DANCE 1211
Modern Dance I-A
FALL 2007
Instructor: Karen Stokes
Place/Class Date/TIME: Melcher Gym 230,Monday & Wednesdays 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Office: Wortham 133E; Email: kstokes@uh.edu
Office Hours: TBA in class
. . . that instant of seeming stillness when the body is poised for most intense, most
subtle action, (is) the body at its moment of greatest potential efficiency. People often
say that the posture of this dancer or that dancer or of all dancers is not natural. I ask,
“Not natural to what? Natural to joy, sorrow, pain, relaxation, exaltation, elevation,
fall?”
-Martha GrahamDescription:
This is beginning modern dance technique class. We will be working on modern dance
technique, conditioning, and performance techniques. This course is influenced by
elements from the modern techniques and styles of Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Dan
Wagoner, and Jose Limon.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop strength, stamina, alignment, coordination, flexibility, speed of
comprehension and execution. The body is a sophisticated instrument that
requires specific versatility in order to realize the athletic and aesthetic demands
of modern dance.
2. Introduce qualities and expressions of dance performance. This encompasses
performance skills such as dynamics (use of force/energy), clarity of intention and
focus, and spatial awareness.
3. Introduce importance of understanding of the use of time in dance. Rhythm,
tempo, meter and phrasing play critical roles in modern dance.
4. Integration of critical thinking as a necessary component to the holistic education
of the dancer through exercises, discussions, and readings.
Assignments:
 Readings and short assignments to be announced in class. If absent, student is
responsible for obtaining assignment from instructor or another student: 10%
 Summary of Texas Contemporary Dance concert (at Miller Theater in September 21
& 22.) Two pages typed. Due date: Monday, October 8, 2007: 10%
 Paper on the elements presented in “Framing Dance: An Interactive Dance Education
Event” on November 3rd (7:30 p.m.) at Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center Downtown
Houston. Three-five pages typed. Due: Wednesday November 14, 2007. Student
Tickets; $5.00. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UPS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.
CLEAR THE DATE NOW! 15%
Attendance:
This is an activity/participation class. THERE IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN AN
EXCUSED OR AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. Doctor’s excuses do not make an
absence “excused.” Participation is crucial to learning dance. Lack of participation
through absences will affect your grade. If an injury or non-contagious illness prevents
you from participating in a class, the student should view the class (sit-out) and take
thoughtful notes. More than 2 sit-outs will affect your grade. Coming to class late and/or
leaving class early will negatively impact your overall grade. Please carefully read the
SOTD attendance policy. NOTE: The instructors will not automatically drop a student
due to lack of attendance.
MAKE UP for absence:
Instructor will permit ONE make up through participating in Friday Afternoon Dance.
Student must participate through showing choreography or performing in another
students choreography. FAD dates: Friday Afternoon Dance are required for students
who are auditioning works for student concert. Dates posted in dance studio.
GRADING
Students are evaluated individually in terms of his/her progress. Progress includes the
following: ability to consistently participate with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, and
improvement in the objectives listed.
Midterm Technique Progress & Evaluation* ....................................................30%
Final Technique Progress Exam/Evaluation......................................................30%
Texas Contemporary Dance Summary………………………………10%
Judging Dance Paper…………………………………………………15%
TBA (reading & other) Assignments & Discussion Participation…….10%
Dance Orientation on Friday August 24 at 4:00 p.m. – Mandatory attendance**
Student Dance Concert on December 1 & 2, Wortham Theater – Mandatory
attendance**
**Three point deduction to overall grade for missing a mandatory event.
*TECHNIQUE Progress & EVALUATION BREAKDOWN for DAN 1211:
5% Ability to pick up sequences
10% Demonstrated improvement in alignment
5% Increased flexibility
5% Increased strength
5% Improvement in overall coordination
Dress Requirements:
Dance clothes and bare feet. Excessive layering and baggy clothes are not recommended.
Hair must be worn away from the face. No jewelry.
SOTD GPA Protocol: Students in a degree plan in dance or theater must adhere to the
School of Theater & Dance GPA protocol; posted in MEL 230.
OTHER: NO CELLPHONE ON IN CLASS. Bring Water to drink in class. There will
be no breaks in class – have your water accessible.