technical expertise with an emphasis on coordination, momentum, economy of action, precision of mechanics, anatomical function and alignment, utilising visualisation whilst also valuing the individual’s inbuilt knowledge of the body to move. This subject aims to integrate the conceptual language and practices of the subject, Integrated Body Mind Practices, through coaching and application in technique classes.

This subject will enable students to:

• demonstrate the fundamentals of Contemporary and Ballet technique and understand the objectives of technical training in these genres;
• demonstrate a rudimentary physical understanding of the principles of functioning alignment, technical accuracy and energy efficiency;
• develop an ability to work within a range of Contemporary Dance styles and vocabularies;
• demonstrate an analytical approach to ballet technique through: displaying ability to apply and retain corrections, self-assess and problem solve.
• demonstrate an awareness of how to execute movement phrases and enchainment with differentiated and contrasting movement qualities, kinaesthetic awareness and engaging presence;
• capacity to dance with spacial clarity;
• develop a clear work ethic, maintaining self-discipline, concentration and application through: demonstrating a focussed, intelligent and inquiring approach to learning.

• Students attend a mid semester interview with 2 staff to review progress across all subjects including Dance Technique 1. Formal written feedback from Progress Assessment is discussed.
• 2 Progress Assessments in Contemporary Dance and Ballet. Formal written feedback is provided by 2 assessors in both Contemporary Dance and Ballet. The result provides an indication of overall course work mark for Dance Technique 1 and progress towards Formal Practical Exams 2 in Contemporary Dance and Ballet. Students at risk are notified at interview and in writing. - Mid Semester (10%)
• COURSEWORK - Active, physical and on-going engagement in practical classes in Contemporary Dance and Ballet, (including regular individual feedback) against the following criteria: Attendance (100% punctual and full attendance is expected. A formula is applied to a student's actual attendance which distributes marks from 5% to 0%, where zero represents less than 60% attendance) (5%), Progress (15%), Standard (15%), Work Ethic (15) - TOTAL: (50%)
• Formal Practical Examination in Ballet (1.5 hours) in class group. - End of Semester (20%)
• Formal Practical Examination in Contemporary Dance (1.5 hours) in class group. - End of Semester (20%)
• 100% weekly punctual and full attendance is expected (80% attendance Hurdle Requirement)

Conditioning with Imagery for Dancers. 2010 Donna Krasnow and Jordana Deveau.

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 dance contemporary 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.