Booker T. Washington HSPVA Dance Department
Dance Theory II: Dance Kinesiology
Kate Walker: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION Dance Theory I-­‐IV orients students to the field of dance as an academic discipline, profession, and art form. To this end, this course arms students with information and processes of inquiry so as to facilitate their own decision making as they proceed in the field of dance. Topics to be covered may include: an introduction to dance as an art form; dance history; dance as a product of culture; the relationship of dance technique to the overall field: repertory, dance in entertainment-­‐jazz, musical theater, hip hop, ballroom; applied kinesiology as it relates to the efficiency of movement; career preparation; dance production; labanotation; and strategies for effective learning, professional engagement, and longevity in the discipline. Through extensive viewing of video and live dance performance and subsequent writings and discussions, students learn to identify, describe, analyze, and interpret choreographic practices, characteristics of performers, different uses of production elements, and the aesthetic, political, social, and cultural contexts that characterize the state of the art today. Dance Kinesiology is an introduction for the dance student to the area of dance kinesiology and its growing importance in the science of dance training. Students will become familiar with the anatomical make up of the human body, specifically bones, joints and muscles and how they function together to produce movements. Students will also be introduced to potential issues as it relates to dance movements that are precursors to injuries and ways of alleviating these conditions. The wellness of the dancer in training will be examined, by exploring potential issues as it relates to dance movements that are precursors to injuries and ways of alleviating these conditions. Finally, a look at various body conditioning techniques, facilitated by special guest(s), will also inform the student on possible approaches in ensuring longevity in one’s dance career. COURSE REQUIRMENTS Please arrive on time and prepared for class! Attendance is mandatory for success in this course. It is important that you review all materials covered in each class. Assignments will be in the form of class-­‐work and homework. Where possible, planned field-­‐trips or guest speakers will help to foster information learned in this course. Quizzes and tests will be given throughout the semester, with make-­‐up work available upon request. The semester culminates with a comprehensive final exam. EVALUATION BTWHSPVA Dance Department: 2013-2014
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Booker T. Washington HSPVA Dance Department
Dance Theory II: Dance Kinesiology
Kate Walker: [email protected]
Participation 40% Classroom discussion Homework Classwork Skill 25% Quizzes/Tests Assignments Improvement Effort 20% Six Weeks Grade Six Weeks Test 15% COURSE SCHEDULE First Six Weeks: INTRODUCTION/THE SKELETON Week 1 -­‐ Introduction: What is kinesiology? Body Types/Posture/Alignment Planes of motion and Axis of rotation Anatomical Terms (describing location) Week 2 -­‐ The Human Skeleton Functions of Bones, types of bones, and bone structure Identifying bones and landmarks on bones Week 3 -­‐ Identifying bones and land marks on bones continues Anatomical Terms (describing joint action) Introduction to movement analysis (observing students during studio work) Week 4 -­‐ Disorders and injuries to the skeleton Movement analysis (planes of action and joint action) Week 5 -­‐ Human Joint structure and function Identifying types of joints found in the body Identifying function of joints found in the body Week 6 -­‐ Specific joint structure and function/injuries Upper and lower body Second Six Weeks: MUSCLES Week 7 -­‐ Introduction Principles of movement BTWHSPVA Dance Department: 2013-2014
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Booker T. Washington HSPVA Dance Department
Dance Theory II: Dance Kinesiology
Kate Walker: [email protected]
Week 8 -­‐ Week 9 -­‐ Proprioception Types of muscular contractions Classification of muscles Roles muscles play in movement Origin, Insertion and Action of major muscles Upper Body Origin, Insertion and Action of major muscles Trunk Origin, Insertion and Action of major muscles Lower Body Review Movement Analysis problems and issues Misalignments and Muscular imbalances common in dance Week 10 -­‐ Week 11 -­‐ Week 12 -­‐ Third Six Weeks: DANCE INJURY PREVENTION AND CARE Week 13 -­‐ The psychology of the injured dancer Week 14 -­‐ Types of injury Week 15 -­‐ Training and Conditioning for Dancers *Guest(s): One or more guests who practice and/or teach a particular body therapy will speak to the class, or lead the class through a therapy session. Week 16 -­‐ Body Condition Therapies *Guest(s): One or more guests who practice and/or teach a particular body therapy will speak to the class, or lead the class through a therapy session. Week 17 -­‐ Practical Application of Injury Prevention *Guest(s): One or more guests who practice and/or teach a particular body therapy will speak to the class, or lead the class through a therapy session. Week 18 -­‐ Final Review BTWHSPVA Dance Department: 2013-2014
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