Physical practice II (BDA721)

The course is designed to give students a deepened understanding of their physical practice and a broadened knowledge base rooted in different approaches to contemporary dance and alternative movement practices / methods, as well as other dance techniques. Through continuous physical investigation and experimentation, as well as discussion, oral presentations and written assignments, students delve deeper into their physical, technical and artistic practice, as well as their ability to reflect critically on their own work and development.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

BDA721

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

25

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

2

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Content

The content includes daily training in dance technique and other movement practices. In addition to contemporary dance, students continue to work with other forms of dance, such as classical ballet and hip hop. Analysis and discussion of topics related to a contemporary dancer’s physical practice underpins reflection and contributes to the development of an awareness on the student's own dance practice.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:

  • have a deepened understanding of the interrelationship between dance technique, individual physical capabilities and one’s own movement language.
  • have good knowledge of how other dance forms, physical practices and other forms of training are relevant to contemporary dance.
  • have a good understanding and knowledge of methods and practices that develop bodily awareness, presence and an understanding of the artistic and performative aspects of dance practice.

Skills

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a high level of skill in dance technique in terms of efficiency of movement, articulation, dynamics, musicality, and complex coordination.
  • demonstrate good skills in how to adapt and actualize dance material in ones own body through working with different approaches to technique, physical investigation and exploration.
  • solve physical tasks both independently and in collaboration with others.

General Competence

By the end of the course, the students will be able to:

  • demonstrate further increased bodily awareness and physicality, particularly in terms of attention to detail, specificity, expressivity and the ability to project.
  • give meaningful feedback to others about their work with dance technique.
  • demonstrate a good ability to reflect on and discuss the connection between dance technique, alternative physical practices and dance art.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Passed physical and dance technical audition.

English language skills are required in accordance with requirements for general study skills or the GSU list.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Utøvende eksamen: Praktisk framvisning i fysisk praksis 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Passed when all work requirements are approved.

Coursework requirements

In addition to work requirements, progression is assessed continuously in the teaching activities throughout the year. 80% attendance is expected in the various courses.

Attendance in all organized teaching is mandatory in accordance with the UK Faculty’s attendance regulations.

Portfolio consisting of 5 required elements

  • an individual written reflection assignment
  • a written assignment related to independent supplementary training
  • a practical/oral group presentation
  • performance test in dance technique: midyear assessment at the end of the first semester
  • 1 performance test in physical practice in second semester

If a work requirement is not approved, the student will be given an opportunity to retake the work requirement. If the work requirement is still not approved, the student is referred to redoing the course.

Assignments in the subject are delivered in Norwegian or English. Swedish and Danish are also permitted.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Marie Ronold Mathisen

Course coordinator:

Mari Flønes

Course teacher:

Brynjar Åbel Bandlien

Course teacher:

Hagit Yakira

Study Adviser:

Lena Crosby Haug

Method of work

Training in dance technique and related physical practices

Group teaching with a focus on dialogue and reflection

Workshops

The course is organized in weekly teaching activities. However, the teaching activity can entirely or partly be organized as intensive modules in periods of the academic year. The course can also have a combination of weekly teaching and intensive modules.

Open for

Bachelor in Dance

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

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