Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CA 120 E100

Introduction to Dance Forms: Contemporary and Popular (3)

Bhangra

Class Number: 8204

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A studio course devoted to the development of movement skills through specific styles of dance. The content of the course changes every term including techniques in Bhangra, Afro-Caribbian, Hip Hop and Contemporary. May repeat for credit. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to the popular Indian dance form, Bhangra. Students will learn and perform modern and traditional choreography to Punjabi music. The class will learn a corpus of movements that Bhangra improvisation and choreography are based upon. Emphasis will be on North American style modern Bhangra, trends, variations, charisma, facial expression and lyrical dance. Students will present projects that demonstrate the use of traditional and modern Bhangra movements in their own sequences and participate in a large group performance with the class.

WHAT IS BHANGRA?

Bhangra (pron. Pung-rah) is a lively form of folk music and dance that originates from the northern Indian state of Punjab. People traditionally performed Bhangra when celebrating the end of the harvesting season, which is also known as Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi, which also marks the birth of Sikhism, is an important celebration in Punjab

While performing Bhangra, people sing Punjabi Boliyan (poetic lyrics), with at least one person playing the Dhol drum and others possibly

playing the Alghoza, Tumbi, Chimta, Dholak or other musical instruments. While Bhangra began as a part of the harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings, birthdays and all types of celebrations. Moreover, during the last thirty years, Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae. As Bhangra continues to

move into mainstream culture, an understanding of its history and tradition helps to appreciate it.

It is believed that Bhangra originated in the 1400s. Primarily men performed Bhangra, while the ladies performed their own fierce, yet elegant folk dance called Giddha. The men wore the turban, lungi (long cloth wrapped around the waist), and kurta (traditional long Indian shirt). While performing Giddha, women wore the salwaar kameez (a long colorful shirt accompanied with baggy style pants) accompanied by their bright colored duppattas (scarf- like cloth wrapped around the neck).

These days, due to the heavy Punjabi influence worldwide, Bhangra has evolved from a dance and music only performed in the Punjab region to a popular style of music and dance that is performed in all parts of the world. People of non-Punjabi background are listening to and performing Bhangra. Universities and other organizations are holding annual Bhangra dance competitions in many of the main cities of the United States, Canada, and England. At these competitions, people from different South Asian backgrounds and people with no South Asian background all compete together for the top prize and bragging rights as the "Bhangra Champion."

Influences of Bhangra music can also be found in the music produced by many western artists, such as Britney Spears, Timbaland, Missy Eliot, Nelly Furtado, Dr. Dre, and many more.

Grading

  • Contribution to In-Class Activities 20%
  • Technique Demonstrations 20%
  • Overall Improvement/Progress 20%
  • Choreography Assignments & Quizzes 20%
  • Final Group Performance 15%
  • Final Written Exam 5%

NOTES:

Students are advised that grades in studio courses are based on participation, progress, potential, and proper execution of the dance moves and choreography that are taught, including successful completion of class assignments. Grades are determined primarily by the instructor's observation of in-class work during the entire semester, therefore class attendance is crucial and mandatory and will unavoidably affect final grades. The instructor will advise each student of his/her level of performance at the end of the semester and be available to advise at any other time upon request. More precise grading information will be announced during the first week of classes.

Missing more than 5 classes in the semester could result in a failing grade!

FINAL GRADE CALCULATION

20% - Contribution to In-Class Activities: This involves active participation in every class and a willingness to explore movement fully, intelligent risk-taking, being open to a new approach and feedback, application of individual/group corrections, self motivation, focus and concentration, paying careful attention to one’s own body work and thoughtful, supportive group awareness.

20% - Technique Demonstrations: Overall balanced coordination, correct body alignment, movement range, strength, clarity, precision, movement range/flow/freedom, musicality, and ability to execute specific contemporary dance movements and combinations.

20% - Overall Improvement/Progress: Includes anatomically correct alignment, integrated whole body use, overall coordination, movement ease, range, efficiency, flow, clarity, strength, precision, and overall technical mastery. Practicing and thinking through class material outside of class time is necessary.

20% - Choreography Assignments & Quizzes: Choreograph and perform TWO short Bhangra dance compositions in small groups, using movements and techniques learned in class. There will also be TWO quizzes, which consist of identifying the elements of Bhangra theory taught throughout the semester.

15% - Final Group Performance: The entire class will be taught approximately 2-2.5 minutes of choreography using traditional Bhangra movements, modern elements, stunts, and expression. To be performed during the final class.

5% - Final Written Exam: Consists of identifying the elements of Bhangra theory taught throughout the entire semester.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS & MISSED QUIZZES/FINAL EXAM

No make-ups will be considered – it is your responsibility to find out when quizzes, assignments and final exam are scheduled. If you have to miss a quiz/exam or assignment presentation for medical or other emergency reasons, you will need to notify the instructor before class starts.

***NOTE: Video may be used during the semester as an assessment tool.

REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE & TARDINESS

A. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance in studio classes is MANDATORY. It is expected that you will be at every class and participate fully. Missed classes will negatively affect your grade. To avoid any sense of arbitrariness, tardiness and absences will be individually evaluated by the instructor, and a doctor’s or health official’s note may be required.

B. TARDINESS POLICY:
Because of the importance of appropriate warm-up to adequately warm and prepare the body for class and dancing, it is absolutely essential that you be on time. Tardiness will prevent optimal and most effective involvement and learning in the class.

o If you arrive after attendance has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify instructors after class so that you will not be marked absent.

o If you arrive too late to participate in class, you are expected to stay and observe the class and take legible notes on your observations.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Weekly, synchronous lessons will be held on Zoom Video Conferencing, so in order to participate students will require access to a device that supports Zoom software and has the capability to support audio and video sharing.

Any of the following devices may be used:

  • Desktop computer with webcam and microphone
  • Laptop computer with webcam and microphone
  • Tablet
  • Smartphone

Tablets and smartphones generally have a built-in camera and microphone, so there is no need for any external accessories.

Most laptops also have a built-in webcam and microphone.

If you are using a desktop computer, note that most external webcams have a microphone built-in.

If you are using an iMac all-in-one desktop computer or similar device, they often include a built-in webcam and microphone as well.

https://www.sfu.ca/sca/events---news/news/computer-help--sca-online-.html

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).