Artistic Practice I (BDA712)
The course aims to give students a solid grounding in key areas that underpin a contemporary dancer's artistic practice: improvisation, composition, repertory and performance.
Students will expand their personal movement vocabulary, develop an understanding of the connection between improvisation and composition, as well learn to apply compositional tools and methods in their own creative work, both solo, in groups and in interaction with musicians.
In the repertory and performance component of the course, the students work with several choreographic works, both selected repertory in a studio setting and new choreography, as well as student created works. Performances include both informal studio showings and public performances onstage.
Through working with the different elements in the course, the students are made aware of the different roles of a dance artist and learn to reflect on their own knowledge and experience in light of tradition, identity and renewal.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
BDA712
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
2
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Content
Two seminars allow students to integrate their experiences and tie together knowledge gained from the different components og the course:
- An introductory seminar in which students explore their identity as performers
- a mid-year seminar in which they reflect on a choreographic process
Students are introduced to improvisation as a fundamental working method in contemporary dance, both as an exploration platform, a means of developing a personal movement language, a source of choreographic material, a performance form and, in the case of contact improvisation, an entire movement practice on its own.
The study of the use of compositional elements and tools, as well as the methods of relevant dance artists, informs students’ work on developing solo, duet, and smaller group dances.
Work in the studio with selected repertory is organized in short modules culminating in studio showings and group discussion. Larger projects lead to public performance of new works by established choreographers.
Learning outcome
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge
- understand improvisation as an artistic tool and method.
- have knowledge of relevant dance artists and their methods in improvisation and composition.
- understand and reflect upon their own role as a performing and co-creative dancer in work with repertoire and choreographic processes.
Skills
- understand fundamental principles, tools and methods of improvisation and composition and apply these both to their own creative and performance work.
- use improvisation as a source for development and expansion of their own personal movement vocabulary, bodily reflection and creative work.
- use a variety of improvisation methods in their own exploration and in collaboration with other performers and choreographers.
- use compositional tools and methods to express a physical idea or concept and in the creation of short choreographic studies/works.
- write and talk about their own performing skills associated with choreographic processes.
GeneralCompetence
- collaborate with others in creative and performative processes.
- work independently with creative processes.
- reflect on and discuss verbally and in writing their own work in various process and performance related situations.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
Portfolio assessment based on the following required elements:Written journalCreation of minimum 2 compositional studies1 written assignmentParticipation in 2 open showings and 2 public performances.Assignments in the subject are delivered in Norwegian or English. Swedish and Danish are also permitted.
Coursework requirements
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Brynjar Åbel BandlienStudy Adviser:
Lena Crosby HaugMethod of work
Group teaching including practical work, observation critical reflection and discussion
Practical tasks
Presentation of independent creative work
Written assignments
Rehearsals and performances
The subject is organized in weekly teaching activities. However, the teaching activity can entirely or partly be organized as intensive modules in periods of the academic year. The subject can also have a combination of weekly teaching and intensive modules.
