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Writing About Dance PDF

Writing About Dance PDF

Author:
$40.95 CAD


 

Product Format

    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.

    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

    Wendy Oliver, EdD, is a professor of dance in the department of theater, dance, and film at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. She has degrees in English, dance, and dance education and has taught dance at the college level for over 20 years. She believes that writing has a place in every dance course and she incorporates dance criticism, dance research, and informal dance writing into her classes on a regular basis.

     

    Oliver worked briefly as a dance critic, and later wrote her dissertation on the teaching of dance criticism at the college level. She has edited three books, and has published dance articles in a variety of books and journals, including the Journal of Dance in Education; Dance Research Journal; and the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She is an editorial board member for the Journal of Dance in Education and has served on the board for the Congress on Research for Dance. She also served as director of publications for the National Dance Association and is co-coordinator of the Rhode Island Arts Proficiencies in Dance.

     

    Oliver was honored in Who’s Who of American Women in 2008 to 2009 and received the National Dance Association Scholar/Artist Award in 2008. She was also listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers from 2003 to 2006 and received the Dance Educator of the Year Award in 1998 from the Rhode Island AAHPERD.