Assessment: Performance Portfolio (100%)
Rehearse and perform in two negotiated contrasting dance roles as follows:
(a) a solo or duet dance piece of 2-3 minutes, to be performed in a workshop setting
(b) a dance role cast as part of a full theatre production.
Your performance work must be supported by evidence of critical evaluation, and practical development of skills and techniques as a consequence of your own reflective practise and constructive feedback from others
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Formative assessment
Observation of dance styles and approaches demonstrated through participation in dance classes, workshops and rehearsals
Practical response to reflective practice and feedback

This highly practical module will run for the full duration of your Level 4 studies and, underpinned by theory, it will inform your practice in other modules. Its purpose is to teach you how to think and behave as a smart and healthy dancer.

An understanding of how the human body functions will be essential if you are to recognise and exploit the way in which muscles and bones work together to enable the body to move during dance, therefore this module will explore the subjects of anatomy and physiology. Not only this, but a knowledge of healthy nutrition and body awareness will help you to take care of yourself and protect that which will be so valuable to your future career. You will explore how techniques such as warming-up can prepare the body for the tasks set whilst reducing the risk of injury, and similarly how cooling-down can support relaxation and reduce muscle soreness. You will also learn how to exercise and train in order that your body can remain in top physical condition, prepared for the demands of a professional dance performance role within the industry.

Additionally, this module focusses on training in a variety of dance forms and techniques, focussing on the development of your skills and ability in ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary dance through a structured programme of dance classes. You will learn how to demonstrate a sense of alignment, control, flexibility, strength and musicality and to perform with energy and confidence. This will provide a strong foundation on which to build with the addition of other styles as the course progresses and will begin to prepare you as a versatile dancer with well-rounded experience.

Professional etiquette will be an important aspect and you will be expected to approach practical classes in a manner representative of industry practice. You will be introduced to a wide range of subject terminology and movement vocabulary recognised within the industry and will develop the ability to utilise and respond to such language. Your training will be informed by exposure to the work of influential practitioners, including Agnes de Mille, Bob Fosse, Erick Hawkins, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham. You will be expected to undertake a range of primary and secondary research to inform your practical work.

The module will culminate in the presentation of a series of dance pieces reflecting your learning throughout the module. These may be solo, duet or ensemble as appropriate to the associated styles and techniques and will be performed to an audience.

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a mix of theory and practice. Lectures and workshops will be fundamental to the exploration of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and health and safety in dance practice. Research, both in-class and independent, will allow you to investigate the work of others, and this will be followed by group discussion and experimentation as a vehicle to consider and demonstrate the methods available to you as a developing dancer. Practical dance classes will enable you to experiment in the application of theory, and teach you how to move effectively and in sequence, and to compare and contrast styles and approaches. Your learning will be supported by frequent formative feedback from tutors and peers, as well as your own reflective practice. Activities throughout the module will typically include:
• Theory lectures
• Screenings of performances
• Group discussion
• Independent research, including primary and secondary sources
• Skills development workshops and problem solving exercises
• Practical participation in rehearsals and performance of the selected dances.
• Group critique

Bremser, M. (2011) Fifty Contemporary Choreographers: Routledge*
Celichowska, R & Hawkins, Erick (2000) The Erick Hawkins Modern Dance Technique: Princeton Book Company
Emmet Long, R. (2001) Broadway, the Golden Years: Jerome Robbins and the Great Choreographer-Directors, 1940 to the Present: Continuum-3PL
Franklin, E. (2004) Conditioning for Dance: Human Kinetics*
Freedom, R. (1998) Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life: Houghton Mifflin
Gardner, K.A. (2016) Agnes de Mille: Telling Stories in Broadway Dance (Broadway Legacies): Oxford University Press USA
Grubb, K.B. (1989) Razzle Dazzle: The Life and Work of Bob Fosse: St Martins Press

*Core Text on Foundation Degree Dance Performance and Industry – Newcastle-under-Lyme College

WEBSITES AND ONLINE JOURNAL
International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (including Journal of Dance Medicine and Science (JDMS): available at www.iadms.org
Dance Education in Practice: available at www.tandfonline.com
DANCE – Arts Journal: available at www.artsjournal.com
Dance Research Journal: available at www.cambridge.org

PERIODICALS
Dance Magazine
Dancing Times

Rehearsal studio
Theatre
IPads
Ancillary costume, prop and set equipment
Internet and IT Access
Various Licensed stage scripts
VLE

1. DEMONSTRATE THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES REQUIRED WHEN DEVELOPING A DANCE ROLE TO FIT AN INTENDED STYLE (Learning)

2. EVALUATE AND INTERPRET STYLES AND APPROACHES WITHIN THE DANCE GENRE TO INFORM YOUR PRACTICE (Analysis)

3. UNDERTAKE TRAINING AND DEVELOP NEW DANCE SKILLS WITHIN A STRUCTURED AND MANAGED ENVIRONMENT (Application)

4. EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES IN ORDER TO WORK HEALTHILY AND SAFELY WHILST ACHIEVING DIFFERENT STYLISTIC INTENTIONS (Problem Solving)

5. DEMONSTRATE QUALITIES AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR FURTHER DANCE TRAINING REQUIRING THE EXERCISE OF SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (Reflection)