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Download Dance 820 Syllabus [DOC]

Dance 820: Laban 1 - Winter 2007

Sheila Marion
marion.8@osu.edu
MWF 2:45-4:15
292-0645

Course Description

Aside from its (usually intended) function as documentation, dance notation serves as a conceptual tool for observing and analyzing movement. It does so primarily through assigning a priori categories which focus attention on certain aspects of movement (and which may be questioned for their cultural assumptions), but in their attempts to cover wide-ranging movement possibilities, notation systems can inform our understanding, make us aware of our preferences, and widen our choices for movement.

D820 will focus on two of the Laban systems of notation, Motif and Labanotation. Motif emphasizes concepts and symbols for basic actions and will be explored through improvisation and observation as well as through creating and “solving” scores for movement sequences. Labanotation emphasizes detail for each part of the body and their coordination in space and time, and will be explored through reading scores in various movement styles and excerpts from existing repertory.

This year, we also have the opportunity to work with visiting scholar Victoria Watts, who will conduct the Friday sessions. Ms. Watts is currently completing her doctorate in Cultural Studies at George Mason University, and is a certified teacher of Labanotation and Benesh Movement Notation. Her research, and her teaching for this course, will focus on issues of notation in the dance field.

Course Objectives

students will:

• observe, identify and discuss movement features using Motif concepts
• create scores for movement sequences using Motif symbols;
• perform Motif scores with movement invention and accuracy in timing and intent;
• understand elementary Labanotation theory
• gain fluency in reading Labanotation scores;
• consider issues in dance notation

While the course emphasizes practical application and learning through practice, we will also address some basic questions and issues in the field, and towards your own potential use of the notation. A sample:

as a choreographer:

• can the concepts/symbols be useful for movement invention and manipulation?
• what kinds of information/instructions do you want to pass along about your movement choices, or as an impetus for your dancers to create movement?

as a performer:

• how much leeway do you have for interpretation/individualizing the movement to make it your own?
• how do you find your own artistic viewpoint within pre-structured movement?

as an observer:

• can movement ever be fully embodied if it is not learned from another dancer?
• can we see beyond the outer shape to the inner intention?

as an historian:

• what roles do context and culture play in our understanding of a movement score/its embodiment?
• how can a movement score communicate essential features as well as underlying concepts of a particular choreographic work or movement style?

Textbook (available from SBX):
Topaz, Muriel. Elementary Labanotation: A Study Guide. New York: Dance Notation Bureau (Princeton Books), 1996.

Additional readings, TBA, for Motif notation

Requirements

• Class attendance and participation are the most important requirements, especially for practicing score reading in the class to develop familiarity with symbols and strategies for embodying movement from scores;
• readings in the textbook to give greater depth to the theory topics covered in class,
• readings of handouts, as assigned;
• a midterm and final exam (dates TBA), comprising (for each) a written portion to cover symbol recognition and application, and a practical/performance portion to demonstrate your ability to fully embody movement from a score.

Evaluation
The following will be given equal consideration in determining your final grade:

• attendance and participation, including in-class reading practice and notation assignments;
• midterm (two parts, please see above);
• final (two parts, please see above)

Office Hours
Posted outside the DNB Extension office. To schedule an appointment, please email me at marion.8@osu.edu or leave a phone message at 292-0645.