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Deree Event
Jul
13
DA 2019
LE Ancient Greek Themes in Modern and Contemporary Dance
- US Credits: 3/0/3
Catalog Description
Ancient Greek themes in 20th and 21st century theatre-dance through the works and practice of modern and contemporary choreographers.
Rationale
The course examines significant choreographers and works from the western repertory, which draw inspiration from the ancient Greek culture. This course examines the influence of the Apollonian/Dionysian elements in dance and choreographic practices of the 20th century. Students will be introduced to both modern and contemporary approaches to mythology, through an analysis of selected pieces of the repertory. Through readings and video presentations that reflect the above, students will be introduced to basic choreographic practices. This course may be of particular interest to students that are interested in classical studies, dance history, dance and theatre.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of choreographic works in relation to modern and contemporary approaches to mythology.
- Identify key choreographers and the artistic movements to which they belong.
- Discuss main themes and practices of choreographers in relation to ancient Greek culture.
- Demonstrate understanding of choreographic works of the western repertory.
- Experiment with the creation of movement/dance based on specific thematic concepts.
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Lectures, class discussions, video presentations.
- Workshops
- Office hours where students can discuss with instructor their concerns over ongoing projects.
- Use of a Blackboard site where lecture notes, assignment instructions, announcements, and other materials related to the module are posted.
Summative:
| First Assessment: Midterm Exam | 40% |
| Second Assessment: Short Solo Piece | 20% |
| Final Assessment: Final Exam | 40% |
Formative:
| In class participation | 0 |
| In class practical exercises | 0 |
The formative “In class participation” aims to prepare students for midterm and final examination.
The formative “In class practical exercises” aims to prepare students for the solo creation.
First Assessment tests Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3
Second Assessment tests Learning Outcome 5
Final Assessment tests Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
The final grade for this module will be determined by averaging all summative assessment grades, based on the predetermined weights for each assessment. Students are not required to resit failed assessments in this module.
Failure to pass the module results in module repeat.
REQUIRED READING:
- In-class notes.
- Selected Chapters from:
- Macintosh, F. (ed.). The Ancient Dancer in the Modern World. Responses to Greek and Roman Dance. Oxford University Press New York, Latest Edition.
- Nietzsche, F. The Birth of Tragedy. Oxford University Press, Latest Edition.
- Straus, R. Reception and Analysis of Nietzsche’s Apollonian and Dionysian Aesthetics in the Dance Scholarship, Criticism, and Choreographic Practice of Six Dance Figures: 1900-1948. Doctoral Thesis University of Roehampton London, 2019.
REQUIRED MATERIAL:
RECOMMENDED MATERIAL:
Use of correct English.
Word.
Posted on Blackboard.
- The notion of “orchesis” and the practice of dance in ancient Greece.
- The perception of dance in Greek culture through textual sources (e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Lucian)
- War dances.
- The Dionysian festivals.
- Dance in the ancient drama.
- Friedrich Nietzsche - The Birth of Tragedy.
- The Apollonian/Dionysian elements as inspiration for the work and practice of modern dancers/choreographers and the road towards the creation of a new form (e.g. Isadora Duncan, Mary Wigman).
- Rudolf Laban’s movement choirs.
- Greek antiquity as inspiration for breaking the ballet canon (e.g. Vaslav Nijinsky).
- Greek mythology in the works of Martha Graham, the female hero in the proscenium and the challenge of the canon.
- Contemporary interpretations of myths (e.g. Pina Bausch, Anjelin Preljocaj, Mark Morris, Russell Maliphant).
- An introduction to basic choreographic practices (improvising and structuring movement).
