2021-2022 Spring CURRENT OFFERING

Introduction to Contemporary Dance

(HART 1017)



1 Credit | Can be used to fulfill Common Core Requirement (Core Elective: Arts Area)
Teaching Medium: English

Course Description

This course introduces contemporary dance as a departure from dance traditions, and as an art that focuses strongly on personal creativity. Contemporary dance is thus not only about art making but also exploring personal and social meanings.

Through examining a range of texts and videos from different parts of the world at lectures, students will learn to appreciate different ways in which significant practitioners make dances. They will also be introduced to the historical, social or political contexts, and the ideas that inform these practices. In practice sessions, a range of physical, experiential approaches will be introduced to help students create with movement.


  1. Identify a range of works and practitioners in contemporary dance
  2. Identify the aesthetic of different non-traditional dance trainings
  3. Perform basic dance movements that results from individual creative exploration
  4. Contribute to creative and reflective thinking processes in an interactive/group situation

Lesson 1-3: Unpacking the idea of “dance” in modern theatre and art; Elements of Movement

Lesson 4-5: Pioneers of Modern Dance

Lesson 6-7: Improvisation

Lesson 8-9: Dance Theatre

Lesson 10-11: Preparation, practice, rehearsal of end-of-course performance

Lesson 12: Assessment of Studio Practice: Demonstration Class

  1. Cohen, Selma Jeanne and the Dance Perspectives Foundation (eds) (c1998). International Encyclopedia of Dance [e-Resource]. Oxford University Press.
  2. Roger Copeland & Marshall Cohen (1983). What Is Dance?. Oxford University Press.

  1. Banes, Sally (1987). Terpsichore in sneakers: Post-modern dance. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press
  2. Bremser, Martha (1999). Fifty contemporary choreographers. London: Routledge
  3. Mazo, Joseph H. (2000). Prime Movers: The Makers of Modern Dance in America (2nd ed.). Hightstown, N.J.: Princeton
  4. Steinman, Louise (1986). The knowing body: The artist as storyteller in contemporary performance. Boston: Shambhala
  5. Tufnell, Miranda & Crickmay, Chris (1993). Body, space, image: Notes towards improvisation and performance. Dance Books

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 26-27 Jan 2022
Add/Drop : 04-17 Feb 2022

Instructor

WONG Mei Yuk Rebecca

Assessment

Class Participation 20%
Reflective Journal 30%
Dance Demonstration 50%

Class Schedule

Tuesday | 14:30-16:20
CYT-G009A&B

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