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Course Syllabus

DANC 2340 Choreography

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Dance
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 3
  • Prerequisites: DANC 1330 (Dance Improvisation) or Instructor Permission
  • Corequisites: None
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2022
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2028
  • End Semester: Summer 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 15

Course Description

This course introduces students to principles and practices of creating dance choreography as a form of human expression. Students will generate new choreographic material using improvisation; manipulation of movement; creation and performance of short movement studies; study of other choreographic voices, as well as observation, critical analysis, and self-reflection culminating in a self-produced showing of student works.

Justification

Anyone can make up a dance but to be skilled at creating new, innovative movement and composing it into a cohesive whole requires rigorous study of choreography as a research-based practice. Improvisation and the exploration of new material gives students a new palate of movement choices freeing them from old habits and allowing them to find their own choreographic voice and to become true collaborators of the creative process.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon completion of this course students will be able to create dance compositions that transcend a mere repetition of classroom phrases while reflecting their own individual voice as choreographers. They will know how to use works of other artists, dancers, painters, sculptors, architects, poets, writers and musicians to find inspiration.
  2. Upon completion of the course students will be able to analyze the elements of time, space and energy and be able to explain their influence in dance composition.
  3. Upon completion of the course students will be able to create their own dance performance open to public viewing.
  4. Upon completion of the course students will be able to critically evaluate works of other choreographers through attendance and review of Snow College Dance Concert,

Course Content

This course consists of movement improvisations, choreographic assignments, classroom discussions, and studies of other artistic voices. It culminates in a student produced performance open to public viewing and evaluation. While students are exposed to a wide range of creative techniques including manipulation of space, time, flow and weight, they are also encouraged to find their own individual voices that result in a creation of dance works ranging from ballet, jazz, contemporary to tap, folk and social dance.