This hybrid studio/seminar course progresses in two tracks: one of embodied movement practices and the other of theoretico-historical critique. The canon of modern dance — arguably an American trajectory — is the source material for our interdisciplinary work. We will mimic and examine landmark choreographies in order to explore foundational tenets of modern art and modernity at large. Ableism and nihilism, sovereignty and sexuality, race and gender, are some of the themes that we will face along the path of analyzing the work of Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Bob Fosse, Merce Cunningham, George Balanchine, and Vaclav Nijinsky.
Other Information:
Students will gain more from the class if they are able to locate a space to take class in that can be cleared of objects and furniture, and that is ideally no smaller than 8 x 8 feet wide and long. Classes will be co-taught every other week by Prof. Yerushalmy in tandem with notable guest scholars and artists. Prior to the first class of the term, students will be required to engage with Prof. Yerushalmy in a one-on-one 45 minute conversation through movement and language.
