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Academy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and Dance
Academy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and DanceAcademy of Theatre and Dance

Study guide

2020-2021

In technical dance education, emphasis lies on developing various contemporary dance techniques as well as classical dance techniques. This study component also includes training for the presentation of dance on stage: how to prepare for performances, the studying of repertoire and performing in dance productions. Contemporary techniques are divided into standing techniques and floor techniques. Many are influenced by contemporary trends and current professional practice. The various contemporary techniques contribute to developing the skills required of today’s dancer. To begin with, great importance is attached to recognizing, incorporating and putting into practice the specific principles of movement that make up these techniques and being able to apply them in (also other) contemporary styles.

In addition, attention is devoted to the conscious physical experience of weight / gravity, direction, flow, rhythm, dynamics, relaxation and articulation. Students must be able to work with intensity, understand conceptual analysis and construction, master various dance languages and be able to carry out assignments on their own. Students should be capable of achieving a synthesis of initiated movement, articulation, dynamics and musicality in relation to all parts of the body in conjunction with a sense of spatial awareness, the other and the audience. Classical technique is taught to complement contemporary styles. Basic mastery of classical dance technique is essential for a dance student who wants to work in the professional contemporary dance field. The complex coordination, purity, sharpness, speed, pirouette forms and different jumps that characterize classical dance technique, can be used in many of the more contemporary dance styles.

The teacher determines the methodological structure of material used in the study programme. The education is given in groups. Work forms used by the teacher include different ways of demonstrating dance and/or instruction, analysis, personal guidance, rehearsing and presentations. The students are active throughout the entire lesson. The first, second and third year students take notes, which serve as a basis for the reflection reports or the selfevaluation of a lessonblock. These reports are meant to help students interrelate what they have learned from technical, theoretical, supplementary and supportive subjects.

The programme components, movement research, movement analysis, physical theatre, composition, drama, contact improvisation and partner work are inextricably linked and form a whole with dance technical components. Their contribution to the development of a contemporary dancer is just as important as the work students carry out with choreographers, i.e. creating new dance pieces, performing and creating their own work.

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