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Dance
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Dance Majors pursuing a Performance Emphasis are expected to perform comfortably
at the advanced (professional) level of modern technique classes and at least
the intermediate level of ballet. They should demonstrate, through their own
works and through participation in the choreography of others, an ability to
analyze sophisticated movement patterns, understand and communicate, both
physically and verbally, the nuances of a choreographic work and clearly
explain, when teaching others, elements of structure and theme. They should be
able to articulate, both orally and in writing, their own
choreographic/performance journey, including theme, process, and execution.
Dance Majors pursuing a Movement Studies Emphasis should have a broad
understanding of the important role that the body and human movement play in the
study of other disciplines, and specific knowledge of one area, which may or may
not involve performance. They should be able to identify and analyze movement
patterns in daily life, sport, and the performing arts and should have a working
vocabulary to write and speak about the role of the body and human movement
relative to their area of interest, whether it be science, religion,
anthropology, or the arts. Although Movement Studies concentrators are not
expected to perform at the advanced level of dance technique, they should be
fluent movers and should be involved in regular practice of dance technique
and/or other movement disciplines to enhance their understanding of the body as
an instrument.
All Dance Majors should understand major historical trends and experience
movement vocabulary which reflects some knowledge of another culture. They
should be able to apply to their own work – physical, oral, or written –
theoretical concepts that inform observation and critical analysis. Finally,
they should actively engage in research on the body and human movement through
daily practice, one-on-one consultations with faculty, and participation in
conferences and summer programs.
Measuring Student Learning
Regular, informal choreography showings throughout the year give students a
chance to perform works-in-progress in a studio setting for faculty and other
students. Critical discussion following each presentation gives each
choreographer the opportunity to articulate his/her goals and methods and to
receive feedback from the observers. Student choreographers and audience members
who are able to use movement language (such as the vocabulary established by
movement theorist Rudolf Laban) to assess what they intend as well as what they
see show sophistication as aspiring artists and critics.
Participation in the yearly conference of the American College Dance Festival
allows us to assess how our students perform in comparison to their peers
nationwide. Student pieces are adjudicated by three nationally known dance
professionals who generally provide constructive feedback in a formal, timed
post-concert session. Student works are judged for their originality, craft, and
performance quality. Students who have been exposed to a substantial body of
work in venues such as ACDF and at the American Dance Festival summer program at
Duke University tend to take more artistic risks (often leading to more original
choices) and have higher standards with regard to performance quality.
Special teaching projects organized by the Dance Program require majors to plan
and lead workshops for public school students. Pre-workshop planning sessions
challenge our students to verbally articulate their goals, construct specific
lesson plans, and clearly demonstrate, physically and verbally, what will be
expected of the participants. This is especially challenging since, in many
instances, English is not the first language of the visiting students. Teaching
others forces young artists to confront what they do and do not know.
The senior exercise
- Performance majors complete a choreographed piece and supporting document
that articulates theme, process, and execution.
- Movement Studies majors write a thesis that is the culmination of research
or internship project
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