DCE 230: SOMATIC PRACTICES IN DANCE -

Spring 2008

COURSE NUMBER: 230

COURSE TITLE: Somatic Practices in Dance

TIME: Mondays 3:30 – 6:15 pm

CREDITS: 1

PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES: None

LEVEL: Dance majors or those intending to declare a major in dance.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Glenna Batson

Guest Lecturer

Office: (336) 323-xxxx

Cell: (919) 619-0008

glenna@mindspring.com

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION:

The study of somatic practices in dance. Students will explore and discuss issues related to somatic body practices. Topics include body awareness, alignment, movement observation, and injury prevention.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Since the 1970's, somatic practices ("somatics") have been considered adjuncts to dance training, offering dancers another vantage point about the perceiving body. Though certain concepts from somatics have been substantiated in movement science, little is known about how to integrate somatic approaches into dance training. In this class, students will draw from elements of various somatic practices to improve dance performance. These elements, applied within the context of traditional dance technique, will serve as a springboard for discussion, evaluation, and personal application.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Assess their body alignment and habitual tension patterns.

2. Apply what they have learned from somatic approaches to improve alignment and efficacy of movement.

3. Describe changes in dancing and expressivity as a result of practicing somatic approaches.

4. Observe and identify body issues relevant to themselves and other students/dancers.

5. Develop strategies for future somatic practice.

TEACHING STRATEGIES:

Guided movement explorations, discussion, and analysis (both written and verbal) will be included in the teaching strategies. Personal investigations, partner work, and group work will be included in the learning laboratory.

EVALUATION METHODS AND GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENTS:

Grading Criteria (based on 100 points earned):

1. Attendance (30 points)

2. Participation, including no more than 2 class presentations (40 points)

3. Written assignments (Respond & Record Template*) (30 points)

Explanation:

1. Attendance: This is an experiential class. In order to learn and progress, students must be present, attentive, and open. If a student misses more than two classes her/his final grade will be lowered 5 points for each additional unexcused absence. Two latenesses of more than 10 minutes will equal one absence. Students must actively participate in a minimum of 80% (at least 24 classes) of the classes in order to receive a passing grade.

2. Participation: In addition to attending, students are required to participate fully, and contribute to class discussion, self-observation, and peer-observation. Lack of participation or excessive absences may lower the participation grade. Each student will be required to present a summary of his/her learning at two different times during the semester. Guidelines for these presentations will be elaborated in class well in advance of presentation time.

3. Respond & Record Weekly Assignments: Every week, students will be asked to conduct 3 short guided practices of a specific somatic technique and record their reflections. I will review these assignments and bring emergent behavioral themes to the class to be discussed and explored. Please note that I will assure anonymity. No personal identifiers will be attached to any theme discussed.

Course Grading Scale

90- 100 A

79 – 89 B

68 – 78 C

57-67 D

Below 57 F

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) No cell phones or beepers, chewing gum, eating, or studying of other notes during class

2) Please advise me if injury, body issues, learning styles, or any emergency is impacting on your performance in this class.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE:

"All work undertaken for academic credit at UNCG is governed by the Academic Honor Policy, which provides that all study be carried out in good faith and with due regard for the integrity of the learning process. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for ensuring that learning proceeds uncompromised by breaches of academic integrity and for ensuring that the Academic Honor Policy is recognized as the imperative governing all academic work at the university." (UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin, 2001-2002, p. 31).

All students are expected to know and abide by the UNCG Academic Honor Code. On all course work and papers, each student shall add the following statement:

"I have abided by the UNCG Academic Honor Policy on this assignment or examination."

______________________ Signature ___________________ Date

CLASS SCHEDULE

Please note that weekly articles will be assigned according to the nature of class discussion and level of learning.

DATE	TOPIC
Jan 14	Comparing Somatic Education with Dance Training - Similarities & Differences
Jan 21	MLK, Jr. Holiday, no class
Jan 28	The Body Map
Feb 4	Alignment - Establishing & Inviting Change
Feb 11	Intentionality & Habit
Feb 18	How Somatics informs Roll Downs & Plies
M - Feb 25	Stretching - A Somatic Approach
M - Mar 3	How Somatics informs Tendus & Battements
W - Mar 5	Mid-Term Presentations & Discussion
	March 10^th -12^th Spring Break
M - Mar 24	Porte des Bras
M - Mar 31	Wildcard!
M - Apr 7	Practice Conditions - Cycles of Rest & Activity
M - Apr 14	Jumping & Leaping
M - Apr 21	Locomotor Patterns
M - Apr 28	Body Extensions - Technobody
M - May 5	Final Presentations & Discussion