MA DANCE THEATRE: THE BODY IN PERFORMANCE Programme
Length Full-time: 13 months
Part-time: 25 months
Validated by
City University, London.
Programme Content The focus is on
students' own creative performance practice and you will be introduced to
various methodologies for devising, articulating, documenting and
presenting this practice. Investigative and creative processes are
explored within studio-based modules, with opportunities to consolidate
this research into performances across Laban's theatres. Lectures and
seminars that discuss philosophical concepts of subjectivity and
embodiment do so in the context of artistic movements concerned with
rethinking the nature of the body, movement and identity. This offers a
sense of historical context, and the opportunity to consider your work
within wider discourses on the performing body. The programme nurtures and
fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences as a means of
exploring the devising process within a situation where exchange,
discussion and critical reflection are central.
The taught content
of the modules is delivered by a team comprised of Laban staff and
visiting artists and lecturers. It consists of the following:
Creative
Strategies
Histories of the Body
Performance Research and Development
Practice
as ResearchTo complete the programme, you will also undertake
an in-depth independent research project. This may take the form of a
performance, a lecture demonstration, a written dissertation, or a mixed
mode project.
Please note that technical training (technique
classes) is not provided within the fee structure of the programme.
However, classes may be available on payment of a supplementary fee to
cover direct teaching costs; alternatively evening classes offered by the
Education and Community department are available.
A range of
professional classes are also offered at our partner organisation
Greenwich Dance Agency, located some 15 minutes walk away.
The
aims of the programme are:
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To engage with contemporary research into the body in performance
through the provision of studio-based explorations of methods for
creative practice, documentation and performance presentation.
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To facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary practice as a means
to synthesise knowledge from complex, incomplete or contradictory
perspectives embedded in arts practice.
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To consider key concepts of the body and subjectivity in 20th - 21st
century art-making, their philosophical context and the manner in
which they have informed innovations in performance.EDUCATIONAL AIMS
The programme seeks to: · Provide opportunities for developing the
range of skills and meeting the challenges of working as a performer
in today's professional arts environment. · Support the development of
advanced-level performers through access to professional dance makers,
performers, collaborative environments and performance opportunities.
· Provide a means whereby students can engage critically with their
studio practice. · Provide extensive opportunities for reflection on,
and critical examination of, performance practice. · Provide a
comprehensive professional-level environment in which students can
refine their knowledge, skills and understanding of creative and
performance processes within dance. · Foster innovative and quality
practice-based research in the field of dance performance. · Engage
students with the methods and creative processes of other art forms.
Particular emphasis is given to: · developing advanced technical
skills alongside embodied knowledge and understanding that enables
their transfer to new and challenging creative contexts; · developing
a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical complexities of
the performance process; · providing intensive creative engagement
with a range of visiting choreographers utilizing diverse creative
practices; · developing a deeper understanding of the roles and
responsibilities of the dancer in the creative process; · extending
and refining skills and understanding through an extensive tour of
performances. 1.2 TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Teaching and Learning A primary focus of the programme is to provide -
through Transitions Dance Company - a learning environment which
closely resembles and prepares students for a professional company
context. This is reflected in the emphasis on studio practice; on the
structure of the working day, which routinely begins with a company
class or complementary technical study; on extensive touring and
performing opportunities; and on the leadership and guidance of the
Artistic Director of the company. 2 · Technical skills are developed
primarily through daily technique classes together with complementary
studies in fitness and somatics. A balance is sought between
consistency of teaching over the first fifteen weeks, and the
introduction of a range of approaches aimed at drawing the varied
backgrounds of students entering the programme towards a commonality
of experience and understanding. · A carefully selected group of
professional choreographers lead the students in intensive creative
processes which involve them in devising new works, and introduce them
to a wide range of choreographic styles and working methods including
a research project. · To prepare for the professional performance
milieu, students normally undertake 15 weeks of national and
international touring where they perform in a wide range of
performance contexts - from small spaces with minimal production
capacity, to well equipped professional theatres. They are led in this
process by the Artistic Director with support from professional
production staff. · Reflection on both performance processes and
individual development is encouraged in the studio and via regular
seminars which relate closely to the phases of the practice being
undertaken and the issues that arise from them. · Contextualizing
studies in the form of a series of lectures from practicing artists,
and supporting group seminars, place the performance practice
developed in the Transitions Dance Company experience into a wider
arts context. Assessment Assessment is through a variety of modes
which evaluate skills related to performance practice and research,
and which prepare students for engagement with the various contexts in
which the processes of performance practice and creative dance making
are realized; and in which related issues are critically examined and
disseminated. Assessment modes include: assessment of performance
practice (e.g., technical skills, dance performance); a
journal/portfolio demonstrating the student's ability to critically
reflect on and contextualize their progress; lecture/demonstrations,
presentations and practice-based research projects, which test the
student's ability to critically reflect on, synthesize and apply
knowledge and understanding across both theory and practice.
