Overview
This introductory studio course develops foundational skills in contemporary dance technique, movement analysis, and choreographic composition. Technical training addresses alignment, posture, coordination, flexibility, strength, balance, spatial awareness, musicality, rhythm, dynamics, and safe movement practices through adaptable approaches drawn from modern, contemporary, ballet, jazz, and somatic practices.
Students investigate improvisation, motif development, repetition, variation, transition, phrase construction, spatial organization, timing, levels, partnering fundamentals, and relationships between movement and sound. Through structured improvisations, reflective journaling, choreographic analysis, and the creation of solo and group studies, students develop technical control, artistic intention, collaborative practice, and critical engagement with dance processes.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate developing technical control, alignment, body awareness, coordination, and safe movement practices in contemporary dance activities.
- Apply choreographic principles to generate, develop, organize, and revise movement material.
- Analyze the effects of space, time, energy, dynamics, rhythm, and form on choreographic meaning.
- Compose and present short solo and group studies using intentional movement, structural, and spatial choices.
- Collaborate respectfully in studio processes, including partnering, rehearsal, feedback, and collective decision-making.
- Evaluate personal and peer movement practices through specific, constructive feedback.
- Articulate connections among embodied practice, observation, choreographic intent, and reflective analysis.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Studio | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Studio participation and preparation | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Reflective process journal | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Movement studies (3 × 10%) | 30.00% |
| Assignment | Choreographic analysis | 10.00% |
| Capstone | Collaborative composition project | 25.00% |
| Deliverable | Informal showing and artist statement | 10.00% |
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.