Introductions / Elements of Dance: Study of Place

 

Unit: Elements of Dance

Theme: Place

 

I

 

Introduction

 Creating a safe environment in the studio is essential for students to feel free to experience dance.  An important first step for students to feel safe to dance and take risks is knowing each other's names. On the other hand, the elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary used to help students develop the necessary movement skills to create their own dances.  In addition, the elements of dance allow students to experience modern dance as a sustainable artistic practice that can last a life time.



II


Learning Objectives

 

  • Know  each other's names
  • Understand the element of dance, place
  • Experience place as an element for the dancer to share or claim space
  • Reflect on the experience


III


Main Lesson


1


ACTIVITY


a) Introduce yourself to the group by saying your name, where you come from, your major, if you have any physical training [dance, martial arts, sports, yoga, etc], your expectations about the course.

b) Write a brief introduction of yourself in which you summarize who you are. Post your introduction on  Discussion Board.   


2

WARM UP



3


Movement Exploration


 


Where is movement performed?
 

4

CONTENT

Elements of Dance

 1. Place:
 self-space/general space(also called personal / shared) 

2. Size:
 big/small, near/far 

3. Level: 
 high, middle, low  

4. Direction:
 forward, backward, right, left, up, down, diagonal 

5. Pathway:
  curved, straight, zigzag 

6. Focus: 
single focus or multi focus
 
 

IV
 
Note to Remember
 
Place is an important aspect of dance practice. Place includes self-space and general space, but it also requires a safe space where dancers can feel free to move creatively. Modern dance is primarily about freedom to move, to feel, to express and to take risks.
 
 

V

Case Studies
 


VI

Activities

1. Students explore movement using space as their main focus. They first explore space as something that can be manipulated (large, medium, small). Then, they explore self-space (kinesphere) and general space.
 
2. Students create their first solo and group movement phrase by putting together, individually and as a group, 8 movements they remember from their movement exploration.
 

VII

JOURNALING

Write a brief reflection about your experience in class today and post it on Discussion Board. Find two posts you would like to interact with.
 
 
VIII

Glossary


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