Fall Dance Production Studio: Contact Improvisation
TDM 90CR
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
TDM Production Studios consist of a 4-credit course that meets weekly led by TDM Faculty and a full production process led by a professional Director or Choreographer which culminates in the public performance of an original work. This fall’s Production Studio will focus on Contact Improvisation, one of the most influential contemporary dance practices today which attracts and inspires dancers and non-dancers all over the world. Developed in the early 1970s, contact improvisation explores how two or more people move closely together through space, playing with physical forces such as momentum, gravity, and inertia.
The course component, taught by dance scholar Laura Quinton, will delve into the history, theories, political, social, and practical applications of this global art form. We will also examine what it means to make a professional dance production, meeting with our choreographer, musicians, and designers to hear their insights into the creative process.
The production component will be led by professional choreographer Stephanie Turner. In weekly rehearsals leading to a weekend of professionally produced performances, students will collaborate with Prof. Turner to create a new dance work rooted in contact improvisation, developing their individual artistic voices while building a shared movement language. What does it mean to fall, fly, rebound, and dance together in a turbulent world? And what might contact improvisation reveal about the value of human touch, physical expression, and live performance in our digital age? In the spirit of contact improvisation, all movers – seasoned or first-time – are welcome.
Course Notes
TDM production studios (TDM 90AR/BR/CR/DR) frame and involve participation in Theater, Dance & Media’s professionally directed and designed productions. Additional evening rehearsals throughout the semester and final performances at the end of the semester are required; more details and schedule are on the Canvas course page. All are welcome, no prior dance/movement background required. Participation is limited to students involved with the production, either as performers or as members of the production team. Students who wish to be part of the production team should contact Artistic Producer James Stanley, jamesstanley@fas.harvard.edu. This course satisfies the “Production Studio" requirement for TDM concentrators.
Class Notes
Draft Fall Schedule (subject to change, please confirm on Canvas course page):
Classes
Mondays from 3-5pm
Rehearsals
Every Other Sunday starting September 20: 2-6pm
Mondays Sept 14-Nov 2: 7-10pm
Wednesdays Sept 16-Nov 4: 7-10pm
Tech Schedule
Dry Tech: Nov 6 at 7-11pm
Tech: Nov 7 at 11am-10pm
Tech: Nov 9-12 at 7-11pm
Performances:
Nov 13 at 7:30pm
Nov 14 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
