Now that you have a grasp of the way in which modern dance looks at movement, the next step is to understand how these movement efforts of space, time, weight, and flow are frequently used in modern dance.
Provides a multilayered learning experience for undergraduate and high
school students. Students can practice beginning modern dance technique
using the book’s 50 photos with descriptions and 38 video clips and
photos in the web resource. E-journal assignments, performance
critiques, quizzes, and a glossary are also included in the web resource.
If you are a member of the HK Rewards Program, when buying a new print edition of this book, you
will be granted the option for downloading the e-book edition at no additional charge. Learn more.
Beginning Modern Dance text and web resource introduce undergraduate and high school students to modern dance as a performing art through participation, appreciation, and academic study in the dance technique course.
In the book, 50 photos with concise descriptions support students in learning beginning modern dance technique and in creating short choreographic or improvisational studies. For those new to modern dance, the book provides a friendly orientation on the structure of a modern dance technique class and includes information regarding class expectations, etiquette, and appropriate attire. Students also learn how to prepare mentally and physically for class, maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and avoid injury.
Beginning Modern Dance supports students in understanding modern dance as a performing art and as a medium for artistic expression. The text presents the styles of modern dance artists Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and José Limón, Katherine Dunham, Lester Horton, and Merce Cunningham along with an introduction to eclectic modern dance style. Chapters help students begin to identify elements of modern dance as they learn, view, and respond to dance choreography and performance.
The accompanying web resource offers 38 interactive video clips and photos of dance technique to support learning and practice. In addition, e-journal and self-reflection assignments, performance critiques, and quizzes in the web resource help students develop their knowledge of modern dance as both performers and viewers.
Through modern dance, students learn new movement vocabularies and explore their unique and personal artistry in response to their world. Beginning Modern Dance text and web resource support your students in their experience of this unique and dynamic genre of dance.
Beginning Modern Dance is a part of Human Kinetics’ Interactive Dance Series. The series includes resources for modern dance, ballet, and tap dance that support introductory dance technique courses taught through dance, physical education, and fine arts departments. Each student-friendly text includes a web resource offering video clips of dance instruction, assignments, and activities. The Interactive Dance Series offers students a guide to learning, performing, and viewing dance
How to Use the Web Resource
Chapter 1. Introduction to Modern Dance
Defining Modern Dance
Benefits of Studying Modern Dance
Basics of Modern Dance Class
Expectations and Etiquette for Students
Structure of Modern Dance Class
Unique Features of Modern Dance
Appreciating Modern Dance As a Performing Art
Chapter 2. Preparing for Class
Dressing for Class
Carrying Dance Gear
Preparing Yourself Mentally and Physically
Chapter 3. Safety and Health
Preventing and Treating Common Dance Injuries
Flexibility and Stretching
Achieving Optimal Fitness
Nutrition, Hydration, and Rest
Chapter 4. Modern Dance Basics
Elements of Dance
Movement Preferences in Modern Dance
Chapter 5. Dance Composition Basics
Creative Process in Dance
Chapter 6. Performing and Responding to Modern Dance
Learning Movement for Performance
Viewing and Responding to Modern Dance Performances
Chapter 7. History of Modern Dance
Origins of Modern Dance
Evolution of Modern Dance
Dance in Higher Education
Relevance of Modern Dance Today
Chapter 8. Five Major Styles of Modern Dance
Identifying Your Instructor's Approach
References and Resources
About the Author
Textbook for undergraduate beginning modern dance courses in dance,
dance and theater, fine arts, physical education, and general education
programs. Textbook for magnet arts schools and advanced high school
Miriam Giguere, PhD, is the dance program director in the
department of performing arts at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Giguere has been teaching modern dance in higher education for 22 years.
Before teaching at the university level, Giguere danced professionally
with three modern dance companies. As dance program director at Drexel,
she created the curriculum for the dance major to include multiple
styles of modern dance. Using her experience as a dance teacher in an
academic setting, she developed 11 new courses and associated teaching
Giguere is a frequent presenter at national and international
conferences on the topics of best practices in dance education and
cognition during the creative process in dance. Her dissertation on the
latter topic received the 2009 National Dissertation Award from the
American Educational Research Association Arts and Learning Special
Interest Group. She was the invited keynote speaker for Singapore’s
Dance Education Conference 2010. She holds a master’s degree in
education from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in dance
from Temple University.
She is a member of the National Dance Educators Organization (NDEO) and
the Congress on Research in Dance. Giguere also is a peer reviewer for
the Journal of Dance Education and the Journal of Emerging
In her free time, Giguere enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with
her family. She and her husband, Ralph, reside in Glenside, Pennsylvania.