The Art of Losing: Composing and Editing Dances and Writing

Course Description

Summary

In this course, students will focus on composition in both writing and in dance with a particular focus on editing. This course is designed for students interested in excavating and investigating their patterns and tendencies and interested in the rigor of crafting a work for public reception. We will explore the effect of removing materials. What space is created through omission? How can practicing loss serve our work? Students are expected to make new movement and written material during classtime, teach some of the work to others, and, in return, learn material from others. They will show their studies regularly and respond to the work of classmates. We will learn respectful modes of communication and feedback and expect all members of class to be gracious in both giving and receiving feedback. The course's title is drawn from Elizabeth Bishop's poem, One Art.