This module introduces theoretical practices and principles current with contemporary and post-modern dance performance research. It provides students with the opportunity to experience and critically examine, through study and practice, a range of contemporary/post-modern dance techniques and theoretical principles towards their clear articulation through movement in choreography and performance. Current techniques informing the study and practice of dance will be contextualized with reference to historically key movements in contemporary and post-modern dance and choreography.

The knowledge is structured according to the theoretical frameworks, principles and practices underpinning the history of Western contemporary and post-modern dance, choreography and performance. Its transmission is primarily through live studio-based research into the aesthetic, historical, and ideological principles that have informed the development of the field of contemporary and post-modern dance performance. The knowledge is also stored and transmitted through literature and text-based dance research, video, DVD documentation of the canon of works which define the tradition.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Distinguish the aesthetics, historical contexts, critical frameworks, theoretical principles and practices foundational to contemporary and post-modern dance techniques for performance. Compare and contrast the ways in which specific methods and modes of inquiry impact on their dance and performance research.

Demonstrate an ability to respond to, and engage with, methods and modes of inquiry designed to extend kinetic and expressive capacity in dance. Respond to improvisational tasks as part of the process of investigating movement principles, expressive themes and performance theories.

Synthesise the concepts studied towards developing greater clarity in the articulation of movement through embodying an increased awareness of space, rhythm, phrasing in dance and performance. Adapt the theoretical principles and practice in a range of contexts

The module is taught through a series of studio-based workshops and master classes. Students study and practice a range of methods and modes of inquiry which are based on the principles and practices that currently underpin contemporary and post-modern dance and performance technique training. Throughout this process students become knowledgeable about how ethical principles manifest in the aesthetics of the techniques developed by major contemporary dance artists. Through a series of workshops they undertake a range of task-based exercises which provide them with opportunities to creatively explore how they might selectivley integrate specific principles and practices in order to address their own specific technical needs and to support them achieve greater ease and clarity in articulating their movements. Many of the activites in the workshops require the students to work collaboratively, specifically when studying improvisation and contact improvisation. Students are required to deepen their understanding of the principles and practices being studied by undertaking self-directed research to include studio-based practice, reading, viewing live or recorded performances in order to deepen their knowledge of recent and current research findings/dvelopments in this area.