Makers & Making / Performance in the 21st Century
Course Description
Summary
Isn’t the meaning of a work always discovered, to some extent, by its creator during the process of making it?” (Roslyn Sulcas).
Through direct engagement with the artistic work and life experience of various prominent artists currently working in the field of experimental dance and performance, we will consider how style, process, logistics, methodologies, value systems and creative interests all intersect in the making, presenting and reception of performance works.
A diverse group of guest artists will be central to this course. Through live workshops, interviews, and discussions, students will engage directly with the artistic practices of prominent figures currently working in the field. These experiences will be processed through discussion, writing, analysis, and bi-weekly creative responses, allowing students to integrate, expand upon, or challenge these ideas in relation to their own artistic development.
Throughout the course, we will examine how artists articulate their work, considering how language and conceptual frameworks shape both creative processes and public perception. We will also explore different approaches to sustainability in the arts and the strategies artists employ to navigate their careers.
Building on these explorations, students will develop and present a final creative project at the end of the term.
Learning Outcomes
- Engage with a variety of contemporary artists and artistic practices in dance and performance.
- Develop confidence in discussing and analyzing artistic work both verbally and in writing.
- Investigate the language and conceptual frameworks artists use to describe and position their work.
- Examine how artistic and practical choices inform the final presentation of performance.
- Create performative responses to the themes explored in class, expanding their creative toolkit and refining their individual artistic voice.
Prerequisites
For consideration at the 4000 level, please write a letter of interest to levigonzalez@bennington.edu and edemyanenko@bennington.edu that describes your experience with dance and making original work. Priority will be given to students with a focus on dance and performance.
Please contact the faculty member(s) :
Corequisites
Dance or Drama lab assignment if students sign up for 4 or more credits in designated dance courses.