51³ÉÈËÁÔÆæ

Course Description

Summary

A retrospective look at twentieth-century compositions composed specifically for dance. Composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Stravinsky, Ellington, Cage, and Copland revolutionized musical form, tonality, and rhythm during the twentieth century, creating compositions for iconic dance companies and choreographers such as the Ballets Russes, Martha Graham, Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet, George Balanchine, Talley Beaty, Twyla Tharp, and Urban Bush Women. We will examine these collaborations in hope of revealing a deeper understanding of their work. Each student will research a composer and choreographer collaboration to present in class. Mid-term and final projects will consist of composing a work with a choreographer or composer to be presented in music workshop and/or VAPA. There will be weekly listening, viewing, readings, and responses. Students must have a working knowledge of an instrument or dance.