FIRST YEAR - Creative Tasks!

Hello,

Just a reminder that I will be asking to see your Zodiac and Shape tasks next lesson! (Wednesday 2nd October)

Miss Norman

SECOND YEAR - Stimuli Final Idea (30/09)

Now you have discussed your initial thoughts towards each stimuli given and have decided which stimuli you will use, further discuss your final idea in your groups.

Task: Further discuss and go into detail about your chosen final group idea. Discuss:-
- what you hope to achieve in your piece
- how will you structure your 10 min piece
- your final music choice - give reasoning!
- what research will you undertake to enhance and create depth to your group piece.
- what theories/ devices/ creative processes might you include - and why?
- What is good teamwork and how will you ensure you are demonstrating these team qualities throughout the development of your group devised piece.


Remember to give reason and purpose behind your ideas!

400-500 words

Please complete by Sunday 6th October 17:00.

Miss Norman

SECOND YEAR - Stimuli (27/09)

After a intense and interesting discussion around 4 choices of stimulus resources, as a class you have formed two separate groups looking at contrasting ideas.

Task: Discuss in your Blog post your thoughts and ideas for a group devised performance piece based on discussions around the four selected stimuli. Think about what first impressions/ feelings came to the group and what questions the discussion brought up? Also include points discussed by peers to add depth and support to your ideas.
Please discuss:
- class discussions around each stimuli
- which stimuli you were most drawn to - why?
- other points of view

Please use Edmund Feldman's Method of Criticism within your writing (please see below) and use the intensity and passion you have found behind your ideas to reflect and write your blogs, keeping them interesting!

Remember you can use pictures or video's to further illustrate your ideas. 

300 words or a 3-4 min Vlog (video)

Please complete by Friday 4th October 17:00

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Miss Norman 

FIRST YEAR - Key Practitioners Lesson 1

Continuing our introduction to choreographic devices, this week we have been looking at different key practitioners and identifying these devices within their work.

During the lesson we took time to observe as well as critically evaluate Justin Peck's 'In the countenance of Kings'.

After watching the video in full without any temptation to over think or make notes, we then watched the piece again, thinking about the following questions:

- Any thoughts or feelings towards the piece
- What do you think the piece is trying to say to its audience
- Is there a story/ narrative?
- What movements do you recognise
- How do the dancers work together?
- Can you see any Choreographic devices used in the work?

We discussed the work as a class and shared our evaluations, having Edmumd Feldman's Method of Criticism in mind.

I loved the varied use of choreographic structures within the work and find it interesting how the dancers display classical movements in trainers, giving the work a more current feel!

Next, we watched a video based on Justin Peck's Choreographic Process, allowing us to fully understand and make connections between the process of developing his piece and the final product.

Within the video, Peck discusses how the use of patterns and different formations influence his choreography.

As a creative task, you were asked to draw a random shape on a piece of paper (e.g. diagonal line, square, dot, broken line etc) which was passed around the class. With theses shapes as a guide, you were set the challenge to create a phrase of movement.

For guidance we discussed how we could look at these varied shapes, including:

- A Stage Map - giving each area within the space a specific shape
- Individual Shape - portraying each shape with various body parts/ movements
- A Step By Step Guide - following the shape in order of which it appeared on the page
- A Solid 3D Shape - thinking about how you could move around the object, incorporating the use of levels
- Perspective - looking at different ways of viewing the shape e.g. on the ceiling, on the floor, with your nose on the floor etc.

Task:
1) By reviewing your reflective notes of the session you will discuss, reflect and review your experience in the session. You will illustrate your experience by including short video examples of the movement passage you have created and inform your reader how/why you arrived at this point AND discuss the integration of practitioner devices.
(400 words)

2) Students will watch Justin Peck’s ‘In the countenance of Kings’ by San Francisco Ballet and discuss what their thoughts/feelings are towards the piece.

Within your blog please include-

•            How did the piece makes you feel?

•            How did the dancers move?

•            What patterns and shapes did you see?

•            What movements/devices do you recognise?

•            In your view, what do you think the piece is trying to say or communicate to its audience

Remember to use dance vocabulary and any choreographic terms you have learned!

Also please use Edmund Feldman's Method of Criticism for each idea you discuss - 

Now read through your notes and thoughts and streamline this into a short paragraph that relates to what you think about ‘In the Countenance of Kings’.

(500-650 words or a 2-3 min Vlog).

Once you are happy with your paragraph POST IT ON YOUR BLOG… don’t forget to give it a title, you can also use and screenshots or images to help illustrate your writing. 


Please complete each post by Tuesday 1st October 17:00


Finally, 

Please keep a look out on this page!

Also just a quick reminder that I will be asking to see each of your creative phrases next lesson. 

Any questions, please let me know,
Miss Norman

GENERAL - Blog Layout!

Hi everyone, 

I just wanted to put together a quick check list to how you should be laying out your blogs. 

Please go through each step below and make any alterations where required.

Once you are on your blog editing website, go to settings.

Within your basic settings, please ensure:-

1)  Title = Your Name – First Year or Second Year Choreography e.g. Emily Norman – First Year Choreography

2)      Blog Address = first name initial, surname, choreography.blogspot.com e.g. enormanchoreography.blogspot.com 

When you create a post, please ensure:-

3) Post Title = week number – lesson content e.g. Week One – Motif Development, Week Two – Choreographic Devices

After posting you videos on Youtube and ensuring their privacy says Unlisted:-

4) Click on add video, then add from youtube in order to post your videos.

5) After adding your video’s, underneath please include one sentence describing what the video is of, so it is clear!

That's all for now - over this week I will be commenting on your recent blogs with any feedback so please keep an eye out. Also a quick reminder that you all need to comment on 2/3 posts of each others every time/task you post. I have sent you all an email with each others links. Please review your Blog Comment Guides to help :) 

Miss Norman

FIRST YEAR - Before next lesson!

Hello First Years,

Next lesson we will be continuing our introduction to choreographic devices by looking at different key practitioners and identifying these devices within their work.

Before next lesson I would like you to take a look at Justin Peck's 'In the countenance of Kings'.

Please follow the link below -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMTv_Y0Zrl4

Before you watch the piece for the first time, make sure you have a notepad and pen available, firstly watch the whole piece in full without any temptation to over think or make notes.

Once the piece has ended write down the first things that come into your mind.

After you have done this, start to think of the following questions and continue with your note taking. You will then probably want to watch the piece again.

Please make notes on:
- Any thoughts or feelings towards the piece
- What do you think the piece is trying to say to its audience
- Is there a story/ narrative?
- What movements do you recognise
- How do the dancers work together?
- Can you see any Choreographic devices used in the work?

I love the varied use of choreographic structures within the work and find it interesting how the dancers display classical movements in trainers, giving the work a more current feel!

Please come prepared for further discussions in class on Wednesday 25th September.

Miss Norman

GENERAL - How to Follow Blogs!

Hi all,

As part of your Choreography Module you will be required to comment and review each others blogs, demonstrating the ability to critically evaluate theories and/or concepts with clear, coherent arguments which demonstrate originality. You should be commenting on 2/3 blogs per week!

So I am going to give you a step by step guide of how to do this.

1) Open your Blogger.com Editing Website.
2) Click 'Reading List'
3) On the right-hand side click 'Manage Reading List'
4) This will take you to a page which will allow you to Add Blogs.
5) Click 'Add' and paste each others URL Links to follow each others blogs.

I will send you a Spreadsheet via email containing each students Blog Links to make this easier!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Miss Norman

SECOND YEAR - Choreographic Devices (23/09)

Lesson 2

Today's lesson we started by discussing a selection of basic choreographic devices and theories. After recapping our joint phrase that was created in pairs last week, we identified any devices that may have been used. Then, we picked four choreographic devices to incorporate and develop into our phrase whilst in our pairs.

Once this task was completed, one pair at a time performed their phrases' in front of the rest of the class. During this the rest of the class observed the performances and attempted to identify the devices that each performance incorporated.

Finally we were given the task to create a brand new motif, this was based upon each individuals zodiac and the strengths and weaknesses that they're known for. After we identified our individual zodiacs, we went into groups with people of the same zodiac. In our groups we each selected different words that described our personalities to influence our motif development. we also discussed different ways we could interpret each word, for example which emotions can you show or what situations can be related. This allowed us to think 'outside the box', allowing us to demonstrate a more narrative approach to our motifs. Within the task, we also discussed how age might affect the intensity of each quality and how you might react to one another, demonstrating uniqueness as individuals within your group.

Task: Spend time developing your zodiac motifs' individually and within your group. Once this is completed select four choreographic devices which you haven't used before and use them to develop your phrase. By reviewing your reflective notes from the session, you will discuss, reflect and review your experience in the session. You will illustrate your experience by including short video examples of the movement passages you have created and inform your reader how and why you arrived at this point.
300 words.

Please post this by next Sunday 29th September 17:00.

I look forward to seeing your Zodiac Phrases next week.

Miss Norman.

FIRST YEAR - Choreographic Devices

Lesson 2

Today's lesson we started by discussing a selection of basic choreographic devices and theories. After recapping our joint phrase that was created in pairs last week, we identified any devices that may have been used. Then, we picked four choreographic devices to incorporate and develop into our phrase whilst in our pairs.

Once this task was completed, one pair at a time performed their phrases' in front of the rest of the class. During this the rest of the class observed the performances and attempted to identify the devices that each performance incorporated.

Finally we were given the task to create a brand new motif, this was based upon each individuals zodiac and the strengths and weaknesses that they're known for.

Task: Spend time developing your zodiac motifs', once this is completed select four choreographic devices which you haven't used before and use them to develop your phrase. By reviewing your reflective notes from the session, you will discuss, reflect and review your experience in the session. You will illustrate your experience by including short video examples of the movement passages you have created and inform your reader how and why you arrived at this point.
300 words.

Please post this by next Monday 23rd September 17:00.

I look forward to seeing your Zodiac Phrases next week.

Miss Norman.

SECOND YEAR - Introduction to Choreography (16/09)

Introduction

Welcome to my choreography blog where you will be able to find details about the course throughout the duration of the module. You will be able to find set tasks which will need to be completed prior to the following lesson, as well as useful links and documents.

Your learning outcomes for the module are as follows;

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the production of dance and the choreographic process.
2. Critically evaluate form, content and process of the production of a group devised dance piece and analyse the choreographic processes and content of the produced dance work.
3. Demonstrate commitment to their practise and to fellow students by working with team qualities and professional attitude and by engaging in and contributing to creative, choreographic, discussion and performing tasks within the group. 

By the end of the module you will have completed all learning objectives, which includes a 10-15 minute group devised dance piece. Over the coming weeks we will discuss various processes for developing movement, different choreographic devices, and will be discussing the selection of different stimulus. After this has been completed and discussed as a group, you will be able to undertake further research in order to develop your group piece.

Each week you will be required to post about the content completed within the lesson, you will need to include a wide range of media demonstrating how you have developed your movement whilst completing set tasks.

If you have any questions please email me directly to missnorman.btuks@gmail.com - alternatively you can create an appointment in school via the office.

Lesson 1

What is a motif? A motif is a single movement, or short phrase of movement, which expresses the style and intention of the dance. They are repeated, varied and developed by manipulating the movement. These manipulations usually involve some change in action, space, time or dynamics. 

During today's lesson we looked at many different improvisational tasks. We explored various ways of developing movement and looked into how we could add multiple layers to the initial phrase. After creating two substantial motifs, we spent time connecting each motif into one longer, more fluid phrase. Finally you were set the task of teaching these phrases to a partner and joining each others phrases together. 

Task: Take notes on improvisational tasks, what did you create, how did this make you feel, what strengths and weaknesses do you think you will face or will need to develop for this module. Take time to develop this into your first blog and briefly review the film of your created movement.
300 words. 

Post this on blog by next Sunday 17:00.

Thank you for a productive class. I was very impressed by the movement you all created and look forward to reading your blogs. 

See you next week. 

Miss Norman

GENERAL - Video Posting!

Hi all,

During your Choreography Module each week you will be required to post videos of developed movement in class.

In order to post theses videos you will need to upload them to Youtube so they are compatible with the blooger.com website.

Don't worry. They do not have to be public for everyone to see. You will however need to ensure that the videos you post are Unlisted, meaning they can be seen by anyone with the video link. This should then allow you to play the videos on your blogs!

Please let me know if you have any trouble with this or if you have any further questions.

Also a gentle reminder to send me your blog links. Please send these to missnorman.btuks@gmail.com 

I look forward to seeing your blogs!

Kind regards,
Miss Norman

FIRST YEAR - Introduction to Choreography

Introduction

Welcome to my choreography blog where you will be able to find details about the course throughout the duration of the module. You will be able to find set tasks which will need to be completed prior to the following lesson, as well as useful links and documents.

Your learning outcomes for the module are as follows;

1. Critically analyse and evaluate a variety of works by a chosen choreographer within the current dance scene.
2. Demonstrate the application of theories, process, devices and technical dance skills to choreograph, create and design original dance to pre-selected stimuli.
3. Critically evaluate and reflect on personal choreographic work and the creative process used.

By the end of the module you will have completed all learning objectives, which includes a 3 to 5 minute solo. Over the coming weeks we will discuss various processes for developing movement, different choreographic devices including ones identified by key practitioners, and will be discussing the selection of different stimulus. After this has been completed you will be able to undertake further research in order to develop your solo.

Each week you will be required to post about the content completed within the lesson, you will need to include a wide range of media demonstrating how you have developed your movement whilst completing set tasks.

If you have any questions please email me directly to missnorman.btuks@gmail.com - alternatively you can create an appointment in school via the office.

Lesson 1

What is a motif? A motif is a single movement, or short phrase of movement, which expresses the style and intention of the dance. They are repeated, varied and developed by manipulating the movement. These manipulations usually involve some change in action, space, time or dynamics. 

During today's lesson we looked at many different improvisational tasks. We explored various ways of developing movement and looked into how we could add multiple layers to the initial phrase. After creating two substantial motifs, we spent time connecting each motif into one longer, more fluid phrase. Finally you were set the task of teaching these phrases to a partner and joining each others phrases together. 

Task: Take notes on improvisational tasks, what did you create, how did this make you feel, what strengths and weaknesses do you think you will face or will need to develop for this module. Take time to develop this into your first blog and briefly review the film of your created movement.
300 words. 

Post this on blog by next Tuesday 17:00.

Thank you for a productive class. I was very impressed by the movement you all created and look forward to reading your blogs. 

See you next week. 

Miss Norman