January 16, 2006
MASTERS STUDY IN CHOREOGRAPHY
NEW MEDIA IN AMSTERDAM
MASTERS STUDY IN CHOREOGRAPHY/NEW MEDIA IN AMSTERDAM: OVERVIEW Established in 2002, Dance Unlimited (DU) Amsterdam is a unique two-year masters program* supporting the study of the relationship between choreography, performance and new media technologies. The program takes the development of choreographic work as its starting point, and new media technologies and practices are approached from this perspective. Theoretical and critical reflection is used as a means to challenge and support the practical work; and collaboration is emphasized. The DU staff comprises internationally known artists and researchers: Scott deLahunta, Sher Doruff, Jeroen Fabius (coordinator), Thomas Lehmen and Susan Rethorst.
CURRICULUM FORMATS: The program makes use of a wide range of curriculum delivery formats including: lectures, symposia, seminar, workshops, tutorials, reading and writing, mentoring and networking, studio-based research, etc. Within this a very active independent attitude is demanded from the student in the organisation of his or her own line of investigation. This 'independent study' comprises the main ingredient of the program.
CURRICULUM CONTENT: At the core of the curriculum is exposure to a range of new media technologies and practices overlapping with intensive choreography workshops. The aim is to develop sensitivity toward forms arising from the interplay between technology and choreographic practice. From here, students develop their own approach to practice based research and the making of artwork in a variety of formats. Introduction to possible collaborators and contexts for the presentation of finished artwork form another key part of the curriculum. In addition, the continuation of professional opportunities for the tudent after graduation remains an important concern throughout the two years with advise in this area provided on an individual basis.
FACILITIES AND TRAINING: DU Amsterdam accepts only four new students every two years, and this means access to facilities and staff is optimal. The program has its own dedicated rehearsal and computer studios and access throughout the year to the largest performance spaces in the Theaterschool. Elsewhere in Amsterdam there are several venues with which the program has a special relation, in particular the Melkweg Theatre, and students are assisted in showing their work in this wider public context. The program does not provide sustained training in complex hardware and software. The student is expected to come with a certain level of experience with the media they wish to explore and/ or be prepared to pursue a self-teaching path. As mentioned, students will be advised and supported in establishing collaborative connections with a range of partner organizations specializing in aspects of new media technologies and practices (e.g. such as Waag Society for old and new media, STEIM studio for electro-instrumental music and various media arts education programs).
FOR 2006-2008: We are looking for artists with a solid educational and professional dance background who wish to engage in a study of the relationship between choreography, performance, and new media technologies. However, we recognize that in areas of arts practice involving new media technologies such as locative media, robotics, and other non-screen based work an interest in movement and choreography may have come into play. As we re engaged in such overlaps, applications can be considered from candidates with these backgrounds who can give strong reasons for wishing to participate in a program that takes the choreographic mind/ body as its starting point and would be prepared to immerse oneself in collaborations with the other students who will have choreography and dance as their primary artistic practice.
APPLICATION DATES/INFORMATION
The program is ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW for the September 2006 start. The application Deadline has been extended to 20 February 2006. A selected group will be invited for the audition in April. More general information and Registration Forms are available on this website.
CONTACT: Questions please contact the secretary: Ellen van Haeringen email: e.vanhaeringen[at]ahk.nl / tel: +31 20 527 7648 / fax: +31 20 527 7642
* Currently the program is postgraduate, but will be validated as a Masters from 2007
DU Amsterdam is part of a collaboration providing advanced study in choreography in the Netherlands with the Dance Academies of Rotterdam, Codarts and Arnhem, Artez.
Posted by jo at January 16, 2006 10:23 AM
