Movement Practice: The Body Speaking (DAN2352.01)

Levi Gonzalez

This course integrates various methods of speaking and sounding into our dance and movement practice. Employing multiple improvisational structures, we will access the healing, expressive and artistic possibilities of sound and language as an extension of the body. Additionally, we will look at the work of contemporary artists who engage with language and body-generated speaking and sounding as part of their artistic work. This course presents an opportunity for those uncomfortable with engaging voice and language to explore this rich area of artistic research, and for those who are familiar with vocal work seeking ways to more fully embody their performing practice. Lastly, the course considers how written language, the voice and the body create meaning in distinct ways, and thus offers tools to utilize these resources with increased sensitivity, nuance and depth. All levels of experience with moving and speaking are welcome.

Students are expected to participate fully in class sessions and discussions. Some video viewings and light readings will also take place outside of class time, and a final creative project employing course tools will be presented at the end of the course.


Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
• gain practical experience and confidence improvising with movement and spoken word/sound as a studio practice, a healing practice, a compositional practice and a mode of performance.
• be exposed to artistic work from a variety of traditions and cultural perspectives that incorporates language, speech and vocals.
• understand how movement and language communicate meaning differently and explore how layering the two can enrich/enliven/complexify our performing practice.
• identify and explore movement and sounding practices that relate to individual student interests.



Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Corequisites: Dance or Drama Lab Assignment if students are registered for 4 or more credits in Dance.
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
T/F 8:30AM - 10:20AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Categories: All courses , Dance , Fully In-Person
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