This introductory course in improvisation will investigate spontaneous problem-solving as a means of generating movement for dance composition. Students will be called upon to explore and respond to various forms of stimuli in a safe and supportive learning environment within solo and group work.

Credit Hours: 64 contact hours. In a 16-week semester, students should expect to commit 4 hours/week to this course.

Course Requirements

This course requires that students complete the following: 

• Consistent attendance and active participation in class meetings
• Eight (8) Journal Entries
• Presentation 
• Attendance at Dance Film Night 
• Attendance at Choreographers’ Showcase 
• Contribution to Final Ensemble Score for Open House  
• Written Self Reflection

The primary methods of learning for DANC 1201 will be improvisation and choreography assignments, instructor-led warm-ups, conditioning, and body awareness exercises, and journal assignments. Students will also participate in class discussions and learn through observation of their fellow students.

The semester is divided into three units of focus: solo improvisation with an emphasis on the elements of dance, contact improvisation, and ensemble improvisation.

This is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all textbook materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students may print copies of the resources but will be responsible for printing costs.

Resources will include articles, excerpts, and chapters, which will be provided within each module on Blackboard. A curated selection of dance films and videos will also be provided within each module on Blackboard. Students will be expected to access links to YouTube, Vimeo, and other public sources.

Students are encouraged to read additional books on dance or articles in magazines and newspapers regarding dance. Good sources include The Village Voice, The New York Times, and Dance Magazine. Students should bring a notebook and pencil to each class meeting. Journal entries will be made during every class and will include notes regarding course material, personal observations, thoughts on the creative process, and tech/performance notes. 

Suggested Readings

Bogart, Anne, and Tina Landau. The Viewpoints Book: A Practical Guide to Viewpoints and Composition. Theatre Communications Group, 2005. 

Buckwalter, Melinda. Composing While Dancing: An Improviser’s Companion. The University of Wisconsin Press, 2010. 

Burrows, Jonathan. A Choreographer’s Handbook. Routledge, 2010. 

Cooper Albright, Ann. Taken by Surprise: A Dance Improvisation Reader Wesleyan University Press, 2003. 

Johnson, Darla. The Art of Listening: Intuition & Improvisation in Choreography. TSTC Publishing, 2012. 

Lavender, Larry. Dancers Talking Dance: Critical Evaluation in the Choreography Class. Human Kinetics, 1996. 

Lerman, Liz, and John Borstel. Critical Response Process: A Method for Getting Useful Feedback on Anything You Make, From Dance to Dessert. The Dance Exchange, Inc., 2003.

Novack, Cynthia J., Sharing the Dance: Contact Improvisation and American Culture. The University of Wisconsin Press, 1990.

Olsen, Andrea, and Caryn McHose. The Place of Dance: A Somatic Guide to Dancing and Dance Making. Wesleyan University Press, 2014. 

Peeters, Jeroen. Are we here yet? Damaged Goods, Meg Stuart. le presses du réel, 2010.  

Shaw, Holly. The Creative Formula: Compose, Choreograph, and Capture Your   Masterpiece. Performers & Creators Lab, 2016. 

Vargas, Mike. “Looking at Composition Is Like Painting the Golden Gate Bridge: 86 aspects of composition.” Contact Quarterly 28.2 (2003): 28-34. Print.

Course Level Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Execute basic improvisational skills. 
2. Demonstrate the ability to respond spontaneously to a variety of stimuli.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of space, time, and energy through improvisational practices. 
4. Understand and generate a collaborative atmosphere.
5. Analyze, evaluate, and articulate the creative process. 

Program Level – Student learning outcomes

1. PSLO1: Students will generate movement and demonstrate an understanding of choreographic principles and composition. Assessment criteria include:

a.    Clearly defined choreographic intent

b.    Unique movement language

c.    Clearly defined compositional structure

d.    Effectiveness in rehearsal process

e.    Professionalism

1. PSLO4: Students will demonstrate, through speaking and/or writing, the ability to clearly articulate aesthetic concerns in dance, including analysis of choreography. Assessment criteria include:

a.    Observations: Communication of relevant and thorough observations

b.    Analysis: Descriptive analysis of choreography

c.    Evaluation: Clear articulation of aesthetic values

Dance Department Policies

1. Participation 

Dance class is participatory. The dance studio is the laboratory for learning. If you are unable to fully participate in every class meeting, please obtain an official note from the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office so we can work to best accommodate your needs, or consider dropping the class. 

1. Attendance

Students are required to consistently attend all dance studio courses as this is crucial to progressing and advancing safely. Therefore, Attendance and Participation make up a significant portion of dance studio course grades. Refer to the course syllabus for specific details.

1. Tardiness 

Be on time and plan to stay for the entire class session. Students are required to be present for warm-ups, movement practices, evaluations, discussions, and all other class activities.

1. Absence

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. The final course grade will be reduced with each unexcused absence.

Students with excessive absences should consider withdrawing from the course by the Withdrawal date. Excessive absences will impact the final grade and may make it difficult for a student to pass the course.

1. Observations

Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings. A portion of the student’s daily grade will be deducted for the in-class observation. If a student is 

physically unable to participate in the course, a class observation assignment can be submitted for partial credit. 

3.   Expectations for Continuing Education Students  

Credit and Continuing Education (CE) students are treated equally in dance courses. There is no difference in instruction and expectations for all enrolled students. Full participation is expected from all students, including participation in studio work, performances, oral, and written assignments.

4.   Professional Communication 

When communicating with a professor, the content of your communication should only include relevant information or questions about the course. More thorough discussions about the course or personal matters affecting your ability to complete the course, require an office-hour meeting.

5.  Physical Touch Disclaimer

Learning and growth thrive in an environment where we feel supported. Support in this course is a joint responsibility of us all. Please show respect and care for yourself, community, and environment. There are moments in the course where we will utilize light touch for alignment and technical purposes. As a class, we will practice asking consent prior to utilizing any form of touch. Share your boundaries and whenever needed, stop any activity about which you have concerns. You have the right to refuse the use of touch.

In addition, please communicate any injury, discomfort, disability or area of caution at any time throughout the course so we can adapt experiential learning experiences to support your wellness rather than undermine it.

6.   Dance Class Attire

Students are required to wear clothing that safely facilitates all varieties of movement. This includes form-fitting athletic wear, leotards, tights, yoga wear, t-shirts, supportive undergarments (bras, dance belts, etc.), and appropriate footwear at the discretion of the instructor. 

Refer to the course syllabus for attire expectations. Certain pieces of attire, such as jeans, belts, street shoes and jewelry, are damaging to the marley dance floor and can present a hazard to dancers. You will not be allowed to participate in class if you are not dressed according to your instructor’s guidelines. 

7. Dancer Health and Safety

Students in dance studio courses will be responsible for their own maintenance of physical fitness and conditioning. When participating in any physical exercise, movement, or dance activity, there is the possibility of physical injury. You perform physical movement exercises at your own risk. Dance students will learn about musculoskeletal health and injury prevention as part of their ACC Dance studies. To reduce and avoid injury, students are encouraged to be aware of their personal physical limitations and work safely within those, finding modifications when necessary.

ACC provides insurance for student injuries resulting from ACC course-related incidents on- or off campus. In the event of an incident resulting in injury:

• If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1. 
• If it is not an emergency, call campus police (512-223-1231) and seek medical help. The instructor will be required to submit an Incident Reporting Form and a Student Accident Insurance Form.

8. Professional Conduct

Students are expected to approach each class with a growth mindset, exploring dance technique and dance artistry. The course grade will reflect individual commitment and focus, ability, attitude, and progress. Unprofessional conduct that undermines the integrity of the course material, other class participants, or the instructor, will not be tolerated. If there is a conduct issue with a fellow student, speak with the professor immediately. 

Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. This includes verbal comments that are considered intimidating, threatening or sexually inappropriate. College policies concerning conduct are found by searching Code of Conduct at austincc.edu.

Below are the dance studio policies. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and practice these policies. 

1. Dance Studio Policies

• All personal belongings, such as cell phones (silenced), backpacks, purses, jackets, dance bags, and shoes, should be stowed in the cubbies provided. 
• Texting and talking on the phone is prohibited in the entire studio area. Phone use before or after class only. Phone use outside in the hallways only. Fit-Bit or Apple watches must be put to silence and notifications turned off.
• Notebooks and water bottles are allowed in the studio and should be placed in the cubbies provided. 
• Food, drink (other than water) and chewing gum are not allowed in the dance studio.
• Please refrain from using body products before and during class that can make the dance floor sticky/slippery.
• Check for personal belongings when leaving the studio.
• Please exit the dance studio immediately following class.
• Only students currently enrolled in DANC-1301 Dance Composition - Choreography are allowed in the studio outside of class time, during scheduled rehearsal times.

1. Facilities Reservation Policy

The ACC Dance Department has established a policy allowing DANC-1301 Dance Composition - Choreography students restricted use of the dance studios outside of class time, without direct faculty supervision, for the sole purpose of completing their final projects. Final projects in dance composition require many hours of rehearsal. Student rehearsals are the students' homework, and this homework can only be completed in a dance studio. Final projects are performed for a public audience during our Fall and Spring Choreographers' Showcases.

During student rehearsals, only students enrolled in DANC-1301 are allowed access to the studios. To be clear, no persons who are not enrolled in DANC-1301 in the current semester are allowed to enter the studios, even as companions to students who are enrolled.

To enforce the restriction, the faculty member who teaches DANC-1301 generates a list of approved students, which he/she provides to the department chair. The chair makes the list available to the administrative assistant, campus management, and campus police. 

This list includes:

• Name and contact information for the DANC-1301 professor, who is ultimately responsible for student studio use
• Names, ID numbers and contact info for students currently enrolled in DANC-1301

1. Facilities Reservation Procedures

Prior to being added to the list of approved students, DANC-1301 students must satisfactorily complete all of the Dance Student Modules with a grade of 80% or better.

Students will then work with their DANC-1301 professor to check availability and reserve the studio. 

To gain access to the studio, students will ask the departmental administrative assistant or their instructor to swipe them in first. If neither one is available, for example on weekends and outside of office hours, then Campus Management (at the Info Desk in Building 2000) can check the list and open the studio for the student. 

Students will be “single swiped” into the dance studio. This means the door will remain locked. Therefore, the door cannot be propped open. This goes for the exterior door leading to the paseo as well.

If a student needs to leave the room or building for any reason, then they will need to repeat the procedure for entering the space. 

NOTE: If a locked interior or exterior door is propped open, alerts will be sent to District Police, the Dance Department Chair, and the Dance Department Administrative Assistant. Alerts due to door propping may result in suspension of the studio reservation privilege.

1. Dance Class Etiquette, Good Dance Habits, and Good Things to Know

Dance Class Etiquette

• Plan to stay in the dance space for the duration of class and use breaktime to use the restroom and refill water.
• Dress appropriately and come to class showered, clean, prepared, and ready to work.
• Do not wear dance shoes outside the studio and do not wear street shoes in the studio. 
• Dangling and sharp-edged jewelry is a safety hazard. Please remove jewelry prior to class.
• In order to leave as much space as possible for dancing, please place personal belongings in the cubbies.
• Be on time. If you do come in late, enter very quietly and go to the back, with your instructor’s permission.
• Stay until class ends. If you must leave early, clear it with your instructor before class. If you need to leave in an emergency, exit as quickly and discreetly as possible.
• Completely silence and stow away your cell phone. Even vibration mode is distracting.
• Watch closely and listen first, and then ask relevant and specific questions.
• Listen while the instructor is talking between exercises. Do not talk to your neighbor. Everything is relevant to your learning.
• Respect the personal space of others.
• Respect the dance space. Pick up trash, your clothes, and don’t turn things on, off, up, or down in the space without permission.
• Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Use kind language towards yourself and others in class.
• Stay engaged. Be aware of how your body language is reading. Stay standing unless you are cued to sit down.

Good Dance Habits

• If you are late, apologize AFTER class. Do not distract the class.  Just wait for the okay from your teacher to enter the dance floor. Once permission is granted, find an easily accessible or inconspicuous place to warm up or participate.
• If you are sitting out, remain engaged. Take notes. Hand in the notes at the end of class.
• Develop a sense of spatial awareness by respecting each other’s space.
• Give the instructor space to move.
• Strive to be in the front of the class and push yourself to know the combination.
• At times, instructors will invite peer to peer feedback. Be aware of the appropriate times for offering feedback.
• If you are lost or confused, always continue your movement and pick back up where you can. Abrupt stops or dropping out can distract the flow of concentration for others around you.
• Part like the Red Sea when exiting. Clear the space. Don’t cross the center or the paths of other dancers.
• It’s good to mark combinations while waiting for your turn if you are out of the way.
• If you have further questions about the class material after the instructor has moved on, discuss during a break or after class. 
• At the end of class, applaud or thank the instructor and musician (as part of the group).
• If you are bored, get more engaged, review combinations, ask questions, go deeper, watch others.

Good Things to Know

• Bring a towel to wipe your sweat and germs off the floor, mats or barre. Please wipe and clean your mat with provided wipes after each use. 
• If you feel overly challenged or frustrated during class, stay physically and mentally engaged and spatially aware of other dancers. Ask for additional help after class if needed.
• Applaud for demonstrators.
• The studio is a spatially fluid classroom. Have spatial awareness of where you are in the group and be open and available to switch places when required.
• At the end of class, it’s especially courteous to say thanks to the instructor and musician (one to one).
• Restrain movement in a crowded class until broken into groups. If you bump into someone, quietly apologize and keep going.
• If you have a thought, opinion, or suggestion for the choreographer, wait for an appropriate time to ask if you can share it.
• If you want help with something that will take more than a minute or two, do some research on your own and/or ask for help after class.
• Do not record, photograph or post anything (social media) without permission from the teacher and the students.
• The department chair is here to support dance students and faculty. If you have a concern, please reach out to the department chair.

Section 5: Required Dance Student Modules

As part of their study, dance students are required to satisfactorily complete five required Dance Student Modules, which address musculoskeletal health and safety, injury prevention, nutrition for dancers, and department policies and procedures. Students are advised to begin working through the modules as soon as they begin taking dance studio courses and no later than the semester in which they enroll in DANC-1301 Dance Composition - Choreography. Because students will be leading unsupervised rehearsals as part of DANC-1301 Dance Composition - Choreography, students are required to satisfactorily complete the modules before reserving the dance studio for rehearsals.

ACC’s Dance Student Modules are delivered via Google Classroom, and can be accessed by logging into Google Classroom using the ACC ID and joining class code 5x6sgbt

Section 6: Technical Level Placement and Advancement

In order to advance to the Intermediate level of Ballet, Modern Dance, or Jazz Dance, a student must achieve the corresponding Student Learning Outcomes at an intermediate level. Level placement and progression is based on assessment by a Dance Studio Faculty Committee. Refer to the Ballet, Modern Dance, and Jazz Dance Technique Level Placement Rubrics on the following pages. Questions about level placement should be directed to the department chair or the technique instructor.