THDA 22, Dances of the African Diaspora II, deepens student engagement with selected dance forms from the African diaspora, especially those coming from West Africa and that emerged in the Caribbean and the Americas. The course is physically rigorous and emphasizes community building. A drummer accompanies the class, so students experience the fundamental connection between drums and dance as they learn the histories, techniques, and characteristics of Diasporic movement forms. Assignments include movement projects developed in class and presentations. May be repeated for credit. S/N grading only.
Frequency: every Spring.
Prerequisite(s): THDA 21 or permission of instructor.
Course Objectives
- To continue building upon the foundation of a supportive communal environment established in African-based Movement-1. This space allows students to challenge themselves to take bigger risks, and continue their growth.
- To continue building on fundamental principles, characteristics, and technique of African-rooted dance, including movement with more complexity, and poly-rhythmic aspects, while increasing vigor, and deepening the interconnected relationship with the music, rhythms, and dance.
- To continue strengthening body awareness, connection, and expression.
- To continue learning about dancers and choreographers of African descent who have made/make enormous contributions to dance, and who have impacted the shaping of its history.
- To research, and write a paper based on an assigned dancer/choreographer of African descent.
- To create an in-class dance project that includes individual movement contributions.
Methodology
Students will achieve these objectives through class attendance and participation, dance videos/documentaries, discussions, in-class dance project, contribution of individual movement, research and write a paper based on an assigned dancer/choreographer of African descent.
Evaluation
- Attendance, participation, attitude, effort, focus, commitment, communal class structure integration, progress, achievement, skill, movement project, and paper