Choreography
Recommended Prerequisite: Dance Technique III or Teacher Recommendation
Grades Offered: 11 - 12
Credit: 1/2 - 1
SDE Course Code: 3599
MNPS Course Code: PAR2140
Course Description
The further development of movement skills is pursued. Creating dance studies through the exploration of the basic elements of movement (space, time, energy, line and forms).
This course utilizes literature, music and visual arts as sources for original dances (solo, duet or group).
Course of Study
· Identify and demonstrate movement elements
o Demonstrate consistency and clarity in performing technical skills
o Perform complex movement combinations to music in a variety of meters and styles
o Demonstrate improvement in performing movement combinations through self-evaluation
o Create and perform combinations in a broad dynamic range
o Critique a live or taped modern dance production based on given criteria
· Understand choreographic principles, processes, and structure
o Demonstrate subtlety and spontaneity in movement through improvisation
o Create movement studies using the elements of dance, incorporating a variety of processes and structures
o Evaluate movement based on choreographic structures and principles of dance
· Creativity and Communication
o Create dance studies that effectively communicates a self-chosen idea, thought, and/or feeling to others for solo, duet, and group
o Manipulate and combine images, sounds and experiences to convey meaning in dance studies
o Create and perform a dance study with projection
· Criticism and Analysis
o Synthesize solutions to a variety of movement problems
o Interpret dance choreography from a viewpoint other than one’s own
o Establish a set of aesthetic criteria and use it to evaluate dance choreography
o Appraise how skills learned in dance are used in other disciplines or careers
· Cultural/Historical Contexts
o Assess reasons for the differences in dance expression throughout the world
o Demonstrate expressive body movements that occur in the human experience
o Categorize characteristics of dance works in classical, theatrical and contemporary forms
o Create dance movements that could be used in the media
o Analyze issues of ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, age, and or physical conditions in relation to dance
· Health
o Discuss and chart one’s personal healthful living choices
o Identify and write about images of the body in various historical periods
o Identify and relate basic principles of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
Reading: In addition to reading teacher handouts, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including articles and biographies on history, terminology, injury prevention, and basic anatomy. Students are expected to gain literal understanding of readings and also to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from the readings.
Writing: Students are expected to apply correct dance/choreographic terminology in written and oral communication. Suggested written assignments include journals, critiques, document‑based questions, and dance notation.
Standards
TN State Department of Education Standards
http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/music/cifadance68.htm
Textbook
No MNPS purchased textbook
Recommended and/or Required Resources
The Intimate Act of Choreography – L. A. Blom and Tarin Chaplin
Dance Composition – J. M. Smith Autard
A Primer for Choreographers – L. Ellfeldt
Dance Film and Video Guide – Deirdre Towers
Live performances of dance
Professional choreographers