Course Catalogue

LJMU Partner Taught

1. Inform of the broad theories and principles of choreographic practice (composition skills and performance theory). 2. Develop an understanding of the choreographic creative process (current practice/ collaborative strategies/ multidisciplinary approaches). 3. Provide opportunity for the creation of time constrained compositions of work as a personal response to specific stimuli. 4. Understand the fundamental principles of aesthetics in dance.

Outline Syllabus:Through supervised experimentation students will explore the craft of choreography and identify fundamental principles of aesthetics. Students will learn the subject of choreography through an exploration of theory and practice. Choreographic studies will investigate the creative process and aesthetics and develop conventional choreographic skills. Structured and unstructured improvisational tasks and investigations into various creative stimuli will develop creative expression and an understanding of the key concepts of dance composition, style, technique, and artistic intention. A sense of aesthetics in dance will be developed through observation, experimentation with concepts and ideas, group discussions and critical analysis. A range of movement vocabulary will be studied, including but not limited to Contemporary, Classical and Commercial dance styles. Throughout the module students will develop their own creative process and work towards defining a personal movement vocabulary and signature style. Students will demonstrate this work through: • Various choreographic creations • A digital reflective journal The module will culminate in the submission of a comprehensive journal built throughout the duration of delivery that includes record keeping and reflection on the students’ own portfolio of choreographic works made. Choreographic Skills: Composition and Application 1. Choreographic elements: Form and structure, theme and variation, physics of movement (time, space and energy), musicality, style and technique, expression and art i.e. narrative, conceptual, abstract, technique. 2. Solo, duet and group choreography- motif and phrase work development; unison, can-on; repetition; partner work, i.e., compositional tools: binary, ternary, rondo forms; dynamic variation; contrast; climax; highlights; proportion and balance; symmetry; asymmetry; in-version; stillness; layering; logical sequencing; unity. The Creative Process: 1. Structured and unstructured improvisation, exploring various creative stimuli and different creative processes of key choreographers; conventional and current practitioners, such as William Forsythe, Marcos Morau, Akram Khan, Jan Fabre, Bob Fosse, Mia Michaels, Jack Cole, Andy Blankenbeuhler, Ryan Heffington, Boris Charmatz and other creatives as researched by the students. 2. Developing collaborative practice and multi-disciplinary approaches i.e., stagecraft –lighting design, costuming, live music/ voice, media, performance art, site specific performance. Aesthetics and Art: 1. Critical analysis and Aesthetics i.e., dance as an art form and as entertainment; meaning, significance, understanding and interpretation: audience perspective, kinaesthetic experience, conventional artistic intentions, creative processes, and performance set-tings. The practical sessions include the development of observational skills and experimentation with creative stimuli. The explorations undertaken within the module will be a mix of both solo and collaborative tasks/exercises.

Additional Information:The module is an introduction to Choreography techniques and signature styles drawn from several genres. Assessment is via a comprehensive journal built throughout the duration of the module and inclusive of choreographic creations made.