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Dance Science & Somatics (DNCE90018)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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Dance Science and Somatics is an emerging field of dance knowledge. In this subject students gain understanding of how to enhance their practice through the disciplines of physiology, biomechanics and psychology and the intersection of these disciplines with embodied and somatic dance practices.
Delivered through studio labs, practical demonstrations and seminars, this subject brings body knowledge to the foreground within an interdisciplinary context. With a focus on safe dance practice that enfolds sensitivity, imagination and creativity this subject provides know-how and theory for practitioners to dance safely and enhance their performance within environments of creative risk.
Together the somatic and scientific threads combine to generate an in-depth knowing of the mind-body and clarify each student’s understanding of their unique physical and psychological self and patterns of moving. Students will develop the knowledge to optimise their physical and mental performance, avoid injury and work safely as dancers within diverse situations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- understand the underlying principles related to health practices and psychology in the treatment and training of dancers;
- apply different methodologies to enhance mindbody awareness and artistic health;
- develop sensitivity and awareness in developing dance warmups and embodied methods that support creative processes;
- develop kinesthetic awareness towards self-practice, agency and enhanced embodiment;
- demonstrate physiological knowledge of the body and motor-sensory integration;
- apply somatic imagery and partnering skills to improve balance, posture, spatial awareness and dance skills;
- facilitate work with dancers of different abilities and ages;
- apply ethical and safe practice in rehearsal, demonstration and teaching of dance.
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
15 minute lecture demonstration and written reflection
| Mid teaching period | 30% |
Reflective report on somatic-science project
| End of the teaching period | 40% |
Group Presentation. 2-3 students per group (3000 words equivalent)
| During the assessment period | 30% |
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Last updated: 12 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
Last updated: 12 November 2022