SS9304: Introduction to Modern Jazz Dance

Learning Objective Through performing, creating and responding, participants will receive a holistic experience in the learning of dance. Be prepared to be constantly stimulated and engaged mentally, physically and even emotionally. Discover your unique way of expressing yourself and make meaningful dances for yourself. Content This course is structured to provide a concept and practice-based understanding of dance, specifically jazz. Together with theoretical and historical learning, participants will perform, respond and create. Movement activities include technique-based movements, locomotor movements, use of space and dynamics, and composition of dances.

1. Understanding the evolution of jazz dances and its historical contexts 2. Learning dance terminology and techniques 3. Improvising and creating dances 4. Appreciate dances by analyzing the forms and patterns 5. Understanding your body through dance 6. Create and perform dances individually and as a group

Course Outline

Week Content Remarks

1. (a) History: Vernacular Jazz influences (b) Stretching and conditioning (c) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 1 • Turns – spotting technique, pencil turns and

chaines • Jumps – grand jete • Technique combo

(d) Dance combination

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

2. (a) History: Evolution of jazz forms (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 1 • Turns – spotting technique, pencil turns,

chaines and soutenus • Jumps – grand jete • Technique combo

(e) Dance combination

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

3. (a) Understanding the use of body and breathing techniques (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

(d) Across-the-floor progressions: • Jazz walks • Kicks 2 • Turns –chaines, soutenus and piques • Jumps – petite and grand jetes • Technique combo

(e) Dance combination

4. (a) Understanding the use of body and breathing techniques (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 2 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – petite and grand jetes • Technique combo

(f) Dance combination (g) Innovating dances via shapes and levels.

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

5. (a) Understanding the use of body and breathing techniques (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 2 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – petite and grand jetes • Technique combo

(h) Dance combination (i) Innovating dances via shapes and levels.

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

6. (a) Jazz as a ‘soul dance’ – lyrical jazz part 1 (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations • Technique combos

(e) Improvisation (f) Creating dances

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

7. (a) Jazz as a ‘soul dance’ – lyrical jazz part 2 (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

• Technique combos (e) Improvisation (f) Creating dances

8. (a) Jazz as a ‘soul dance’ – lyrical jazz part 3 (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations • Technique combos

(e) Improvisation (f) Creating floor patterns

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively.

9. (a) Simply Jazz (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations • Technique combos

(e) Improvisation (f) Group composition

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively. Group composition – formative assessment of process and preparation for summative assessment

10. (a) Simply Jazz (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations • Technique combos

(e) Improvisation (f) Group composition 2

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively. Group composition – formative assessment of process and preparation for summative assessment

11. (a) Simply Jazz (b) Stretching & conditioning (c) Isolation technique (d) Across-the-floor progressions:

• Jazz walks • Kicks 3 • Turns – chaines, piques and pirouettes • Jumps – grand jete and variations • Technique combos

(e) Improvisation (f) Group composition 3

All students/participants will be required to participate in the activities actively. Group composition – formative assessment of process and preparation for summative assessment

12. Assessment: 1. Theory

Students/participants will be assessed on the theoretical

2. Practical – (a) Jazz progressions (b) Group composition

concepts, terminology, practical demonstrations.

Learning Outcomes Students will be able to:

1. Improve balance, control, posture, flexibility and posture 2. Appreciate dances by critically analyzing the forms and patterns 3. Apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in dance 4. Make connection between dance and healthy living 5. Greater self-awareness as a creative and expressive individual

Student Assessment Practical Assessment 60% Theoretical Test 30% Professional Qualities 10%