Improvisation and Duo (DNCE20027)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 6.25On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject brings together two synergetic disciplines: improvisation and duo.

Duo aims to develop contemporary duo skills with an emphasis on weight taking and sharing based on principles of contact improvisation and efficient kinaesthetic function in movement. Strength, coordination, awareness and sensitivity in partnering work are developed. Emphasis is placed on the practice of safe dance techniques as they apply to the duet form.

Improvisation is explored as a means to tap into creative impulse, as a choreographic tool and as a performance modality in its own right. Through the use of Improvisation structures of ‘scores’, students define the conditions required to enter fully into the present moment, deepening their confidence in and connection to creative impulse. Personal movement vocabularies are expanded, while acute responsiveness to external stimuli is developed.

Intended learning outcomes

This subject will enable the student to:



  • Further develop skills of the Duo form drawing on content from both contemporary dance and classical ballet genres.
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient execution of lifts and falls using counterbalance and low to medium level strength lifting techniques.
  • Consolidate skill in creating contemporary duo material.
  • Expand skills in timing and spatial awareness, and sensitivity when moving with a partner.
  • Utilise improvisation as a method to deepen exploration of personal movement vocabulary, in the development of improvisation scores.
  • Work effectively in duet and group improvisations.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and sensitively with duo partners
  2. Display an understanding of how to take weight and how to give weight in the duo form
  3. Perform duet and improvised material with technical accuracy
  4. Implement safe dance practice
  5. Demonstrate the ability to create, articulate and adhere to an improvised score
  6. Articulate and apply personal movement vocabulary and aesthetic in performance of both improvisation and duo

Last updated: 3 November 2022