B8749 - FORME DELLA VIDEODANZA (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses an articulated framework of the multiple formats taken on by videodance (autonomous creation, documentation, dance in the cinema, moving images as a dramaturgical element), also in the context of virtual and extended reality, starting from a comparison with the panorama of studies related to this field and from the analysis of case studies; he/she acquires methodological tools useful for autonomously exercising his/her own capacity to analyse video-dance creations and the different artistic languages that nourish them. In terms of skills, this provides the student with skills, analytical and reflective tools to be applied in a variety of areas: theoretical research and artistic creation; essay-writing and critical-journalistic writing; organisation and curation of artistic events.

Course contents

The course, offered for the first time this year, aims to foster the acquisition of historical, critical, and aesthetic skills related to video dance—understood as a broad field of creation that connects dance and screens.

During class, various types of choreographic works for the screen will be viewed and analyzed, ranging from screendance in the strict sense to music videos and commercials, without neglecting video as a tool for testimony and documentation.

Readings/Bibliography

The exam syllabus includes the study of two books:

1) the book

Elena Cervellati e Silvia Garzarella (a cura di), Danza, schermi e visori. Contaminazioni coreografiche nella scena italiana, Dino Audino, Roma 2024;

 

2) one book of choice from among

Alessandro Amaducci, Screendance Sperimentazioni visive intorno al corpo tra film, video e computer grafica, Kaplan, Torino 2020;

Xiao Huang, Forme (形 xing) e visioni (象 xiang). La screendance tra Europa e Cina, Ephemeria, Macerata 2024 (Students currently enrolled in the course may request a free copy of this book from the instructor).

 

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: We recommend that you contact the relevant university office in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it), which will propose any necessary accommodations. These accommodations must, however, be submitted for approval by the instructor at least 15 days in advance; the instructor will evaluate their appropriateness, taking into account the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching methods

The viewing of choreographic works for the screen, accompanied by commentary, will be an integral part of the lectures. Active participation by attending students will be encouraged through the analysis of case studies and classroom discussions. Participation in festivals and roundtable discussions related to the course content will also be encouraged.

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through an oral exam designed to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding of the texts included in the exam syllabus.

Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered, demonstrating mastery of expression and specialized terminology, presenting original insights, and demonstrating familiarity with the tools for analyzing dance performances will be evaluated with grades of excellence.

A largely mechanical or rote knowledge of the subject matter, an inability to articulate synthesis and analysis, or language that is correct but not always appropriate will result in average grades.

Gaps in knowledge or inappropriate language, as well as a poor understanding of the analytical tools relevant to the course topics, will result in grades that hover around the sufficiency threshold.

Gaps in knowledge, inappropriate language, a lack of orientation within the bibliography, and an inability to analyze the course topics will inevitably be evaluated negatively.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be supplemented by the viewing of visual and video materials. In addition, they will be enriched by the participation of guest artists and scholars.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Cervellati