Carnegie Mellon University
CFA- School of Music
Course Number: 57-112 Movement and Dance II - Modern Dance/Ballet Basics
LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Michele de la Reza
CONTACT: michele@attacktheatre.com or 412.281.3305
SEMESTER:
Spring 2012
Wednesday & Friday 12:00pm – 1:20pm
Skibo Hall – Small Gym
COURSE SCHEDULE: January 18 – May 4, 2012
March 7
Midterm Exam
May 4
Final Exam
Week of January 23
CMU Opera Production (No classes)
March 9 – 16
Spring Break (No classes)
MOVEMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The CMU School of Music movement curriculum is designed to expose singers to various
styles and genres of contemporary and traditional forms of dance and movement. Students
will increase their technical proficiency and personal artistry in dance in order to expand
their physical skills as vocal performance artists.
With a focus on creativity and expression in movement, these courses concentrate on
developing the body as an articulate and expressive instrument in the artistic process. The
CMU Music movement curriculum will include movement fundamentals, modern dance,
ballet, partnering, dance composition/improvisation; as well as mini-courses in dance forms
including stage combat, Flamenco dance, pilates and ballroom dance.
Attack Theatre is the dance company in residence for Carnegie Mellon University’s School
of Music.
Company members may assist with classes, rehearsals and choreography
creating an opportunity for students to interact with the professional performers as
instructors and participants in class. More information about Attack Theatre may be found
at www.attacktheatre.com
GENERAL PROGRESSION OF MOVEMENT PROGRAM
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Year One
Fundamentals
Modern Dance / Ballet Basics
Year Two
Modern Dance
Improvisation, Partnering and Props
Modern Dance
This course explores modern dance technique through the exploration of momentum and
release in the body, movement phrasing and dynamics, movement initiations, inversions
and floor work.
Ballet Basics
This course is designed to increase flexibility, balance and articulation through the execution
of classical ballet vocabulary and alignment to enhance strength and fluidity in performance.
Mini Workshops
These classes, held each year and taught by specialists, are an intensive period of study
around a specific movement concept including but not limited to: stage combat, ballroom
dancing, tai-chi, yoga and pilates.
OBJECTIVES:
• The student should improve posture, flexibility and strength.
• The student should develop kinesthetic awareness and physical confidence
through structured and improvisational movement based activities.
• The student should analyze and explore principles of movement.
• The student s h o u l d work individually and cooperatively to explore creative
and improvisational concepts to generate movement.
• The student should expand movement vocabulary and enhance ability to perform
basic dance vocabulary.
ASSESSMENT:
The student will be assessed by:
• Demonstrating sound alignment principles while performing class phrases as an
individual and in groups.
• Participating fully in full class and peer discussions.
• Demonstrating understanding and mastery of basic dance vocabulary as part of inclass assignments.
• Demonstrating understanding of concepts in all creative assignments performed in
class.
• Completion of all journal assignments.
• Completion and demonstration of concepts in all written assignments.
SUPPLIES:
• Dance notebook/journal and pen
• Tights, running tights, leggings or biker/short tights
• Leotards, unitards, form-fitting exercise tanks, Men - solid-colored form-fitting tops
• Bare feet. Ballet shoes or socks will be required for ballet class
• In winter months, warmer clothing may be worn at the beginning of class
• Attire for mini-workshops and master classes will be specified by the instructor
REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Regular and prompt attendance
2.
Cooperative and active participation in class
3.
Constructive and positive use of corrections and feedback
4.
Completion of all assignments
5.
Adherence to all protocols and policies
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PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES
1. Attendance: Prompt and regular attendance is essential to acquiring and improving
performance, technical skills and class material. Students are allowed 2 absences
before the grade is affected. 3 absences result in a decrease of 10 points of your
attendance grade, 4 absences result in a decrease of 20 points, 5 absences result in
a decrease of 30 points, 6 absences result in a decrease of 40 points. Students are
not permitted to make-up unexcused absences.
2. Excused absences: Students may be excused for auditions to graduate schools and
for approved professional opportunities. Students may be excused for extreme and
extended illnesses as documented by a doctor. Students may be excused for family
emergencies such as death or severe illness. In order to receive an approved
absence, students must submit the following PRIOR to the date of absence.
Please see Sharon Johnston if you have any questions regarding the definition of an
excused absence
a. A typed description that includes: Name of Student, Course Number/Name,
Date of Absence(s), Reason for Absence.
b. The above description may be emailed to the instructor.
3. Injury and illness: Students with injuries or non-contagious illnesses are expected to
attend and observe class. Three observations in one semester will equal one
absence.
4. Instructors will determine if any attire is unsuitable for the specific class. Hair should
be free from the neck and face. Jewelry and gum chewing are not permitted.
5. Students are not permitted to change clothes or use the inner room of the dance
studio.
6. There is to be no food or drink in the studio at any time. Water bottles are allowed
and encouraged.
GRADING POLICY
A = 90 – 100 points
B = 80 – 89 points
C = 70 – 79 points
D = 60 – 69 points
F = 59 points and below
50 points
30 points
10 points
10 points
Attendance
Participation in class, completion of assignments and physical improvement
and demonstration of skill acquisition
Mid Term
Final Examination
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