1. Demonstrate the essential knowledge and techniques required when developing a dance role to fit an intended audience.
Learning

2. Evaluate and interpret styles and approaches within the dance genre to inform your practice.
Analysis

3. Develop dance pieces that communicate story, style, cultural context, technique to an audience Communication

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 personal responsibility.
Reflection

Performance [80%]
No more than 0.5 hours in total for all performance routines and no more than 0.5 for warm up routine.

Present:
(a) An effective warm up suitable to the needs of the industry and injury prevention.

(b) two negotiated contrasting dance roles to an audience; a dance role cast as part of an ensemble that demonstrates storytelling and communication of narrative

(c) a dance role cast as part of an ensemble cultural dance that demonstrates technique and appropriate stylistic qualities along with atmosphere and feeling.

Professional practice, including attendance and punctuality, meaningful contribution to rehearsal and development and openness of approach will form part of the assessment criteria for the performance.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]


Reflective Assignment [20%]

Your performance work must be supported by evidence of a critical and reflective evaluation, and its relation to your practical development of skills and techniques.
[Learning Outcomes 2, 4, 5]

This highly practical module will run for the first semester and the purpose is to develop your performance skills in that you can prepare for the multiple approaches and contexts for dance as a professional. An understanding of performance techniques will be essential as a professional working within the dance industry and being able to communicate meaning, intention, feeling, atmosphere, themes, ideas and generate performance material for interpretation are essential skills that you will explore and develop.

As part of this journey, 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 accompanies the training you will be developing in the module ‘Dance Styles and Technique’, focussing on the development of your skills and ability whilst putting this into performance contexts.

You will learn how to apply correct alignment whilst demonstrating control, flexibility, strength and musicality and to perform with energy and confidence.

Professional etiquette will be an important aspect and you will be expected to approach practical classes in a manner representative of industry practice. This will include attending all rehearsals, being on time and warmed up and always being prepared with appropriate rehearsal dress code. 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.

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 two dance pieces reflecting your learning throughout the module. These will be ensemble 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 the work of others as a vehicle to demonstrate and discuss the methods available to you as a developing dancer. Practical activities will enable you to experiment in the application of theory, and teach you how 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
¿ Dance Classes
¿ Workshops
¿ 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.
¿ Peer formative assessment and reflection

Ashley, L (2008) Essential Guide to Dance: Hodder Education

Autard Smith, J. (2010) Dance Composition: A Practical Guide to Creative Success in Dance Making: Methuen Drama

Bales M., & Eliot K. (2013) Dance On Its Own Terms: Histories and Methodologies: OUP USA

Bremser, M. (2011) Fifty Contemporary Choreographers: Routledge

Carter, A. (2010) The Routledge Dance Studies Reader: Routledge

Craine D., & Mackrell J. (2010) The Oxford Dictionary Of Dance: OUP Oxford

Howes, J (2009) Anatomy, Dance Technique and Injury Prevention: Methuen Drama

King. A (2019) The Dancer’s Study Guide: A Dance Guidebook of Dance History, health and fitness, performance lessons, tips and advice:Faria Publishing

Legg. J (2011) Introduction to Modern Dance Technique: Princetown Book Company

Quinn, E. (2015) Safe Dance Practice: Human Kinetics

Strauss, R. (2014) The Dance Experience: Insights into History, Culture and Creativity: Princetown Book Company

Rehearsal studio
Theatre
IPads
Ancillary costume, prop and set equipment
Internet and IT Access
Music playback