Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0252 - Contemporary Dance Repertory & Performance Process

In this course, students engage in an in-depth rehearsal process toward a final performance that will be performed in the Five College Dance Concert hosted by UMass in the first week of December. The proposed investigation centers bodily negotiation of proximity, connection, contact, and vulnerability during this time of the lingering-pandemic. Together we ask: How has the risk of contagion registered in our bodies, shaped our movement, brought us together and pushed us apart? Can we return to togetherness without embracing denial and amnesia? How might we honor the power of our shared breath? Rehearsals will involve collaboration, movement creation, improvisation, writing, and dialogue. A few shared readings and viewings will accompany our physical investigations. Some contact improvisation and partnering principles will be engaged in our shared work, Prior study of any dance practice at the intermediate or advanced level suggested. Students must be invested in the process of creating live performance. Instructor permission/Audition required. KEYWORDS:Dance, repertory, performance, choreography, improvisation

Time and Narrative Students are expected to spend a minimum of 6-8 hours of work outside of class time per week 6hrs. Outside time will be scheduled as additional rehearsals as well as during tech and show week at UMass.