All & Beyond Curriculum
Module #1 - Contemporary Dance / Movement Research
The focus of this module is establish the foundations of contemporary dance technique. The exploration of technique will be divided into three categories - basic movement patterns, long phrases of movement & technical improvisations. On the theoretical side, in this module we will explore the ‘Technical Parameters Tool Kit’ an empirical system of self analysis that aims to help each student in the process of recognising failures and building the ability to self correct technical mistakes.
Detail breakdown of module 1:
Unit 1 (7.5 hours): Floor technique
Unit 2 (7.5 hours): Vertical traveling - Spirals and slides
Unit 3 (7.5 hours): Spinal mechanics
Unit 4 (6 hours): Arms coordinations - exploration of the figure of 8
Unit 5 (6 hours): Ukemi practice - falling techniques
Unit 6 (6 hours): Dynamic Inversions
Unit 7 (6 hours): Turns and spins
Unit 8 (6 hours): Jumps and acrobatics
Module #2 - Contact Improvisation / Partner Work
In this module, the students will be exposed to foundational CI concepts through the exploration of repeatable forms and technical improvisations. We will use our technical foundation to explore the vast landscape of partner improvisation. On the theoretical side, in this module we will examine the ‘Kinetic Flow Compass’ - an empirical system to describe the manifestation of kinetic energy in relation to the environment and other moving objects/people.
Detail breakdown of module 2:
Unit 1 (9 hours): Skin sensitivity
Unit 2 (9 hours): Ground Movements
Unit 3 (9 hours): Weight Sharing
Unit 4 (9 hours): Level changes
Unit 5 (9 hours): Inversions
Unit 6 (7,5 hours): Big lifts and jumps
Module #3 - Ensemble Work / Group Creation
In this module we will explore the basics of ensemble work and group improvisation. Using the skills we are learning in the first two modules, we will explore the relation between the individual dancer and the group. The module will be divided to two main subjects - open improvisation skills and creation of a group performance. On the theoretical side, in this module we will explore the concept of ‘Holarchies’ (Integral Theory, Ken Wilber) as a base of understanding group formations and dynamics of ensemble work.
Detail breakdown of module 3:
Unit 1 (6 hours): Performance skills
Unit 2 (6 hours): Duets scores
Unit 3 (6 hours): Trios scores
Unit 4 (3 hours): Quartets scores
Unit 5 (4,5 hours): Solo and Group
Unit 6 (4,5 hours): Group compositions
Unit 7 (22,5 hours): Creation process
Module #4 - Open Jam
The last module is an optional module. Each student can choose how many hours to participate (with the minimum of 12 hours). The module is structured as a mediating step between self-work and being fully guided in a class scenario. Its purpose is to enable each student to make a step further towards independence and confident around the material of the program.
The module is designed as a fluid structure where each student can decided the level of intensity and engagement that is suitable for their particular pace and development, from week to week.
Each session in this module will start with 30 minutes of instructions (by rotating guest teachers) followed by 2.5h open jam where students can engage in a research around the different themes of the program, in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Registration process:
Acceptance to the program is conditioned by having some previous experience in dance or other embodied practice and a personal interview with Matan Levkowich.
A sense of commitment to the program and the group process will be evaluated and considered as the main factor for acceptance/rejection of an applicant.
Certification
To receive the Movement Lab Study Group certificate you need to:
- Attendance of at least 90% for modules 1+2 and 12 hours of module 3
- Send 2 videos for each module, documenting the materials you have learnt (solo and partner videos).
- Form a peer group and spend a minimum of 6 hours of practice together on the material of the program.
- Submit a final report on your experience in the program detailing what you have learnt and benefited from the program personally.
Certification outcome
The Study Group certificate would support you in the following (in accordance with your own responsibility and self engagements) :
- To be accepted to audition for professional dance education programs such as Sozo-VIM.
- To integrate into your professional engagement in other fields of embodied work.
- To hold group sessions and teach private classes in the fields of contemporary dance, contact improvisation and partner work.
