Module: DAN5000-20 Creative Dance Practice 3

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Michelle Elliott

Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Elliott@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is concerned with exploring the potential relationships between creativity, memory and group choreographic processes. It requires you to develop versatility in order to apply your choreographic and performance skills in a range of new scenarios in order to generate group work within a live context. The module will encourage you to research into, and engage with, the intellectual processes of creative practice in both your own work, your peers and the work of professional practitioners (e.g. Naharin, Forsythe, Larbi Cherkaoui). The module builds on the skills acquired in Creative Dance Practice 1 and 2 and will encourage you to develop a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between the creation, presentation and reception of work.

2. Outline syllabus:

The first half of the module will introduce you to a range of new choreographic methodologies that will enable you to generate and structure material for group choreography. Working both individually and alongside your peers you will participate in a series of workshops that will use memory as a starting point for creative exploration. You will be introduced to some ontological debates relating to creativity in order to develop your understanding of creative ideas, processes and products. The sessions will encourage you to make connections between creativity and memory and how these might be explored within group choreography. In the second half of the module you will be responsible for designing, conducting and presenting a new work for live performance.

3. Teaching and learning activities

The course is taught through a series of weekly classes that will incorporate theory and practice. The practical elements are designed to encourage a climate of creative experimentation, interrogation and discovery. Class discussion and independent study tasks will encourage you to explore and articulate key concepts and theories.

You will be expected, as part of directed learning, to take part in a range of activities, such as practicing, performing and theatre visits. You will actively utilise the bibliography in the module handbook and contribute to discussions related to the recommended readings. You are encouraged to use the video loan library and will be required to attend live performances in order to widen your knowledge and understanding of creative dance practices.

The dance studios and the virtual environment of Minerva form the basis of the teaching and rehearsing spaces for this module. Theoretical and practical work is supported by the university library, digital video resources, and the knowledge and experience of tutors and the student cohort. Guidance for the development of research and writing skills will be given during the sessions and through individual tutorials.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Practical Project (equivalent to 3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%