Description Table of Contents Author Excerpts Writing About Dance guides students through various processes of writing about dance, from the informal (journal writing and free writing) to the formal (critiques, essays, and research papers). When students learn both practical and artistic aspects of writing, they become better critical thinkers and writers as they deepen their understanding of dance technique, dance creativity, and dance as an art form. This book includes • 14 teacher-tested writing exercises, ranging from reflection to the creative process to writing about dance, that are appropriate for all dance classes; • rubrics for evaluating critiques, essays, and research papers; • an appendix that helps students prepare to write dance critiques; and • easy-to-use checklists to facilitate writing assignments and help students organize their thoughts and address aspects of each type of dance writing. Preface How to Use This Book Chapter 1: Writing, Dancing, and Critical Thinking Depth of Knowledge Writing Theory Writing About Dance Informal Writing Exercises Formal Papers Wrap-Up Chapter 2: The Writing Process Stages of the Writing Process General Writing Suggestions Wrap-Up Chapter 3: Informal Writing Exercises Reflection Exercises Statements of Personal Goals by Elizabeth Cooper Self-Reflection Letters by Cornish College of the Arts Dance Department Faculty by Kitty Daniels Journal Prompts Reflecting on Dance, Cognition, Culture, and Identity by Mira-Lisa Katz Artistic Statement by Jane Baas Class Observation by Kitty Daniels Quick Write by Wendy Oliver Quick Write Variation for Technique Class by Wendy Oliver Creative Process Exercises Shower Assignment by Heidi Henderson Using Poetry as a Structural Tool for Choreography by Christina Tsoules Soriano Intention Framing for Choreography by Larry Lavender Focus on Writing Exercises Dancing to Write, Writing to Dance by Rachel Straus Observation and Description Exercise by Stephanie L. Milling Dance in a Ritual Context by Elizabeth Cooper Summary Paper by Doug Risner Wrap-Up Chapter 4: Dance Critiques Feldman Model of Criticism Preparation Observation and Note Taking Getting Started: Free Writing Description, Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation Putting It Together Use of Language Revision Rubrics for Critiques Sample Critique Wrap-Up Chapter 5: Dance Essays Persuasive Essay: What Do You Believe? Reading Analysis Paper and Book Review Wrap-Up Chapter 6: Dance Research Papers Selecting a Topic and Creating a Guiding Question Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources Appropriate Sources Note Taking Thesis Development Structure Writing Process Flow Writing Style Editorial Style Rubric for Dance Research Papers Wrap-Up Appendix: Observation and Discussion Exercise for Critiquing Dance References Index About the Author Wendy Oliver, EdD, is a professor of dance in the department of theater, dance, and film at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. She has degrees in English, dance, and dance education and has taught dance at the college level for over 20 years. She believes that writing has a place in every dance course and she incorporates dance criticism, dance research, and informal dance writing into her classes on a regular basis. Oliver worked briefly as a dance critic, and later wrote her dissertation on the teaching of dance criticism at the college level. She has edited three books, and has published dance articles in a variety of books and journals, including the Journal of Dance in Education; Dance Research Journal; and the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She is an editorial board member for the Journal of Dance in Education and has served on the board for the Congress on Research for Dance. She also served as director of publications for the National Dance Association and is co-coordinator of the Rhode Island Arts Proficiencies in Dance. Oliver was honored in Who’s Who of American Women in 2008 to 2009 and received the National Dance Association Scholar/Artist Award in 2008. She was also listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers from 2003 to 2006 and received the Dance Educator of the Year Award in 1998 from the Rhode Island AAHPERD. Feldman Model of Criticism
