York University - Faculty of Fine Arts

                                        Department of Dance 

                                     Dance Experience Lab 9

 

 

Course Code: FA/DANC A 1500.06     Term: Winter 

 

Name of Course: Dance Experience - Lab 9 

 

Director: Vanessa Kimmons  

 

Email: vnessa@yorku.ca    Office Hours: by appointment 

 

Lab Hours:  Fridays 12:30 – 2:30pm ACE 251 (studio D)

 

**** Final day to drop this full year course is February 15th, 2013 **** 

 

Course Description 

The Dance Experience Lab provides students with embodied practices that complement the lecture component of the course. Although each lab is different, concepts will bridge between the lab and studio – these include uses of space, improvisation, technique, and meaning. The labs are not typical technique classes. They are designed for students to have in-depth experiences in two different dance practices, one in fall and one in winter, as well as several short introductions to others through guest teachers. In the labs, students will gain skills as dancers and dance makers, skills intended to encourage critical thinking about dance and movement in any context. 

 

In the winter term, students will explore the technique of improvisation and freestyle dance. Touching on the fundamentals of various dance forms (in particular contemporary, house and hip hop dance), students will gain movement knowledge largely through investigation and experimentation. The history of street dance will be discussed and explored. Videos will be shown to help convey the breadth and variety of styles, particularly within urban dance culture. 

Students will learn basic choreographic elements – space, shape, timing, dynamics - and how to apply them to improvisational scores. Students are expected to challenge themselves and follow their own interests, while gaining basic knowledge of choreography, improvisation and composition.

 

Students will have the opportunity to experiment with improvisation/freestyle dance through the practice of combinations and exercises taught in class, as well as a final choreographic group study.          

 

 

Course Objectives 

1) Improve skills with which to observe and appreciate movement in different contexts. 

2) Empower students to develop, express, and question their own ideas about dance. 

3) Hone improvisation and composition skills. 

4) Foster creative and critical thinking and moving. 

5) Prepare students to work independently as well as collaboratively with peers. 

 

Please see the Course Outline for the Lecture portion of the course for information regarding required texts and reading assignments.  Time will be set-aside during each Lab to discuss lecture material and readings.

 

Specific Conditions/Expectations 

 

Preparation:  Students are expected to come to class physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to work. Students will be moving every day, which means that they must wear clothing that allows them to move freely. Loose, comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of movement is advised (sweatpants, t-shirts, exercise clothing, etc.) Long sleeves and full-length pants are recommended. The labs will involve turning, jumping, crawling, leaping, and sweating. No shoes – students will dance in bare feet, however socks will be useful at times.

 

Hair must be kept off of the face. No food, drinks, or gum are allowed in the studios. At times, the lab instructor will assign “homework” in lab, which will need to be completed prior to the next class. 

 

Attendance: Students are permitted one excused absences per term. Be advised that during the fall term, if a student misses (or sits out due to illness or injury) more than one class, it will adversely affect his or her grade. In cases of more than four absences, the students will have to receive a deferred grade. Given the specialized nature of this course, there is no other way to make up the work. Lateness and early departure from class will also adversely impact the participation grade.  Five minutes late or early departure is equal to half of an absence, and more than five minutes equals one full absence. In the event of prolonged illness or injury, the students should immediately speak with the lab instructor and will be asked to provide a doctor’s note to corroborate absences. 

 

Professionalism: In the studio, the class works as a team, which means that students and instructors look out for and rely on one another. Students are expected to enter the studio quietly and save private conversation for before or after class. All cell phones and pagers must be on silent mode or disconnected. Students are expected to read the assigned reading, reflect on the prior class, and complete any homework assigned. The student’s focus must be in the studio. Throughout the term, I expect you to treat others and their work with respect, interest, and encouragement. New ideas will be presented in every class, and students are expected to be open to them. Students are adults; they are expected to act maturely and be responsible for themselves and their own learning. 

 

Scented Products: Due to the life-threatening environmental allergies of one of our students, all departmental classes are ‘scent free’ and the consequences must be understood. 

 

 

Evaluation 

 

LAB                                                                   YEAR (%)                   EACH TERM (%)  

         Body Skills                                                 20                                      10 

         Attitude and Progress                              20                                      10 

         Written Assignments (two reviews)       20                                      10 

 

LECTURE                                                       YEAR (%)                   EACH TERM (%) 

Written Assignments (three précis)                15                                      7.5 

Four Quizzes                                                      25                                      12.5 

 

TOTAL                                                             YEAR (%)                   EACH TERM (%) 

                                                                             100%                                 50%  

 

Lecture 

 

Written Assignments:  Two written assignments in the form of reviews will be assigned in conjunction with two performances on the York campus.  Ticket prices are included in course fees.  Instructions for picking up tickets will be given closer to the dates of the performances.  Details regarding the format and objectives for each review will be discussed during the Lecture portion of the course. 

 

 

Performance:

MFA Concert 2 – The Field                                                                       

February 13th, 14th and 15th, 2013 at 7:30pm

Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre (Main Floor, ACE)

 

In Winter term all labs will be attending the same show.  Tickets must collect their tickets from the Box Office on the main floor of ACE on or before Friday February 8th.  The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 12pm-5pm.  Ticket requests may also be made by email at boxoffice@yorku.ca

 

 

LAB SCHEDULE

 

Jan. 11th             Walking with Purpose: Fundamentals and variations on walking

 

Jan. 18th             Shape: Uncovering shapes and what they say  

                            Discussion: Intention behind spontaneous creation

 

Jan. 25th             Guest Teacher: Pamela Rasbach

 

Feb. 1st               Space: Paths and patterns and how to eat space

                            Discussion and video: New School Dictionary

 

Feb. 8th               Timing: Remixing your natural tempo 

                            Discussion and video: New School Dictionary continued

                            *Last day to pick up tickets for The Field

 

Feb. 15th            Dynamics: Creating and (re)defining quality

                            MFA performance - THE FIELD  

 

Feb. 22nd            NO CLASS – READING WEEK

 

Mar. 1st               Shape &Space II: Creating a score

                            Group work in preparation for final project  

 

Mar. 8th              Timing & Dynamics II: Combining scores

                            Group work in preparation for final project  

 

Mar. 15th             Guest Teacher: TBA and Group Work

                             

Mar. 22nd            Setting choreography: In-class routine and Group Work

 

Mar. 29th            Performing choreography: In-class routine and Group Work

 

Apr.5th                PRESENTATION OF FINAL CHOREOGRAPHIC GROUP

                            PROJECTS

 

****Course schedule is subject to change.  Students will be notified of

                                                changes in advance*****

 

Group Choreography Project

Students will form small groups and in a collaborative effort create and perform a study in structured improvisation/freestyle (minimum 3 minutes in length), in the genre of their choice. The study will include improvisational scores that have been covered in class, but must also include variations on class work, as well as original scores. 

 

In addition to the performance, each group must present at least one original score in improvisation/freestyle to the class. This may be completed as a 3-minute oral presentation/demonstration or a succinct one-page handout.

 

 

Grading, Assignment Submission, Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests      

Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ = 7, C+ = 5, etc.). 

Assignments and tests will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g. A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)    For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar  - http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/pdfs/ug2009cal/UGCAL2009-2010.pdf

 

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  

 

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized one grade point per day.  Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter). 

 

Missed Tests: Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor. Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the Faculty.  

 

Important Course Information for Students  

All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents) 

http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm     

• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website  

• Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants    

• Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities   

• Student Conduct Standards  

• Religious Observance Accommodation   

 

Academic Honesty and Integrity            

York students are required to maintain high standards of academic integrity and are subject to the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty 

(http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/acadhone.htm).  

   

There is also an academic integrity website with complete information about academic honesty. Students are expected to review the materials on the Academic Integrity website (http://www.yorku.ca/academicintegrity/students.htm).  

 

Access/Disability               

York provides services for students with disabilities (including physical, medical, learning and psychiatric disabilities) needing accommodation related to teaching and evaluation methods/materials.   

  

It is the student's responsibility to register with disability services as early as possible to ensure that appropriate academic accommodation can be provided with advance notice.

You are encouraged to schedule a time early in the term to meet with each professor to discuss your accommodation needs.

Failure to make these arrangements may jeopardize your opportunity to receive academic accommodations.     

Additional information is available at www.yorku.ca/disabilityservices or from disability service providers:  

• Office for Persons with Disabilities: N108 Ross, 416-736-5140, www.yorku.ca/opd  

• Learning and Psychiatric Disabilities Programs - Counselling & Development Centre: 130 BSB, 416-736-5297, www.yorku.ca/cdc  

• Atkinson students - Atkinson Counselling & Supervision Centre: 114 Atkinson, 416- 736- 5225, www.yorku.ca/atkcsc  

• Glendon students - Glendon Counselling & Career Centre: Glendon Hall 111, 416- 487- 6709, www.glendon.yorku.ca/counselling  

 

Ethics Review Process             

York students are subject to the York University Policy for the Ethics Review Process for Research Involving Human Participants. In particular, students proposing to undertake research involving human participants (e.g., interviewing the director of a company or government agency, having students complete a questionnaire, etc.) are required to submit an Application for Ethical Approval of Research Involving Human Participants at least one month before you plan to begin the research.  If you are in doubt as to whether this requirement applies to you, contact your Course Director immediately  

 

Religious Observance Accommodation           

York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community, and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents.  Should any of the dates specified in this syllabus for an in- class test or examination pose such a conflict for you, contact the Course Director within the first three weeks of class.  Similarly, should an assignment to be completed in a lab, practicum placement, workshop, etc., scheduled later in the term pose such a conflict, contact the Course director immediately.   

 

Student Conduct               

Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterized by courtesy and mutual respect and to refrain from actions disruptive to such a relationship.  Moreover, it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom, and the responsibility of the student to cooperate in that endeavour.  Further, the instructor is the best person to decide, in the first instance, whether such an atmosphere is present in the class.  A statement of the policy and procedures involving disruptive and/or harassing behaviour by students in academic situations is available on the York website

http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/harass.htm   

 

York University’s Code of Student Conduct is available online at:   

http://www.yorku.ca/scdr/CodeOfConduct.html 

Please note that this information is subject to periodic update.  For the most current information, please go to the CCAS webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents): 

http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.html