Module: DAN5201-20  Body in Training 3: The Responsive Dancer

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sarah Alexander

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to build on the technical foundation offered at Level 4, and requires a greater level of physicality and a more articulate use of the body in relation to its surroundings. You will be asked to engage in physical and stylistic challenges that will further develop your technical versatility. You will build a detailed understanding of your own body, and will be required to apply this knowledge to working in close contact with others.

You will take regular technique classes to ensure the progressive development of your codified technique practice. Alongside this training, the module introduces you to contact improvisation, an essential part of any dance training. Contact improvisation will develop your physical capabilities through dancing with others, and will also open up many further choreographic opportunities within your modules Creative Worlds and Creative Lab. 

2. Outline syllabus: 

Practical sessions will focus both on the way you inhabit your body and your understanding of the dialogue between body, force and mass, whether working individually, with the floor as your partner, or with others. The dual approach to training the body through technique and improvisation will help you to widen and deepen your physical and interpretative skills.

Contact improvisation workshops will develop your skills in a range of areas including safe practice with physical adventure, weight transference in and out of the floor and weight sharing with other bodies. Developing your proprioceptive awareness and responsiveness to others will be essential to your explorations. You will work to develop your use of shared force and weight between yourself and partner(s) and to begin to embrace the spontaneity of movement dialogue that exists within the practice.  Understanding the ethical considerations that need to be considered when working in close contact with others is also a key concern of this module

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module is taught through regular practical sessions, foregrounding the key principle of experiential learning (learning through doing). Technique classes will be largely tutor-led, whereas improvisation sessions will allow for more open structures and a greater fluidity, encouraging creative decision making and independence of thought.

Continual tutor feedback will be offered during technique and improvisation classes, alongside regular opportunities to engage with peer feedback and self assessment. You will be encouraged to develop your verbal articulation of what the body is experiencing in order to open up possibilities for deeper sensorial connections with others. 

Mock assessment classes will provide you with valuable feedback and allow you to see where you can make further improvements on your practice.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description:   Practical skills Assessment

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description:  Improvisation Assessment 

• % Weighting: 40%