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Writing About Dance
Author: Wendy Oliver
$26.48 CAD
Writing About Dance guides students through various processes of writing about dance, from the informal (journal writing and free writing) to the formal (critiques, essays, and research papers). When students learn both practical and artistic aspects of writing, they become better critical thinkers and writers as they deepen their understanding of dance technique, dance creativity, and dance as an art form. This book includes
• 14 teacher-tested writing exercises, ranging from reflection to the creative process to writing about dance, that are appropriate for all dance classes;
• rubrics for evaluating critiques, essays, and research papers;
• an appendix that helps students prepare to write dance critiques; and
• easy-to-use checklists to facilitate writing assignments and help students organize their thoughts and address aspects of each type of dance writing.
Audience
Reference or supplemental text for students in any dance course with writing assignments (e.g., dance technique, dance composition, improvisation, dance appreciation, introduction to dance, history of dance, and dance criticism). Teacher resource at the secondary level.
Preface
How to Use This Book
Chapter 1: Writing, Dancing, and Critical Thinking
Depth of Knowledge
Writing Theory
Writing About Dance
Informal Writing Exercises
Formal Papers
Wrap-Up
Chapter 2: The Writing Process
Stages of the Writing Process
General Writing Suggestions
Wrap-Up
Chapter 3: Informal Writing Exercises
Reflection Exercises
Statements of Personal Goals by Elizabeth Cooper
Self-Reflection Letters by Cornish College of the Arts Dance Department Faculty by Kitty Daniels
Journal Prompts Reflecting on Dance, Cognition, Culture, and Identity by Mira-Lisa Katz
Artistic Statement by Jane Baas
Class Observation by Kitty Daniels
Quick Write by Wendy Oliver
Quick Write Variation for Technique Class by Wendy Oliver
Creative Process Exercises
Shower Assignment by Heidi Henderson
Using Poetry as a Structural Tool for Choreography by Christina Tsoules Soriano
Intention Framing for Choreography by Larry Lavender
Focus on Writing Exercises
Dancing to Write, Writing to Dance by Rachel Straus
Observation and Description Exercise by Stephanie L. Milling
Dance in a Ritual Context by Elizabeth Cooper
Summary Paper by Doug Risner
Wrap-Up
Chapter 4: Dance Critiques
Feldman Model of Criticism
Preparation
Observation and Note Taking
Getting Started: Free Writing
Description, Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation
Putting It Together
Use of Language
Revision
Rubrics for Critiques
Sample Critique
Wrap-Up
Chapter 5: Dance Essays
Persuasive Essay: What Do You Believe?
Reading Analysis Paper and Book Review
Wrap-Up
Chapter 6: Dance Research Papers
Selecting a Topic and Creating a Guiding Question
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources
Appropriate Sources
Note Taking
Thesis Development
Structure
Writing Process
Flow
Writing Style
Editorial Style
Rubric for Dance Research Papers
Wrap-Up
Appendix: Observation and Discussion Exercise for Critiquing Dance
References
Index
About the Author
