This course consists of an intensive study of the fundamental principles of traditional African dances, focusing on those of West Africa and their use to generate a new voice, recognizing that tradition does not remain stable, but is informed, transformed, and reformed by its time. There will be an emphasis on rhythm, kinesthetic form, and gestural expression.
In Burkina Faso, dance is community practice. Dance is about relationship – within our own bodies, with the earth, with others, with the world around us, both visible and invisible. That relationship is where rhythm takes place. Our role as dancers is to serve the spirit of the dance and all the relationships that go with it in creating our sacred space.
The course will begin with the practice of the West African Mandingo dance form. Then we will deconstruct and unbuild the steps in order to allow students to create their imaginary space and rebuild them again to make their own sauce.
This class is an inclusive learning community and is respectful of all citizens in this class, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Dance is a group activity. All the students have to be willing to work as a part of the community so that the group can successfully grow and produce.
Learning Outcomes:
1 Perform with kinesthetic, rhythmic, musical and intellectual sensitivity.
2 Cultivate a sense of rhythm and space.
3 Cultivate principles of singularity and multiplicity.
4 Participate in the creative process through the creation and interpretation of choreography.
5 Cultivate awareness of your body in relation to space, time and environment
6 Find ways to incorporate athletic movement into personal dancing.
7 Cultivate the ability to pay attention to internal sensory experience.
8 Understand and apply body awareness through the movement execution (its strength, lightness, agility and its expressions).
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: Please email levigonzalez@bennington.edu by May 11, 2022 explaining your interest in the course. Priority will be given to students with prior dance and movement experience.
Corequisites: Dance or Drama Lab Assignment if students are registered for 4 or more credits in Dance.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
M 3:40PM-5:30PM, W 4:10PM-6:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: All courses , Dance , Fully In-Person
Tags: African Dance , African Diaspora , movement