This course requires no previous dance experience, and is open to anyone who is interested in the art of absence or art that deals with the presence of things we cannot see — the invisibles, empty space and silence – found across different art forms and practices.
We will investigate the potentiality of “in-between space” and “subject-less body,” while introducing some principles of Zen philosophy through somatic/movement practice. We will consider ghost and horror movies, Samuel Beckett’s play, Bruce Nauman’s artwork, and John Cage’s music scores, among other things, as inspiration to develop new body-based work. Students are expected to propose and develop new body-based projects, either solo or group, every 2 weeks. This course will be taught in-person with occasional remote sessions.
Learning Outcomes:
-Learn to make new work with things you cannot see.
-Cultivate understanding of principles and practices rooted in Eastern philosophy.
-Develop new understanding on the presence of absence
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Corequisites: Dance or Drama lab assignment if students sign up for 4 or more credits in dance.
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
W 4:10PM - 6:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 18
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: All courses , Dance , Drama , Fully In-Person , Visual Arts (VA)
Tags: Buddhism and Zen philosophy , composition , improvisation , Japanese culture , movement practice , performance arts , visual art