Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CA 326 D100

Repertory I (5)

Class Number: 5409

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    Acceptance into the dance major or extended minor, and prior approval. Corequisite: Students must be concurrently enrolled in a technique course at an appropriate level. These courses include CA 220, CA 320, CA 322, CA 420, and CA 421.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

One of two courses which provide advanced level dance students the opportunity to work as an ensemble rehearsing and preparing for a series of public performances. Choreography will be created and/or selected by a faculty director. This course can be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is intended as pre-professional training for intermediate to advanced contemporary dance students.  The repertory course is designed to bridge the gap between pre-professional training and the professional world of Contemporary Dance- an opportunity to learn how to work in a range of processes in a rehearsal studio when collaborating with dance artists and peers.  Students will be challenged to deepen their commitment to and understanding of the art form and to broaden their range of skills as performing artists and collaborators.

Depending on the semester, dance artists from Vancouver or abroad and or faculty will set new choreographic works on the class which will be produced and performed in November.  Students may be asked to participate as a first or second cast member and/or understudy.  Details of artists and schedules will be provided in the first week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

COURSE GOALS:

Attention will be paid to the development of your personal practice as a dance artist- including: 

  • Honing your attention to the choreographer’s intention and movement vocabulary with intricacy, detail, and depth
  • Exploring and accessing deep layers of your interpretive/expressive range and physicality
  • Striving for clarity and consistency in your work *(i.e. – present and focused in every rehearsal)
  • Taking intelligent risks to contribute to the work and deepen your physical and artistic range
  • Taking responsibility for retaining, developing and refining your material/work, (technically, qualitatively and artistically) throughout the choreographic process and into performance.
  • On-going development of your improvisational and interpretive skills
  • Utilizing and challenging your movement preferences and patterns

Grading

  • Work Habits 55%
  • Performance 35%
  • Reflection 10%

NOTES:

GRADING: * To be confirmed in the first week of classes

Grades will be assessed on the basis of the quality of participation in all aspects the course, including: rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and performance. 

Each choreographer will be invited to do an evaluation of the dancers they work with.  The instructor of the course will incorporate these evaluations/feedback with on-going rehearsal and performance observations to calculate final grades.

Any missed classes, rehearsals or technical requirements will unavoidably affect grades and student may be replaced in a piece, not allowed to participate in a piece and/or required to drop the course.

*Please be responsible to your fellow dancers and artistic team and email the teacher ahead of time if you have an emergency.   A doctor's or health official's note may be requested as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS:

DANCE REPERTORY EXPECTATIONS:

*Important: If you are working through an injury, strain or are ill, please don't hesitate to notify the teacher and the choreographers before the rehearsal begins.

  • We will be working as a collective to promote an environment of respect/curiosity and commitment to the work, the ensemble and unique creation processes of each choreographer/artist.
  • You will be expected to be warmed up and prepared for every rehearsal. To both retain and develop your material/work throughout the course. (This includes ongoing application of professional work habits: going over material outside of class, reviewing personal and ensemble notes, managing your own motivation.
  • On-going and open application of feedback/notes from your choreographers, rehearsal directors, ensemble and technical team.
  • To strive to respect and look after your own well-being- This includes: nourishing and hydrating yourself, being warm and prepared to work,, finding moments to rest and reflect on your work, accepting that you have an important part to play in any role (large or small) and getting as much sleep as possible.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Attendance/Participation):

*ATTENDANCE AT ALL CLASS MEETINGS, REHEARSALS, TECHS & PER-PEFORMANCES IS MANDATORY!

-Students enrolled in this course are making a commitment to participate fully in all aspects of the Dance Repertory Course.

- This includes all regularly scheduled class times/rehearsals/techs, etc.

- In addition, students must be available for any additional rehearsals, tech.      rehearsals, showings/performances, etc. (may be scheduled outside of class time- these dates will be provided to you in the first week)

*Tardiness & Absences are not permitted and will lead to a severe reduction in your grade and may result in being cut/replaced in a piece. Or being asked to withdraw from the course.

-SCA Repertory dancers must be enrolled in a technique class at their appropriate level while participating in Dance Repertory.

Materials

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.