Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CA 221 D100

Contemporary Dance IV (4)

Class Number: 7670

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 220.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The second studio course in a series designed for students pursuing a major or extended minor in dance. Expands on the work undertaken in CA (or FPA) 220-4 Contemporary Dance III and aims to develop technical facility in movement and acquaint the student with form and style in contemporary dance. (studio) Students with credit for FPA 221 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this class participants work with both scored improvisational tasks and set movement sequences privileging both the individual and the collective movements of the room. The improvisatory scores propose systems of support from inside and outside of the body, invite the articulation of both joints and flesh, and activate the mind as a catalyst for shifts in sensation and perception.

This class privileges how our way of thinking about our bodies, creates a felt sense in the body that is malleable in thought and in practice. The class progresses with set exercises that incrementally move from the horizontal (floor work) to the vertical plane (standing work, inversions and air bound action) and encourages another application of the opening score’s propositions. The set exercises will place a special attention on: sequencing of bones, articulation of flesh and bodily contents, physical and imagined systems of support, articulation of joints, the expressive potential of varied force and muscle tone, and dynamic coordination to create form.

With an openness to the possibility of functional anatomical change, the structured material invites students to explore the precise moments when their bodies are activated into movement, and to specifically identify the articulation of that movement in the body. In this class, guided improvisation and set movement become containers for attention. They are strategies for remaining present, feeling the senses work in concert, and becoming attuned to the perpetual and dynamic negotiations within our body.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Each student is encouraged to:

  • work with curiosity and care for themselves and their cohort
  • nurture an interest in the unknown and the unformed
  • cultivate rigour and attention to the specificity of movement and qualitative shifts in sensation -arrive with a willingness to maintain a consistent presence in the space
  • engage in deep listening, while also developing a practice of verbally articulating the work at hand -question, receive and integrate feedback into your practice
  • work simultaneously to make space and take space

Grading

  • Work habits 40%
  • Mechanics 30%
  • Presence and Performance 30%

NOTES:

ASSESSMENT:

Grades will be based on the following:

Work Habits 40%

Daily commitment to the working process and an engaged and progressive approach to practice.

-Punctuality is expected from all student, and will be factored into their grade. Students are expected to be prepared to begin class at 12:30pm. Three late arrivals to class will be the equivalent of one absence.

-Students who are unable to be present and practice in person, will be expected to join the class via Zoom and participate from their homes. If a student has multiple absences, impeding their ability to maintain a consistent practice with the course work, they will be asked to create an independent study project.

Mechanics 30%

Physical understanding and integration of functional alignment and movement principles covered in class.
-If students are having difficulty engaging with the movement principles proposed, they are expected to initiate a collaborative working process with the instructor to problem solve the issues.

Presence and Performance 30%

Your commitment, focus and awareness while in practice. The practical integration of performance concepts proposed in the class.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.