Dance
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Modern Dance (full year)
Through the study of technique, choreography and improvisation, this course will provide students with the opportunity to further define the ever-evolving art form known as modern dance. The first semester will highlight experiential anatomy as it relates to dance and the human body as an articulate moving system capable of powerful creative expression. While learning to “listen” to the innate intelligence of our bodies, align our structures, see and feel our wholeness and simultaneously tend to our various parts, we strengthen our capacity to move and be moved, as dancers, tuned and ready to receive the moment. During the second semester we will focus on the history of modern dance, drawing from the various techniques and styles of the generations before us, as we continue to delve more deeply into our own creative compositional process through choreography and improvisation, culminating in performance.To further enhance students’ understanding of modern dance, studio class time is supported by journaling, reading, viewing videos and live performances. Students who want to take more than one year may register for Modern Dance II, III, etc. For these returning students, an independent path of study that relates to the overall focus of the semester will be followed. Afternoon ActivitiesContemporary Ballet (Level I, II and III) (fall, winter, spring) As many star athletes have discovered, contemporary ballet builds a strong, expressive physical foundation! In a supportive and fun group environment, each individual will gain core strength, flexibility, alignment and articulation. Level 1- all are welcome, no prior experience necessary. Level 2 & 3 for dancers with previous experience the opportunity to further expand their movement vocabulary, strength and ability. Pointe is offered, if requested and appropriate. Dunham-Style Jazz Dance I, II & III (fall, winter, spring) One day a week, dancing to live drums, we focus on Dunham Tech-nique, based on Haitian dance, modern and ballet. On the other day, following a vigorous and invigorating workout to build full body strength and gain flexibility, students explore contemporary styles of jazz with an emphasis on rhythm, energy and fun! Level 1- all are welcome, no prior experience necessary. Level 2 & 3- offering dancers with previous experience the opportunity to further expand their movement vocabulary, strength and ability. Evening ArtsDance Ensemble The Putney School Dance Ensemble offers Level 3 dancers the exciting opportunity to be part of a community of dedicated dancers.We will be making new dances and adding to our company repertoire for performances in the winter and spring dance concerts, as well as “on tour” at various local venues. Please note: though offered as an evening activity, this will occur on Wednesday afternoons.The 1:30-3:00 p.m. rehearsal will work on dances that draw from both modern and the Dunham-based jazz style.The 3:00-4:30 p.m. rehearsal will work on dances that draw from both modern and contemporary ballet forms.We encourage you to sign up for both (2 credits), but you may also sign up for just one, (1 credit), please do specify clearly on your sign up form. Please note that we will also work for two blocks during the Winter Project Week. Dancers should be in Level 3 dance classes or receive permission from Dance Ensemble directors. Full year commitment required. Monday Night Ensemble is an opportunity for Level 2 dancers to gain experience as dancers and performers. Weekly rehearsals, learning a new dance choreographed by Patricia Wilson, will lead to performing in the Winter Dance Concert. All dancers should be taking Dunham/jazz classes in the afternoon, and preferably ballet too. (Dancers from the academic modern class are welcome too). Hip Hop This multi-leveled class will include step, classic and new age hip-hop dance. No prior hip-hop instruction required, just a willingness to try and a desire to have fun. Latin Dance (Spring semester) Salsa, Marengue, Cumbia and more! No experience necessary, just a willingness to try and a desire to have fun, fun, fun! Tai Chi Tai chi was developed many centuries ago in China as a method for cultivating the “chi,” or life energy, through a series of slow, graceful movements.Tai Chi is known to promote good health, spiritual development, and a greater sense of internal balance and integration. Students in this activity will learn the basic postures of the tai chi form and will have an opportunity to explore the self-defense application of tai chi principles through the “push hands” exercise. World Traditions: Dance It's Saturday night.You've got your hottest clothes on and your favorite partner's ready to hit the floor with you and show your friends just how well you can...polka? We'll explore four centuries and three continents worth of ways to flaunt your moves, in pairs and circles and squares, from Imperial Russian waltzes to Jane Austen's quadrilles to steamy Cajun two-steps. No experience necessary—these are the dances of the people, not the performing elite. Only prerequisites: the ability to count to eight and a willingness to make physical contact. |
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