HACU-0252: Contemporary Dance Repertory & Performance Process

Contemporary Dance Repertory & Performance Process: In this course, students engage in an in-depth rehearsal process toward a final performance that will be performed in the Five College Dance Concert hosted by UMass in the first week of December. The proposed investigation centers bodily negotiation of proximity, connection, contact, and vulnerability during this time of the lingering-pandemic. Together we ask: How has the risk of contagion registered in our bodies, shaped our movement, brought us together and pushed us apart? Can we return to togetherness without embracing denial and amnesia? How might we honor the power of our shared breath? Rehearsals will involve collaboration, movement creation, improvisation, writing, and dialogue. A few shared readings and viewings will accompany our physical investigations. Some contact improvisation and partnering principles will be engaged in our shared work, Prior study of any dance practice at the intermediate or advanced level suggested. Students must be invested in the process of creating live performance.

Rehearsal Schedule:

—Class at Hampshire on Mondays and Wednesdays during the fall semester 10:30-11:50AM

—1-3 Fridays per month 10AM-12PM at UMass Totman Gymnasium
Friday, September 29
Friday, October 13
Friday, October 27
Friday, November 3
Friday, November 10
Friday, November 17

—Saturday, October 14: Show-in-a-day at Hampshire College, approx. 10am-10pm

—Tech & Dress rehearsals at UMass:
Monday, November 27, 5:30PM
Tuesday, November 28, 5:30PM
Wednesday, November 29, 5:30PM

—HC/UMass FCD Faculty Concert dates:
Thursday, November 30, 8PM (performer call time 5:30PM)
Friday, December 1, 8PM (performer call time 5:30PM)
Saturday, December 2, 8PM (performer call time 5:30PM)

—possibly a couple extra rehearsals on an as available basis