B8720 - DANZA E SPAZIO (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will learn the main theoretical articulations of the connection between space and dance. In terms of skills, the knowledge acquired through the course will provide tools for a critical approach to selected case studies portraying the interaction between art, politics, culture and society in respect to bodies, spaces, places and related forms of spectatorship.

Course contents

How does dance change when the way we conceive of space changes? This course begins with this question and traces key developments in the history of dance from the second half of the twentieth century to the present. From the space of the body to the stage, understood as a representational device, and onward to site-specific and urban practices, the course explores the reciprocal transformation of the relationship between dance and space.

Through selected case studies in postmodern dance, contemporary Italian choreography, and recent performance practices, students will examine this relationship in order to understand both the emergence of an environmental conception of performance space beyond the theater and the ways in which it is transforming choreographic creation for the stage.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Readings for Attending Students

(Students who attend at least 12 of the 15 class meetings.)

• Rossella Mazzaglia, Danza e Spazio. Mucchi Editore, Modena, 2015. (E-book available through the publisher's website and major online retailers; print copy available through the University Libraries.)
• Rossella Mazzaglia, Course Reader: "Lo spazio della danza: casi di studio" Academic Year 2026–2027. Available on the course Virtuale page.
• Course slides and lecture notes.

Required Readings for Non-Attending Students

• Rossella Mazzaglia, Danza e Spazio. Mucchi Editore, Modena, 2015. (E-book available through the publisher's website and major online retailers; print copy available through the University Libraries)
• Rossella Mazzaglia, Course Reader: "Lo spazio della danza: casi di studio" Academic Year 2026–2027. Available on the course Virtuale page.
• One of the following books (student's choice):
  • Rossella Mazzaglia, Virgilio Sieni. Editoria & Spettacolo, Spoleto, 2015.
  • Rossella Mazzaglia, Trisha Brown. L'Epos, Palermo, 2007.
  • Rossella Mazzaglia, Teatri altri. Dallo spazio al paesaggio della scena italiana. Cue Press, Imola, 2024.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment methods

For attending students, assessment consists of an oral examination covering the principal topics discussed in class and addressed in the required readings.

Non-attending students are required to submit, prior to the oral examination, a PowerPoint presentation on the use of space in the work of a contemporary dance or performance artist of their choice. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to select a case study different from those discussed during the course in order to demonstrate their ability to apply independently the analytical frameworks developed through the required readings.

Before preparing the presentation, students must email the instructor identifying the selected artist and work, together with a brief statement (approximately five lines) explaining the rationale for their choice.

The PowerPoint presentation must consist of eight slides:

• one introductory slide;
• one slide presenting the artist's biography;
• one slide outlining the artist's principal works;
• one slide providing historical and aesthetic context;
• three slides devoted to the analysis of the selected work;
• one concluding slide containing the bibliography and web resources consulted.

The presentation must include properly referenced quotations, images, and audiovisual materials.

The presentation must be submitted at least eight days before the scheduled oral examination. The oral examination will follow the same assessment criteria as those applied to attending students.

Evaluation will take into account the ability to identify themes and artistic practices within their historical period and aesthetic context. Assessment will also consider the ability to engage critically with the required readings and other scholarly sources, as well as the ability to establish meaningful connections between artistic forms and their broader cultural contexts.

Excellent performance will demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of the course topics, together with effective use of disciplinary terminology and strong oral communication skills.

Satisfactory performance will reflect primarily descriptive or mnemonic knowledge of the material, supported by adequate analytical and synthetic abilities and generally appropriate academic language.

Limited knowledge of the course material and/or inaccurate disciplinary language will receive a passing grade only where the minimum learning outcomes have been achieved.

Significant gaps in knowledge, inadequate use of disciplinary terminology, and an inability to engage with the required bibliography will result in an unsatisfactory evaluation.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), temporary or permanent disabilities, or other documented accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the University's Disability and SLD Office as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). Any accommodations proposed by the Office must be submitted to the instructor at least 15 days before the examination and remain subject to the instructor's approval in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

During the classes, audio-visual sources and primary written, oral and media sources will be used. The e-learning page will also serve as a platform to share material and communications.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Nancy Maria Mazzaglia