Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CA 122 D100

Dance Training and Movement Systems I (5)

Class Number: 7034

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    Prior approval as a result of an audition. Corequisite: CA 122 and CA 129 must be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

First of two studio courses in contemporary dance, ballet and other movement techniques. This is one of four courses required for entry into the dance major and minor programs. Students with credit for FPA 122 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Contemporary Dance

Studio work in contemporary dance.  The course will use a variety of contemporary dance practises/movement forms and improvisational tasks to develop somatic awareness, functional and resilient body alignment, increase strength, stamina and flexibility, explore articulation and isolation of spine and limbs, and expand rhythmic, spatial and dynamic movement choices.  The development of cognitive versatility when exploring movement alternatives will be cultivated.  

The class progresses with set exercises that incrementally move from the horizontal (floor work) to the vertical plane (standing work and air bound action). Students are encouraged to work with curiosity, rigour and care for themslves and their cohort

Ballet Component

The emphasis of this ballet class will be on an anatomically sound contemporary approach to ballet technique to support students with diverse skill sets and training backgrounds. A number of elements from various classical methodologies as well as a contemporary approach to ballet training will be employed and incorporated in the course. This includes: body placement/ dynamic alignment, balance, flexibility, awareness of line, physical strength, clarity, and stamina.

Anatomically sound principles of the body will be employed and will be contrasted with body myths and misconceptions, which can be harmful, unbalanced or even injurious. Each student will be encouraged to work constructively with their individual structure. We’ll work to promote awareness and efficient use of the body in ways applicable to ballet technique and all other dance forms.

Elements integral to dance expression and performance will also be explored and encouraged, including: musicality, qualitative aspects of movement & dynamics, spatial awareness, flow/connectivity, projection, performance, expressiveness. Technical development will be based on anatomically sound principles, kinesthetic awareness, commitment and joy of moving

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

* Students will work to develop strategies for managing personal motivation, FOCUS, and concentration, to promote skill development and self- discipline through the art of dance.

* Students will deepen their understanding and appreciation for the expressive capacity and physical intelligence of the human body.

* Students will be encouraged to manage their own health and wellness (physical/mental/emotional) as a dancer in a full-time University Dance Program.

Grading

  • Contemporary Dance 60%
  • Ballet 40%

NOTES:

*PLEASE NOTE: Final grades in Contemporary Dance I. shall be an average of the grades given in the Ballet and Contemporary Technique components of the course. (Video may be used during the semester as an assessment tool.)

Grading:

Determined by observation of in-class work though out the semester.  

Technical Level  40%     
Ability to execute warm-up, center combinations, and phrases through space utilizing the principles set forth in the course description, as well as a mindful consistency in deepening the artistic commitment brought to this process. Daily commitment to the working process and a engaged and progressive approach to practice.

Growth  30%     
Improvement / Change throughout the semester.  

Professional Work Habits  30%    
The way you take your daily class: punctuality, regular attendance, consistency in focus, integration of feedback, willingness to take risks and embrace change, the depth of your presence in class.
If you are unable to participate in class due to illness or injury, you will be required to submit a brief paper reflecting on your observations of the class.  If you are unable to attend class, please notify me by email ( megan_walker-straight@sfu.ca).  

Any questions or concerns you might have are always welcome.

 

Dance Area Grading Policy in regards to Attendance in Studio courses

Policy

Attendance is mandatory in all studio classes. Any missed studio classes will affect your grade. This policy does not give you permission to miss any classes. The policy only documents the specific outcomes of missing class. The following policy is being implemented across all dance studio courses with the exception of Repertory courses where absences will result in being withdrawn from performing or from the course. It is understood that some courses are mostly or completely participatory (technique). In these courses your grade will be greatly affected by any absences. In exceptional situations related to injury, family emergencies, etc., documentation will need to be provided and excusing these absences will be at the discretion of the instructor and dance area coordinator.  

Principles

  • If 10% of classes are missed within a course the highest grade that a student can receive for the studio component of the course is B-.  Receiving a B- will only occur if you do A+ work in the classes you attend. 
  • If 20% of classes are missed within a course the highest grade that a student can receive in the studio component of the course is D.  Receiving a D will only occur if you do A+ work in the classes you attend.  

The following numbers of absences will affect your grade in the following way.  

 1 st year Technique 122, 123 (a course with 8 classes a week)
10 = B- (10%)
13 = C+
16 = C
19 = C-
21 = D (20%)

MID-SEMESTER MEETING:

Participation in an individual mid-semester meeting (to be arranged outside of class time) is mandatory. (Instructor will post a sign-up sheet for mid-semester meetings.) Students may also schedule an appointment with the instructor, during the semester, if necessary.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT:

Instructions for the written assignment will be provided on the first day of class.

REQUIREMENTS:

Active participation in all aspects of class work is essential.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Please note: “POINTE WORK” - Students must ask instructor for permission to take ballet classes on pointe, no rosin allowed in studios

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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