Modern Dance I
• Dance Shape Analysis • Terminology • Self Reflection •
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Guidelines for completing DSA Assignment:
To supplement your in-class movement exploration, you will view a series of dance shapes using the Dance Shape Analysis (DSA) tool and write a descriptive analysis of select dance shapes using the categories and corresponding questions below. Your written analysis should:
- Accurately describe the movements of the body, as illustrated in the shapes in the DSA tool.
- Incorporate ample dance science and functional movement terminology developed in class.
- Demonstrate your range of knowledge of modern dance movement concepts explored in class.
- Include a personal reflection component into this assignment, which should:
- Take into consideration your initial goals (what were they, how have you addressed them in your in and outside of class movement explorations, how have they evolved?).
- Explore relevant connections between the shapes analyzed and your in-class and out of class movement process.
- Include instructor/peer/self suggestions and feedback thus far.
- Use dance science and functional movement terminology developed in class.
- Clearly articulate your range of knowledge of modern dance movement concepts explored in class to analyze the images and describe the movements of the body.
- Outline (and/or assess/revise) a current strategy for your continued growth and process.
- Take into consideration the entire collection of material and points of view experienced in relation to this class thus far (videos, live performances, guest instructors, etc.
- Thoughtfully evaluate your individual progress specifically and general peer progress as you have witnessed in class.
- Use the directional perspective of the dancer(s) in each image. For example, if the dancer is looking or spiraling to his/her right, your description would indicate the gaze or spiral to the right, NOT the viewer's mirror perspective (left).
- Use correct grammar and spelling.
Categories for Analysis:
Use the following categories and corresponding questions to formulate your Dance Shape Analysis / Terminology / Self Reflection responses for EACH assigned shape.
Body Actions
- Compare the selected image to the neutral standing position.
- Describe the actions that occur in the spine and at major joints of the body (shoulder, hip, knee, ankle) to facilitate the movement illustrated in this image.
- Integrate ample dance science terminology/anatomy and lay terminology introduced in class into your written analysis.
Focus
- Describe the focus of the performer(s) in this image?
- What do you primarily focus on as a viewer of this image? Why?
- What do you focus on as a performer of this movement shape. Why?
Images to Analyze
(This is somewhat specific, so please read carefully and let me know if you have any questions. If you find that I have placed you in an incorrect category, please let me know.)
- If your last name begins with:
- A-L: Analyze Shapes 11, 18, 21 in the DSA Tool
- M-Z: Analyze Shapes 5, 11, 22 in the DSA Tool
Guidelines for submitting DSA Assignment:
Student DSA assignments are to be submitted via email as Microsoft Word document attachments. Save your file using the following naming scheme: last name-first initial of your first name-assignment name.doc. For example, my first DSA assignment for this class would have the following name: roberts-a-dsa1.doc.
Late assignments receive only 50% of graded amount (no exceptions).
I prefer that you weave your dance shape analysis / terminology / personal reflection assignment into one narrative,
with a goal of synthesizing your in and outside of class movement experiences into a cohesive, thoughtful whole.
Please be thorough without being verbose.
Grading Criteria:
‘A’ work: Papers that thoughtfully and effectively:
- Include accurate descriptions of the actions that occurred in the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) and major joints of the body (shoulder, hip, knee, ankle) that enable the dancers to take the shapes illustrated in the images **when compared to the neutral standing position**, also indicating if there was no change in any given joint from the neutral standing position.
- Use ample dance science and functional movement terminology to describe the movements of the body.
- Demonstrate your range of knowledge of modern dance movement concepts explored in class to analyze the images and describe the movements of the body.
- Incorporate a thoughtful and analytic personal reflection component into the dance shape analysis, including:
- Consideration of your initial goals.
- Exploration of relevant connections between the shapes analyzed and your in and and outside of class movement process.
- Instructor/peer/self suggestions and feedback thus far.
- Thorough evaluation of your individual progress specifically and general peer progress as you have observed in class.
- The use of ample dance science and functional movement terminology to describe the movements of the body.
- The clear articulation of your range of knowledge of modern dance movement concepts explored in class to analyze the images and describe the movements of the body.
- An outline (and/or assessment/revision) of a current strategy for your continued growth and process.
- Consider the entire collection of material and points of view experienced in relation to this class thus far (videos, live performances, guest instructors, etc.).
- Demonstrate effective, correct and aesthetic written communication skills.
- Synthesize the components of the assignment into a thoughtful, effective, interesting and insightful narrative.