Theater and Dance 111 - The Language of Movement

This introductory course focuses on movement as a language that communicates our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, habits and sensations. We will explore and expand our individual movement vocabularies through improvisation and various movement practices. Each week different practices and themes will be introduced to offer multiple viewpoints, different ways of moving, approaches to dance and performance making, and compositional methodologies. An emphasis of the course will be experimental trials in exploring various approaches and aesthetics. Collaborating in small groups, students will develop projects based on their own questions and interests through a process that includes creative research, rehearsals, work-in-progress showings, and feedback. The creative projects will be shared in an open showing at the end of the semester. Selected readings and videos will be included to provide students a broad overview of dance, and movement and performance-making methodologies. Examples may include Jonathan Burrow, Trisha Brown, Merce Cunningham, Alva Noë, Marilyn Arsem and Liz Magic Laser, among others. 

Limited to 22 students. Six places reserved for first-year students. Fall and spring semesters. The Department.

How to handle overenrollment: Roster managed for balance of class years and interests

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: This course will involve regular attendance and class participation, class discussion, reading, viewing and short writing assignments, group work outside of class including rehearsal or other artistic assignments, as well as physical or vocal performance work, and/or visual, aural, and physical analysis as applicable. Attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of class may also be required.