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dance 166
composition I

Introduction to the principles of dance composition through improvisation. No prerequisites, dance major/minor priority. VLPA

movement as the basis of dance composition

Course Overview
Composition I forms the basis of the course series in composition taught in the dance program. Composition II, music and dance composition is taught during the winter quarter and composition III, dance production is taught in spring.

In composition I we research and experiment with the structural elements of movement itself (action, body, space, relationship, dynamics). Compositional content, structures and processes will be introduced and practiced through improvisations, creative tasks and assessed studies. Besides creating your own work and reviewing it, we will also look at processes and pieces by established choreographers.

Composition I is a requirement for dance majors. The two subsequent courses can be taken out of sequence and all courses can be repeated. Students interested in choreographing for the Dance Majors Concert note that you will need to complete three composition courses in order to be eligible.

Procedures and Teaching Strategies
This is an intensive, creative class where your consistent and dedicated participation is paramount. Make sure you can attend the course on all five days as scheduled. We will meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday as an entire class. Tuesday and Thursday are dedicated studio and research days. The studio time is set aside for you to create and rehearse your work. You don't need to present for the entire duration. Especially for partner and group work it is important that you are available at these times.

New material, choreographic concepts and devises are introduced and applied in this course through moving, watching, lecturing, discussing and writing.

Moving: This is a physical class and you will be required to move with commitment and take physical and creative risks through the performance of improvisations and set material.
Over the quarter you create and submit a number of assessed studies, where you develop and apply your compositional skills.
Watching: We attend concerts, watch excerpts on videos, and view each other's work in joint showings. A big part of learning happens through observing.
Lecturing: Topics for studies are introduced through lecture presentations, creative tasks and explorations.
Discussing: You analyze your own work and the work of others. You evaluate and give feedback.
Writing: You create a record of the class through weekly journal entries and through a more substantial essay, reviewing the group improvisations. For more information about writing in this course go to Collect It.

Working Load
For a five credit course you need to expect about fifteen hours of work per week. For this course these fifteen hours are roughly distributed as follows.
Contact and lecture time 5h 30 min
Studio time 3h 40 min
Independent outside work 6h (Research, journal, concert and contact improviation attendance)
For an overview of class sessions, assignments and due dates, please consult the term plan.


Class Questionnaire
We all have different circumstances. Individuals may need accommodations to work with the course procedures in order to meet the requirements and objectives outlined here. For this purpose read and fill in the confidential online WebQ by Friday, September 26.

Class Requirements

• In The Studio
• Commit to the class schedule as detailed in the term plan.
• Arrive on time and prepared for the class. Bring notepaper and a pen. Wear comfortable clothing that reveals the movement. Do not wear jewelry and watches or use lotions, talc etc. on exposed skin.
• Please change in the locker rooms on the lower level, no changing on upper level.
• Use a locker with a padlock on the upper level to keep your belongings safe. No street shoes, bags, beverages or food in the studios, water allowed in plastic bottles.
• Take and share responsibility in creating an accessible environment. Make your needs known, while respecting the needs of others. Work safely and effectively in class and be respectful of your peers and instructors.
• Participate by attending class regularly, comment on the presentations, ask informed questions and always aim to dance at performance level.
• Do not attend class while being ill or contagious. Contact the instructor with a reason for absences. Absences without contacting the instructor are noted as unexcused.It is your responsibility to approach me about ways of dealing with absences. Sitting out due to injuries can be avoided by working with adaptations or by directing.
• When working in groups it is essential that you are a reliable contributor to the work and contact your group about scheduling conflicts. Groups please contact me about any missing participants and challenges you face while collaborating.
• Make sure you can be reached via your campus email. Check your account regularly.
  
• Beyond The Studio
• Attend three concerts. Attending the Chamber Dance Company Concert, Oct 22-25 and the Faculty Dance Concert, Dec 2-6 in the Meany Hall Theater is mandatory; the third concert is your choice. Consult the link section on the webpage for suggestions. You are responsible to get your own ticket and to hand in the ticket stub as proof of attendance. Please note: Using art to highlight community need, the Dance Program will be collecting non-perishable food items for the University Food Bank in Meany lobby during Chamber Dance Company performances.
  
  
• Attend a contact improvisation jam at Velocity. For more information consult the contact improvisation page.
  
  
• If you have concerns about the course or your instructor, please speak to the instructor as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable talking with the instructor or are not satisfied with the response you receive, please contact the dance program chair, Betsy Copper, in Meany Hall 255, bcoop@u.washington.edu

Class Objectives and Learning Outcomes
The course procedures and the teaching strategies encourage and challenge you to:

• Understand and apply a range of choreographic concepts, processes and devices.
• Develop skills in movement composition analysis.
• Become articulate about dance via the spoken and written word.  You develop your skills in communicating ideas, directing dancers, structuring the creative process and reviewing your own work and the work of others.
• Develop your ability to take initiative and carry responsibilities, to work independently and collaboratively.
• Understand and expand your creative and artistic potential and practice risk-taking.

Given your active participation and full commitment you will develop significantly in the objectives above and increase your current level of skills and knowledge in composition and dance production.

Dance Major Learning Goals
These goals were devised by the Dance Program Faculty in consultation with the Office of Instructional Assessment.

1. Understand dance as a cultural practice that reflects and impacts local communities and global cultures.
2. Develop and practice analytic, evaluative, and contextual skills requisite to critical thinking, kinesthetic understanding, and personal growth.
3. Develop and practice skills in rhythmic, movement and compositional analysis.
4. Develop effective communication and research skills to promote and articulate a deeper understanding of dance practice and theory.
5. Engage in personal assessment and reflective practices that encourage self-directed learning.
6. Understand how basic principals of dance science and teaching methodologies can be applied to technical and aesthetic development.
7. Recognize and expand creative, artistic, and intellectual potentials.

Evaluation and Grading
The grades are determined via the continuous assessment of your in class contributions as well as your accumulated grades from the studies and the essay. View the grading rubric for a detailed breakdown.

• Participation (50%) You implement the class requirements. You are involved in the teaching, creative and review process by contributing generously through performances and discussions.
  Journal entries, concert attendance, the contact improvisation jam all count towards this part of your grade as well.
  

• Understanding of Class Objectives (50%) You demonstrate your choreographic skills and clear understanding of compositional concepts, objectives and requirements in a number of assessed studies and improvisations.