Spring 2025 - CA 124 D100
Improvisation Tools and Scores (3)
Class Number: 6418
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
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Instructor:
NiNi Dongnier
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Prerequisites:
Declared dance major, extended minor, or permission from instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Movement improvisational skills will be explored in a variety of solo, duet, group forms through structured movement themes and scores. Emphasis will be on sensory awareness, elements of movement, and composition.
COURSE DETAILS:
Working as a collective, this class will focus on techniques in movement improvisation. The course will include practices and techniques in movement improvisation and composition. We will develop a greater awareness of our physical instinct and perception of compositional elements as performers and choreographers. Main points of focus throughout the class will be movement generation, perception and sensation, and the intuition of compositional elements. Strategies for using improvisation as a source for creating choreographic work will also be addressed. The act of improvising, giving the relationships time to develop, will be the main source of learning.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Advance and further develop kinesthetic, intellectual, relational, and creative capacities in one’s own dancing and dancing with a group within improvised performance structures.
- Develop a strong connection between the imagination and the moving body.
- Become versatile with different approaches to movement scores and creation.
- Demonstrate personal ownership of embodied movement, and awareness of how one is affected by and affects a group creative and collaborative space.
Grading
- Participation 50%
- Creative assignments 25%
- Short Written assignments 15%
- Work journal 10%
NOTES:
Grades will be based on the following: *May change depending on instructor
Participation 50%
Assignments 25%
Short Paper %15
Work Journal 10%
Participation: Active participation in all aspects of the class is required. We want to work as a collective. It is expected that each student stay focused in the work throughout the class. This is particularly challenging in longer improvisation scores. The energy, attitude, working process, investment in class both physical and mental, and contributions to class discussions are the most important elements of your evaluation. Be appropriately dressed, warmed up and ready to go.
Assignments short papers: You will be given some readings and critical reflection short papers throughout the semester.
Work Journal: You are required to keep a journal for this class, which you will turn in at different times throughout the semester. You should use this as a tool for each project and keep regular written reactions and evaluations, questions that come up, etc.
REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance:
Attendance will be one means of determining your participation percentage. You will be allowed 2 absences without an effect to your grade. Two late marks equal one absence. If you are late for class, you will be required to observe and take notes on your observations. Your notes should be turned in to the instructor at the end of class.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings are provided by the instructor and available on Canvas as PDFs.
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.