Module: DAN4105-20 Dance Making 2

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  Sarah Alexander

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.alexander@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Building on many of the choreographic explorations experienced in Dance Making 1, you will focus your attention towards dance as a performative and meaning making language. With a strong focus on studio practice you will engage in generating new creative outputs whilst also considering the movement languages and choreographic approaches of current contemporary practitioners.  Play and risk-taking will continue to be encouraged but you will now be asked to consider, select and articulate your choices in further depth as you develop your choreographic responses. 

An accompanying lecture series is designed to introduce you to some key issues relating to the making, performing and reading of dance, and provide you with a supportive space to engage in lively debates about current choreographic practice.

2. Outline syllabus:

Creative investigations will continue to focus on experimentation as a major component of exploring and developing new choreographic material. You will also be required to develop your conceptual clarity as a dance maker, and attend to the particular way in which dance communicates meaning.  You will then apply this knowledge within the research, development and performance of creative tasks that will require you to work collaboratively with your peers. 

You will be asked to analyse a range of creative processes used by current contemporary choreographers in order to help you expand your understanding of choreographic tools. This will aid your understanding of how dances are made, from conception to completion. The dynamic interplay between practice and theory is a key principle of the module. 

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be delivered through practical workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials.  Lecture theatres, dance studios and the virtual environment of Minerva Ultra form the basis of the teaching and rehearsal spaces for this module. Theoretical and practical work is supported by the university library, digital video resources, and the knowledge and experience of tutors. 

The structure of the learning will gradually move from tutor-led activities towards more self-directed learning, with the expectation that you will engage in independent rehearsals alongside your peers. Self directed study, both in practical and theoretical work, will be a constant companion to your timetabled sessions and you will be expected to enrich your study experience through attending as many student and professional performances as possible. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Practical Project

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (1600 words)

• % Weighting: 40%