Each week following an artist's post, reflection questions and research ideas will get posted. These are aimed towards college level courses (senior seminar, composition, dance education, and more), but of course anyone can read the postscript and find thought-provoking questions and activities. 

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Discuss: One Take Away

In a college course, ask each student to select a sentence or phrase that most struck him/her. Provide time for each student in class to speak, or break the class into small groups for discussion.

Reflect: Skills in 2014

Re-read Julia's thoughts (below) about the skills a modern dancer needs in 2014. Look at each point and reflect on your own dancing and work ethic.

I think there are many ways to answer this question.  A lot of it depends on the direction you hope to head down in your dance life.  I, personally, have found that a modern dancer in 2014 needs a couple to a handful of the following skills:

-commitment

-solid work ethic

-ability to create movement (so often I find that choreographers are relying on their dancers for movement generation)

-ability to pick up material quickly

-ability to multitask (i.e., juggling 3 jobs on top of taking class and rehearsing, etc)

-openness to step into unknown territory and pushing yourself to try new things

-kindness/forgiveness/patience

View: The Work of Doug Varone

Julia is a company member of Doug Varone and Dancers. If unfamiliar with his work, spend some time on the company website and check out some of the videos. How would you describe the movement (3-5 words or phrases)?

http://www.dougvaroneanddancers.org/

 

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