INTRODUCTION TO CHOREOGRAPHY
DANCE 452
Instructor: Laurienne Singer 323-953-4000 x2865 singerl2@lacitycollege.edu
Welcome to Choreography class! I hope you like to Dance and have experience in
Dance. This is not a class for beginning students of dance. This class is for students that
have had experience in one or more genres of dance and are willing to share their
knowledge and also be physically, psychologically, and emotionally able to pick up other
people’s movement. You must be willing to follow as well as lead. If you were taking an
English Creative writing class, you would need to know the language of English and be
capable of writing in English in order to write a paragraph or short story. So it is in
Choreography, you will be composing movement, you need to have a working
vocabulary to do so and be physically able to execute the movement. A prerequisite of
Ballet, Modern or Jazz is required for this class, preferably taken at the community
college level. If you are experienced in another genre such as poppin, hip-hop, krumping,
social, flamenco, belly dance or tap, admission to this class is by audition and approval
by the instructor. This is also the case if you have taken dance or have a dance
background from other sources. One must receive the instructor’s approval for
participation in the class. This class is only available to repeatability for 4 semesters.
Each time the student must show progress and growth, acquiring more sophistication in
choreographic skills.
Teamwork is important! It is a lesson on learning to be a good leader and a good
follower. If you are assigned a choreographer’s piece, it is your responsibility to make
sure you participate fully in rehearsals and presentation. If you are the choreographer, it is
your responsibility to come prepared and be willing to work creatively with the dancers
in your piece. The choreographer needs to make sure everyone understands his or her
intention in the movement and must observe to see that intention is being executed and
the dancers look as you envisioned them. The dancer needs to be sure of the
choreographer’s intention and do the best she or he can to execute it as asked.
The instructor reserves the right to the final word on all presentations. Presenting a
choreographic piece is expected of all students for the final. However this does not entitle
the choreographer to have their piece presented in the demonstration or evening concert
at the end of the semester. All pieces chosen for the demonstration and possibly the
concert are decided solely by the decision of the instructor and possibly other dance
faculty. There will be no exceptions to this rule. There will be an announcement as to
the dates of the demonstration and concert. If you know you are unable to dance in those
time frames, you must tell the instructor and your choreographer immediately, so other
arrangements can be made. It is unacceptable to inform fellow students and instructor of
lack of availability to perform, one or two weeks before the performance, barring of
course unexpected uncontrollable disasters. Therefore, informing the instructor and
fellow students at the last minute or week before performance that you will be
unavailable to perform due to your working schedule is unacceptable. Once given the
time of performances, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to be present for
those time slots with your boss, family, boyfriend, teachers, etc…
It is not mandatory that you perform in the demo or concert, however once you make the
commitment to do so, you are expected to be present. This class is a performing dance
class, and the experience of performing in front of an audience is part of the education, if
the instructor feels that your piece is constructed well enough, and performed well
enough to warrant being in the program.
This class is designed to give you experience in making dances and learning techniques
that help you develop a greater vocabulary of movement for creating dance pieces. It is
also a class to help you become a more aware observer of dance, noting ways things work
and ways they don’t. Choreographers are like craftsmen. This class is designed to give
you some tools of the trade; to educate you on the elements of dance and to help you
learn how to utilize these tools for a finished piece.
For the final, everyone is expected to show a minimum 2 or 3-minute piece of your own
choreography, which includes a beginning, middle and end, a small phrase will not be
acceptable in passing the course! This can be a group piece, solo, or duet. People who
dance in two choreographer’s work or choreograph for a group do not have to do a solo.
Everyone who wishes to receive a grade in this class must be present and stay for the
entire final. The instructor must approve any exceptions before the day of the final. We
have been making a video of the final dances in class. So it is very important for you to
be present, so the dances may be recorded as they are executed with all members that are
involved being available to dance.
A written final will be given, based on the material we are able to cover during the
semester. It is possible a written mid-term may be required or a paper based on a
choreographer or a dance work. There will be assigned studies to work on and bring into
show at the following dance session. Each student is expected to do these studies A
handout will be given on what is expected to be included in the dance for the final or
Dance demonstration and final.
You will be given a series of studies that explore different elements that are intrinsic in a
good dance. For many of the studies you will work in small groups that may be randomly
assigned. Working in small groups will give you all the opportunity to experience the
different energies and spirits that are present. No clicks! We will work with the elements
of Dance, exploring Space, Time and Energy. We will define the difference between
Pantomime and Dance, exploring gesture through improvisations. We will explore Form,
developing phrases. Sometimes they will be based on specific themes or ideas. Creating
phrases of dance movement using specific music, understanding what a theme and
variation is, what an ABA form is, will be some of the studies explored. Exercises using
rhythm and time, space and different levels of effort, experimenting with different
dynamics and qualities of movement may all be elements of motion we will play with.
Working with props or, working with the spoken word, voice, and sound may all be
introduced as tools for creating a dance. Exploring life stories and feelings for dance
material, learning and creating movement phrases with repetitions, variations and
inversions may be explored, Following or teaching phrases or full dances to others,
breaking up into different designs, patterns, groupings and styles might be explored.
Exits, entrances and bows will be included in our studies. Lots of Improvisation! Some or
all of these exercises may be employed as well as others not mentioned.
Both improvisational and choreographed studies hopefully will give you the tools needed
for you to create the final dance.
REHEARSAL SPACE
Last semester, I became aware that the students did not know how to rehearse many
different dances is one room. Everyone must work without music, just counts and then
after an agreed upon time, each group plays their music twice through, given pieces are
no longer than 3 minutes. Than they resume working without music, tightening and
refining movement through counts or emotional rhythm or breath.
It may be necessary for you to have rehearsals outside of the class period. There are rules
for this if you desire to use studio space at LACC. There are forms and a procedure
necessary if accessing LACC studio space outside of class time. Students may only use
studio space if they have gotten the approval of an attending dance instructor that will be
in the building while the students are rehearsing. It is imperative that you clear it with the
dance instructor before their class starts, their class must not be interrupted after they
have begun teaching with requests to use a dance studio. It is always at the prerogative of
the instructor in charge whether they will allow you to use the studio. If the instructor
declines access, than you must find another place to get together for your rehearsal,
outside of the studios. You must vacate the space when your time is finished.
Your grade will be based on A) Attendance and effort B) Completing each assignment at
the appropriate time (as given studies will be assigned) C) Willingness to work with each
other and make the studies resonate for you D) Willingness to find authentic movement
and truth in your studies. E) Willingness to be open and work in a friendly manner with
your classmates, and your instructor. F) Once committing yourself to a piece, ability to
follow through and keep your word, being present for performances and rehearsals, on
time and in a professional manner, keeping your commitments G) Ability to take
constructive criticisms and maintain an attitude of curiosity and openness when working
with ALL members of the class. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE is essential for constructive,
positive outcomes. The desire to learn and grow in a friendly manner is most important.
ATTENDANCE
Getting here on time, and staying for the entire session, is mandatory! Attendance is
extremely important, your grade is 50% based on being present, on time, ready to work
and staying until the end. This is a class of physical endeavor; therefore you need to be
present to do the work.
RULES OF THE CLASS:
Arrive on time. AT 1:30 P.M.
YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE CLASS IF YOU ARE LATER THAN 20
MINUTES. The doors will be closed at 1:50.Roll will be taken 1:40 YOU WILL NOT
BE ALLOWED IN THE CLASS, IF YOU ARRIVE LATER THAN 1:50. You are
expected to be dressed and ready to go. 3 tardys constitute one absence (A tardy is before
1:50) an absence is after 1:50. Three absences is a D, 4 are a failing grade. You are
allowed one absence without penalty. Try not to be late, and no later than 1:50. If you are
late, it is your responsibility to make sure I record that you were present in the class, also
make sure to warm–up your muscles sufficiently to avoid injury. Try not to miss more
than 1class. 4 classes is a failing grade. If you decide to quit the class, please inform the
instructor and all people involved in the dances you are in. It is your responsibility to
withdraw. If you have missed more than 3 classes and your name appears on the roll at
the end of the semester, you receive an “F”. If you are willing to commit yourself to
starting and finishing the class, you will be graded on individual endeavor, attitude and
performance.
WARMING-UP, ATTIRE, NO FOOD IN CLASSROOMS, WATER IMPORTANT!
We will have a warm-up at the beginning of class, however you are responsible for
getting your body warm and ready to dance for the piece you are working on, if there are
lifts, leaps and other strenuous movement, it is your responsibility to be prepared. If you
are doing knee work, you need to have kneepads. Arrive CLEAN in movement attire that
allows freedom of motion, no jeans, if you wear shorts make sure they are tight around
the legs in case you do inversions or open swings. NO GUM! Bring water, but no glass in
the classroom and NO FOOD! Gatorade or other sugary drinks are not allowed in the
classroom due to ants.
In the hot weather, it is important to keep hydrated. Always it is important to stay
hydrated. To determine how many ounces of water you need, divide your weight in half,
that is the number of ounces you need to be drinking a day, example if you weigh 120lbs
you need to have 60 oz of water approx 8 8ounce glasses
CONCERT, DEMONSTRATION AND FINAL DATES
If we decide we have works that we want to present in the concert, or perhaps we have a
group piece that we want to explore, extra rehearsals will possibly be necessary. The date
of the concert will be annouced. Tech rehearsal usually begins between 5 or 5; 30 pm; the
performance is 8pm. People must be able to commit themselves to that time slot. The
demonstration is on a Wednesday, (Date to be announced). The performance is from 12
to 1p.m; rehearsal in the space runs from approximately10am to 11am. It is imperative if
you are to dance in this performance you make yourself available for those time slots and
let everyone involved know if you will be available or not for those events within a week
of the date announced.
It is not responsible or respectful to fail to show -up when you are expected and depended
upon by the class, a choreographer, the instructor, fellow student or yourself. If you agree
to be in a piece then see to it that you commit yourself to being present for those
rehearsals and performance. This is part of professional training, and basic respectful
community training. Thus if you commit yourself to dancing, complete your
commitment, do not flake, or create emotional uproars or general disruptive actions that
affect the entire group. (See paper on disruptive behavior)
At the end of the semester, there are usually 3 opportunities to perform our work, one in a
demonstration at noon in the gym, one in the evening in the Theater, (The best works are
selected for this) and one in 202 for studio night that Ms. Jensen is in charge of and
auditions for……….AGAIN, this opportunity to perform is not an entitlement of being in
the class, but rather an invitation by the instructor and solely is the decision of the
instructor. However, if you are chosen and commit yourself to being in one of these
dances, it is imperative that you make sure you are present, and on time and are confident
of your role and part in the dance. That means you have practiced and are clear on what
you are to do. Students must schedule themselves to dance in only two pieces from our
class for the Thursday concert. If you are in other dance classes you might be asked to
dance in that class’s presentation. So in order for the program to work, it is essential you
do not over schedule yourself. For our class, only students in the class may appear in
pieces from this class.
To receive a passing grade it is 1) mandatory that you are present for the final of this
class and are able to stay for the whole time, Your grade will be based on 2) your
willingness to participate and practice, so your piece or the piece you dance in, is the best
it can be.3) You are dependable and arrive to class on time and are available for your
rehearsals.4) you are cooperative and demonstrate good team work, your attitude is
important 5) you complete the study assignments 6) pass all written tests and
assignments,7) you are capable of giving and receiving constructive criticism and are
able to help create a trusting atmosphere where people can explore and develop their
creative abilities
For our final, we may need another hour to finish, if so we will subtract one hour from
class time before reaching the end of the semester. If everyone arrives on time, we should
be able to finish in the given time slot.
In order to prevent injury, you are responsible for warming yourself up if the class does
not do it as a group, before participating in any performance or for your choreographic
assignment for the day. For a dancer, your body is your instrument that expresses through
movement the essence of the dance, so it is imperative you keep your instrument in good
condition, by assuring you get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, warm-up sufficiently, and
be mindful of your capabilities and limitations in terms of movements, flexibility,
strengths, energy and time. Stay alert and open to exploration of new ways to experience
your body through movement.
MOVEMENT/COSTUMES/PROPS Movement, costumes and props must be cleared and
approved by the instructor before performing in the concert, or demonstration. This is to
insure that actions and dress are appropriate for the college environment and to insure
that safety is secured for other dancers following your dance.
IT IS IMPERATIVE that you rehearse and practice in the clothes and shoes that you will
be performing in; this is so you know how the movement feels and whether it works and
achieves the necessary intent of the dance and feels right with the movement. It is very
upsetting to create a dance and then wear a heavy full skirt that drags the movement
down. Or practice barefooted when the dance demands boots or high heels or even soft
shoes that you have not practiced in, and wear them for the first time at tech rehearsal.
Any props used must be obtained by the third rehearsal and approved by the instructor
and must be practiced and utilized in the way intended during rehearsals. Since heels and
boots are not allowed in 202, dances using hard shoes must use 206 or 204 for rehearsal
during class time.
Any purchases for costumes or props that you would like the department to sponsor must
be approved early in the semester before purchasing. A formal request and the amount
necessary must be presented to the dance faculty for approval. Students purchasing
costumes and informing the instructor of this event the day of the concert will not be
reimbursed. Nor is it appropriate to ask the instructor to borrow money for accessories a
few days before performance. We have forms to formally request money for prop and
costume purchases. One must go through the proper steps to obtain supplies in this
manner. However due to the financial deficit LACC is now facing, money for costumes
may not be available.
May this semester open you to new experiences in creative expression through dance and
may you learn to do this with a sense of mindfulness and friendly engagement and
openness to discovering ways to dance and relate with one another with equanimity and
respect.
We have extra announcements this year. Please Note
Students with verified disability who may need a reasonable accommodation(s) for this
class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Office of Special services
(CH109, 323-963-4000ext.2270 as soon as possible. All information will remain
confidential.
Any student who feels she/he may need an academic accommodation
based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Special
Services (DSPS) at 323-953-4000, ext. 2270 or visit their office in room
SSV 100.
Important! Drop Date Information
The deadline to drop without a “W” is the last day of Week 2 (of the semester),
which is Sunday, September 9th for Fall 2012. If you must drop a course, drop
before the specified deadline for dropping a class without a grade of "W."
Dropping after Week 2 will result in a “W” on your transcript. Effective July 1,
2012 students will only have 3 attempts to pass a class. If a student gets a "W" or
grade of "D", "F", “I”, or "NP" in a class, that will count as an attempt. A student’s
past record of course attempts district wide will also be considered. Therefore,
before the end of Week 2 you should carefully consider if you can reasonably
manage this course with the other factors in your life (e.g. work, family, course
load). If you think you will not be able to complete this course with a C or
better, drop by Sunday, September 9th. If you have any questions, please
don’t hesitate to talk to me. You may also see a counselor in the Counseling
Center in AD 108.
If you need help paying for books and other college expenses,
call the Financial Aid Office at
(323) 953-4000 extension 2010,
or see them at Student Services Village room 117
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/