Modern/Contemporary III (350-0-20)

Topic

Int/Advanced Modern/Contemporary

Instructors

Sarah Marks Mininsohn
Sarah Marks Mininsohn is a dance artist and researcher pursuing a PhD in Interdisciplinary Theatre at Northwestern University, where she researches cultural memory, site-specific performance, and anti-fascist resistance in Italy. She sees her artistic and teaching practices as entwined with her research, citing and drawing together forms to create physical practices. Her choreography and teaching are informed by contemporary release technique, contact improvisation, Argentine tango, and klezmer music. Mininsohn has taught at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Wesleyan University, Alma College, the University of Bologna, and Shared Training Torino. Her work has been presented in Chicago, Bologna, Pescara, Champaign-Urbana, and Philadelphia. Mininsohn received a Fulbright to pursue artistic research in Italy (2022-23). She holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in Dance and Sociology from Wesleyan University.

Meeting Info

Wirtz Center Ballroom: Tues, Thurs 4:30PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

This course aims to build upon technical and artistic skills in modern dance at the intermediate/advanced level. Grounded in American post-modern dance tradition, the course will draw from a collage of contemporary, somatic, and improvisatory techniques. Students will further develop embodied understandings of alignment, weight shifts, momentum, and changing orientations, while incorporating modes of adaptability, negotiation, and play into their practices. In addition to moving through somatics, floorwork, center, and across-the-floor exercises, students will be challenged to strengthen their perspectives as artist scholars through creative decision-making and physical inquiry. Students will also critically consider modern dance as a social and political form through verbal and written reflections.

Evaluation Method

Grades will be based on participation, attendance, class discussions, written journal entries, and creative assignments.

Class Attributes

SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro