THEA 181 01 MODERN I – FALL 2008
Instructor: Jimena Bermejo
Cell phone: 617-372 2079
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon & Wed, 9-10am by appointment, O’Kane 464
Modern 1 is a course for students with no previous dance experience. The course will cover the
fundamental terminology and principles of modern technique. The course will emphasize an
awareness of alignment, basic modern dance vocabulary, musicality, creativity and introduce
important historical figures.
Dance at Holy Cross is taught in the context of a liberal arts theatre program. Studio work should be
viewed in the context of dance as an art form that shares theoretical concerns with other artistic and
humanistic disciplines. Academic work provides an opportunity to reflect on studio work and supports
an understanding of modern dance in relationship to twentieth century culture.
Format
Modern I follow a traditional modern dance structure. Warm up material emphasizes uses of the spine,
finding the center, foot work, flexibility and strength. Center work focuses on locomotor movement,
full dance phrases and improvisation. A section of this class will involve learning about modern dance
history through readings, presentations and video viewings.
Instructional Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate proper body alignment while performing basic modern dance combinations.
2. Evaluate basic movement skills in terms of space, time, and energy and reproduce accurately through
movement of their own body.
4. Define and identify basic dance terminology.
5. Evaluate dance concert/video in terms of choreography, performance, and theatrical elements.
6. Perform beginning level modern dance combinations
7. Learn about the history of modern dance
Classroom Etiquette
Latecomers are distracting and risk injury because they are not warmed up properly, so no participation in
class will be permitted if more than 10 minutes late. Walking out of class without permission is rude to the
teacher. Show courtesy to your fellow dancers by not crowding, walking in front of others dancing, stopping
in the middle of a traveling combination, or otherwise disrupting the pace of the class. No smoking, eating, or
gum chewing is permitted in the studio. Please inform instructor prior to class if you must leave early.
Attire
Bare feet are recommended, but ballet slippers or socks can be substituted if the studio is cold. Dance
attire including leotards and tights, leggings or sweatpants are preferred. Loose fitting clothing should
be avoided as it inhibits the instructor’s ability to give feedback on alignment.
Students may bring a water bottle to class. Chewing gum and eating are prohibited. Hair should be tied
back and secured away from the face; jewelry should be kept to a minimum for reasons of safety. Cell
phones should be turned off during class.
Requirements (see appendix)
Attendance: This means all classes without exception.
Participation- Participation includes arriving to class on time, physically participating in all exercises,
paying attention to the instructor as well as fellow students, and having a positive attitude.
Concert attendance: Attendance is mandatory at the following two events. Michael Jahoda
Wednesday October 22nd at 5PM at The Pit and David Parker & The Bang Group Wednesday
November 12th at 5PM at The Pit.
Students are required to write a 4 p. paper for each of the performances.
Assignments
Presentations-Students will research a Modern Dance choreographer and give a presentation about
this artist. (PowerPoint is recommended) Students must hand in a paper version of the presentation and
a study guide and any other material that would help classmates study for the tests.
Reading and Writing assignmentsSeveral readings might be given throughout the semester.
Some readings will be accompanied by questions that will be answered in 1-2 page papers.
Video viewings will be an important part of this class. Students will be expected to watch actively,
take notes, discuss and ask questions about what we watch.
Please remember that employing secondary sources of any kind ~ including the Internet ~ without
citing them constitutes plagiarism, which is a serious offense. The college has a strict policy on
plagiarism and other kinds of academic dishonesty
Movement Projects: Over the course of the semester we will be working on short movement studies.
By the end of the semester everyone should be involved in a solo or group piece.
Final project:
Students will prepare a presentation, short dance piece or video/dance to show in class. Collaboration
with students in other classes (theater, film etc.) is encouraged
The nature of studio dance technique work may require physical contact between students and
faculty and among students. Please inform the professor if you have any physical or psychological
conditions that may affect your participation in this course. If you have any physical disabilities or
learning disabilities that may impact your participation please discuss them with me at the
beginning of the semester.
Modern Dance 1-2
CLASS PRESENTATIONS
Choose one of the following names.
Presentation date
The Forerunners
Isadora Duncan
Loie Fuller
Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn
Katherine Dunham
Hanya Holm
The Four Pioneers
Martha Graham
Doris Humphrey
The Second Generation
Jose Limon
Anna Sokolow
Alwin Nikolais
Paul Taylor
Alvin Aiely
Merce Cunninham
Post-Modernists
Yvonne Rainer
Trisha Brown
Twyla Tharp
The New Vision
Mark Morris
Bill T. Jones
Mats Ek
William Forsythe
Student’s name
Appendix
Attendance and Participation Expectations:
Attendance (“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen)
1. Four absences will result in a failing grade.
2. Three tardies = one absence.
3. If it is necessary to leave class early, inform me ahead of time.
4. It is not possible to make up any missed classes.
5. Attending but not participating: If you are well enough to attend but cannot physically participate due to an injury or a noninfectious illness, you can receive attendance credit by watching the full class and completing an in-class assessment, to be
submitted at the end of the class period. You may exercise this option only twice.
6. If you arrive after roll is called, you must see me after class to ensure that you are marked as present.
Participation:
Dance class requires an unusual amount of effort and focus, unlike other academic classes you might be used to. Students
should demonstrate:
1. Appropriate and positive class behaviors and etiquette
2. Full, uninhibited effort
3. Consistent focus and concentration
4. Open attitude and willingness to try
5. Application of corrections to self
Writing Assignments and Projects:
Criteria for all writing:
The purpose of these writing is to develop proficiency in communication and complex thought processes.
Good writing should convey your ideas clearly and precisely and should not have an informal, conversational quality; it
should consist of well-constructed sentences, paragraphs and overall organization. Think carefully and evaluate constantly
whether what you’re writing is exactly what you mean to express. It is your chance to present your ideas perfectly.
There are three assignments required:
1. Observation Assignment – this will consist of an informal collection of focused responses to dance videos shown in or
outside class.
2. Reaction Paper – this takes the process to the next step of assembling your observations into a formal piece of writing that
conveys your ideas and opinions about the concert as a whole. You will use the a live TBA performance as your subject.
3. Presentation –Students will give a presentation, hand in a study guide and any other material that would help classmates
study for quiz. Topics will be provided on the first week of classes. The use of PowerPoint is recommended.
Assessment
You will participate in a movement-based quiz, 2 written quizzes and a final movement project.
Movement quiz will consist of a set of phrases that reflects material taken from the classes given as yet. The student will
already have experienced all the movements in this combination, but will have to effectively apply the concepts discussed in
the semester thus far
Grading
A = Outstanding, extraordinary, above and beyond, exemplary, contributes in expected and unexpected ways, a role model, top of the class, no question about it
B = Very fine and good work, consistent improvement throughout semester, actively contributes to class, clear and well executed material, a leader
C= Grasps all concepts and executes material. Submits all work on time and consistently participates in class.
D= Attends class, improvement and comprehension of material passable, but below average.
F= Failure to understand and/or execute material.