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Dance Lecturer - Theater, Dance & Performance Studies (TDPS)

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Position description

The Department of Theater, Dance & Performance Studies (TDPS) at the University of California, Berkeley is generating an applicant pool of qualified temporary instructors to teach a range of dance courses should openings arise. Potential subject areas include: Introduction to Modern Dance Technique, Intermediate Modern Dance Technique, Advanced Modern Dance Technique, Sources of Movement, Choreography: Solo/Duet, Choreography: Group Forms, Beginning or Intermediate Ballet for the Modern Dancer, and performance workshops in a variety of styles and techniques. See below for more complete class descriptions. Appointments may begin in August 2014, and the applicant pool will remain in place for two calendar years.

Basic qualifications: A relevant graduate degree and/or professional experience in dance practice are required at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with teaching in a university or conservatory setting in the following subject areas is preferred.

Course descriptions:

Introduction to Modern Dance
Introduction to modern dance from a Western concert dance perspective. Study of foundational concepts of movement such as: principles of alignment, locomotion, dance terminology, and musicality.

Intermediate Modern Dance Technique

Development of body articulation and control utilizing modern dance concepts of time, space, and dynamics.

Advanced Modern Dance Technique
Refinement of movement techniques as well as qualitative analysis and demonstration of movement with regard to rhythm, dynamics, and style.

Sources of Movement

Beginning application of dance technique as a means of communication in the theatre. Use of basic technical fundamentals as a means of extending natural movement in rhythm, energy, and space with emphasis on style and qualitative analysis.

Beginning Ballet Technique for the Contemporary Dancer
This course is designed for contemporary/modern dancers interested in learning ballet vocabulary, technique, and alignment principles in order to support their contemporary/modern training. The course is intended to be taken in conjunction with one of the modern/contemporary dance technique courses offered by TDPS (40, 141, or 142). Beginning level. Audition first day of class.

Intermediate Ballet Technique for the Contemporary Dancer
This course is designed for contemporary/modern dancers interested in expanding their ballet vocabulary, improving ballet technique, and learning new approaches to taking ballet class. The course is intended to be taken in conjunction with one of the modern/contemporary dance technique courses offered by TDPS (40, 141, or 142) and requires that students have intermediate (or above) proficiency with ballet technique. Audition first day of class. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Showcase of student work at end of semester.

Performance Workshop

Workshop involving advanced actors, dancers, and spoken-word performers in collaborative development of new performance; topics include cross-disciplinary arts, solo performance, language, and movement.

Salary is based on past college-level teaching experience. Appointments are likely to be between 33% and 67% in any one semester, meaning one or two classes.

The position(s) will remain open until filled; initial review date May 30, 2014. Applications received by May 30, 2014 date will receive priority for Fall 2014 needs; to receive full consideration, please submit all materials prior to this date. The posting will remain open through May 30, 2016 to accommodate upcoming course needs and new applicants. If you wish to remain in the pool after May 30, 2016 you will need to reapply.

Please direct questions to Marni Davis (marni@berkeley.edu).

The Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies teaches performance as a mode of critical inquiry, creative expression and public engagement. Through performance training and research, we create liberal arts graduates with expanded analytical, technical and imaginative capacities. As a public institution, we make diversity and inclusion a key part of our teaching, art making and public programming. For more information, see: http://tdps.berkeley.edu/

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching.

The Department seeks candidates whose research, teaching and service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion and increasing the participation of individuals from groups historically underrepresented in higher education.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement on Teaching

  • Syllabi - Sample syllabi for a semester-long classes in one of the courses listed

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)