Dance Technique Extension 2 (DNCE20015)

Intended learning outcomes

To extend the understanding of Contemporary and Ballet technique and the objectives of technical training in these genres.

Objective 1.

Application of alignment principles, technical accuracy and energy efficiency in the execution of more complex movement phrases in contemporary and ballet technique.

• Physical and kinaesthetic understanding of technical exercises
• Use of anatomical knowledge to facilitate full movement range of the individual body
• Increase in muscular efficiency through appropriate use of effort to reduce tension and overuse of muscle groups
• Capacity to dance with a balanced relationship between strength and flexibility.
• Application of principles of alignment to achieve excellence.

Objective 2.

Increased ability to organise and direct the body in time and space.

• Clarity and accuracy in articulating set phrases of movement – including dynamic, rhythm/organization in time, shape, orientation in space.
• Capacity to source movement initiation in different parts of the body.
• Ability to fully engage and isolate the spine, torso and limbs within the individual’s muscular and skeletal possibilities.
• Ability to travel expansively through space.

Objective 3.

Ability to direct the body’s centre of mass around and away from its axis.

• Ability to control centred and off-centre actions.
• Ability to generate and control momentum through all activities involving weight transference including falling, thrusting, running, turning and jumping

Objective 4.

Development of muscular strength, tone and flexibility.

• Capacity to be connected/grounded to the floor through stretch and strength in legs.
• Ability to sustain and control high effort movement/shape activity.
• Demonstrate freedom of movement through efficient muscle use when performing enchainment or movement phrases.
• Capacity to quickly change speed, effort and direction.

Objective 5.

Capacity to use visualisation techniques to enhance movement form.

• Embodied variation in movement articulation in response to different imagery

Objective 6

A strong work ethic (maintenance of self-discipline, concentration and application).

• Demonstration of a focussed, intelligent and inquiring approach to learning.
• Constructive response to, and application of feedback and corrections.
• Capacity to challenge self and take risks within safe dance practice.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have acquired the following skills:

• The capacity for kinaesthetic awareness
• The ability to move within aesthetic domains
• The facility to dance in particular contemporary movement techniques
• A facility with ballet technique
• The application of theory to practice
• The capacity to synthesise data and evaluate information
• Capacities of imagination, transformation, and interpretation
• The ability to perform