Course Descriptions
MODERN TECHNIQUE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides technical training in Modern Dance technique and introduces students to a more extensive understanding of Modern Dance movement vocabulary. The course will focus on body connectivity, dynamic effort qualities, exploration of varying degrees of flow and an investigation of the many approaches towards space. Students will be challenged with different approaches to their movement style and asked to find complexity and application within their own practice and technical facility.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will:
• Challenge the body and mind with new movement vocabulary, involving personal risk taking
• Find a multi-faceted core center and explore movement and approaches that will strengthen the
core and assist in more dynamic and three-dimensional movement
• Find a sense of breath to aid in their movement and assist with flow
• A deeper understanding of one’s body in relation to space and impetuses for movement
• Make individual artistic decisions throughout phrases in class that help the student grow into a
thinking dancer and performer
• Foster a sense of community and belonging within the classroom
• Find a relation of Modern dance technique to their individual Ballet practice
• Set personal goals and check in throughout the semester to see if those goals have been met or if
they are changing/evolving
• Develop artistry, individuality and a sense of community
COLLISION THEORY: THE ESSENCE OF COLLABORATION
This course was selected by the University of Utah Graduate School to be designed and taught in Spring 2019
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Collision Theory: The Essence of Collaboration is designed to give students within the College of Fine Arts the opportunity to delve into the theory, science, and behaviors of successful collaborative approaches. The course includes investigations of critical and theoretical writings regarding the psychological theories of consensus-making, empathy, accountability, power, control, teamwork, individual creativity vs. collaborative creativity, leadership, morale and effective communication.
Collaboration can be an exciting and empowering experience, but artists may also find themselves in situations that include communication and power dynamics for which they are unprepared. At best, this can keep a project from continuing or reaching its full potential. At worst, failed collaborations can be traumatic, leaving behind broken professional relationships and damaged reputations. A theoretical, case study-based approach can support a fuller understanding of collaboration’s challenges and pitfalls and support a more mindful approach to working with other individuals.
MOVEMENT FUNDAMENTALS (LABAN/BARTENIEFF FUNDAMENTALS)
Taught to undergraduate Modern Dance students at the University of Utah
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Movement Fundamentals is a course that investigates the functional and expressive aspects of human movement. The course uses the principles of Bartenieff Fundamentals and Laban Movement Analysis. By developing body awareness, imagery techniques, and exploring developmental human movement patterns, the student will discover a sense of connection in the body that facilitates moving with ease and efficiency. By understanding categories of movement, ways of looking at movement, and how to write about movement, the student will develop an expanded capacity for critical inquiry. Studying with a professor certified in LMA/BF, students will experience movement exercises and theoretical practices that connect directly to the lineage of Rudolf Laban and Irmgard Bartneieff.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
-Name, show, and discuss Bartenieff Fundamentals' Patterns of Total Body Connectivity and Basic Six Exercises
-Name, show, and discuss the four pillars of Laban Movement Analysis
-Increase capacity to move functionally and expressively
-Create personal movement sequences to serve the needs of the individual
-Observe and write about movement through the lens of the Laban system
COMPOSITION
Taught for both dance majors and non-majors
KINESIOLOGY
Taught for dance majors at the University of Utah
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to give students a better understanding of the specificity of skeletal structures, muscles, actions, alignment, and proclivities while encouraging an acknowledgment of the complexities of each distinct body. This course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply the information across the curriculum and across life experiences, allowing for a more informed physical practice and more informed understanding of their own bodies. The material will give students the opportunity to understand and speak about their bodies with more clarity, approach the use of their bodies in a more efficient way, reduce injury, and elongate performance careers.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
-By the end of this course, students will be able to thoroughly identify specific skeletal structures and muscles and their actions.
-Students will have an understanding of misalignments, muscular imbalances, and injury prevention.
-Students will gain the ability to analyze and apply specific conditioning sequences to fit their own anatomical characteristics.
-Students will develop an exercise program specific to their individual needs
-Students will gain a thorough understanding that applies to injury prevention, application to their physical practice, and prolonging their performance careers.