Dance Writing Guide: Free PDF Download

Description

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• Table of Contents
• Author
• Excerpts

Writing About Dance guides students through various processes of writing about dance, from the informal (journal writing and free writing) to the formal (critiques, essays, and research papers). When students learn both practical and artistic aspects of writing, they become better critical thinkers and writers as they deepen their understanding of dance technique, dance creativity, and dance as an art form. This book includes

• 14 teacher-tested writing exercises, ranging from reflection to the creative process to writing about dance, that are appropriate for all dance classes;

• rubrics for evaluating critiques, essays, and research papers;

• an appendix that helps students prepare to write dance critiques; and

• easy-to-use checklists to facilitate writing assignments and help students organize their thoughts and address aspects of each type of dance writing.

Preface

How to Use This Book

Chapter 1: Writing, Dancing, and Critical Thinking

Depth of Knowledge

Writing Theory

Writing About Dance

Informal Writing Exercises

Formal Papers

Wrap-Up

Chapter 2: The Writing Process

Stages of the Writing Process

General Writing Suggestions

Wrap-Up

Chapter 3: Informal Writing Exercises

Reflection Exercises

Statements of Personal Goals by Elizabeth Cooper

Self-Reflection Letters by Cornish College of the Arts Dance Department Faculty by Kitty Daniels

Journal Prompts Reflecting on Dance, Cognition, Culture, and Identity by Mira-Lisa Katz

Artistic Statement by Jane Baas

Class Observation by Kitty Daniels

Quick Write by Wendy Oliver

Quick Write Variation for Technique Class by Wendy Oliver

Creative Process Exercises

Shower Assignment by Heidi Henderson

Using Poetry as a Structural Tool for Choreography by Christina Tsoules Soriano

Intention Framing for Choreography by Larry Lavender

Focus on Writing Exercises

Dancing to Write, Writing to Dance by Rachel Straus

Observation and Description Exercise by Stephanie L. Milling

Dance in a Ritual Context by Elizabeth Cooper

Summary Paper by Doug Risner

Wrap-Up

Chapter 4: Dance Critiques

Feldman Model of Criticism

Preparation

Observation and Note Taking

Getting Started: Free Writing

Description, Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation

Putting It Together

Use of Language

Revision

Rubrics for Critiques

Sample Critique

Wrap-Up

Chapter 5: Dance Essays

Persuasive Essay: What Do You Believe?

Reading Analysis Paper and Book Review

Wrap-Up

Chapter 6: Dance Research Papers

Selecting a Topic and Creating a Guiding Question

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

Appropriate Sources

Note Taking

Thesis Development

Structure

Writing Process

Flow

Writing Style

Editorial Style

Rubric for Dance Research Papers

Wrap-Up

Appendix: Observation and Discussion Exercise for Critiquing Dance

References

Index

About the Author

Wendy Oliver, EdD, is a professor of dance in the department of theater, dance, and film at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. She has degrees in English, dance, and dance education and has taught dance at the college level for over 20 years. She believes that writing has a place in every dance course and she incorporates dance criticism, dance research, and informal dance writing into her classes on a regular basis.

Oliver worked briefly as a dance critic, and later wrote her dissertation on the teaching of dance criticism at the college level. She has edited three books, and has published dance articles in a variety of books and journals, including the Journal of Dance in Education; Dance Research Journal; and the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She is an editorial board member for the Journal of Dance in Education and has served on the board for the Congress on Research for Dance. She also served as director of publications for the National Dance Association and is co-coordinator of the Rhode Island Arts Proficiencies in Dance.

Oliver was honored in Who’s Who of American Women in 2008 to 2009 and received the National Dance Association Scholar/Artist Award in 2008. She was also listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers from 2003 to 2006 and received the Dance Educator of the Year Award in 1998 from the Rhode Island AAHPERD.

Feldman Model of Criticism

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