The Making of a Dance: From Practice to Production

Catalog description

In this course students explore how to make a dance through creative research, improvisation, and collaboration, by combining physical training with guided movement explorations that lead from idea to performance. Students will generate, develop, and shape original material as part of an ensemble, discovering how research and experimentation inform the making of a dance. Each class begins with a warm up that draws from modern dance, yoga, improvisation, and partnering - building strength, awareness, and connection. In the first half of the semester, students research and generate movement material through guided explorations. In the second half, the class will work together to develop and shape that research into an ensemble dance piece, culminating in a live public showing. As part of the creative process, this course integrates field trips to dance, performance, installation and film works. These experiences aim to cultivate a critical understanding of the cultural landscape that surrounds us while inspiring and informing the artistic processes developed in the studio.