In this course, selected vocal music will be taught alongside musical instruments like drums, flutes, xylophones etc. Musical sources such as natural sound will also be explored. Students will be assessed through practical assignment in these areas.
The course offers the technical study of the different practical ways and possibilities of moving the body and performing specific tasks in body control, balance, postures and attitude in various situations.
The course is aimed at sharpening the movement perceptions of the students and to help them acquire the necessary African movement vocabulary in order to deal with the creative challenges they may encounter in their professional work. Students will be assessed throughout the duration of the course.
This is largely a research and observational course. Participation in traditional festivals, like Homowo, Hogbetsotso, Adae etc.; and attendance at special events and theatrical performances, etc., will form part of the course.
Students will be required to take notes and formulate practical dance and music ideas, etc., from their own perspectives. They will also be required to take on individual projects under experienced artists in these areas.
The objective of the course is to help extend and deepen the students’ knowledge, experience and understanding at first hand, of the nature and details of these events.
Assessment will be based on the students’ contribution to discussions on each trip and project assignment at the end of the course.
Sound and movement, and to some extent, silence, are interrelated in many ways. Their role is extremely important for the development of the dance style Noyam is embarking on.
To understand and be able to use sound as impetus for movement in the creative as well as the performance process, students will be led to explore and interpret sound – its quality, pitch, timbre, volume and texture etc., in relation to movement possibilities of the body.
Selected, vocal music will be used alongside musical instruments like drums, flutes, and xylophones etc. as accompaniments. Other sounds and movement sources including natural and recorded of natural sound effects along with everyday situational movements and attitudes etc will be explored.
This is a theoretical course being designed to look at the social and other conditions that influence the creation of both Traditional and Noyam African dance, including their basic meaning, symbolism, costumes, props, music and make-up etc. Resource materials will include books, video recording and other illustrative materials. Students will be assessed at the end of the course through a written examination.
This course is designed to help the student acquire skills and proficiency in the performance styles of the various traditional dance forms as well as the emerging Contemporary African Dance styles, including those in the repertory of Noyam. Student will be examined on the basis of how successfully they perform during public performances they will be required to undertake during the period of the course.
This is both theoretical and practical course focusing on the rudiment of choreographic knowledge and skills of dance composition such as dynamics, levels, shapes, timing, weight, direction, focus and space etc., based on African dance Principles, etc.; and how these could be applied in the creation of new dance forms that are African in orientation.
Video recordings and analysis of live performances and lectures will be used. The duration of the course is one and half hours, once per week. Students will be assigned a five-minute choreographic project at the end of the course to determine the level of knowledge they have so far acquired.
As human beings, we are taught to behave and to do things expected of us by society in our everyday activities. In many of our traditional dance forms, to a large extent, we are required to perform according to prescribe norms.
The aim of the course is to encourage the student to be him/her self. The intention is to help expand the natural abilities of the student with the objective of being able to solve problems; develop trust, confidence and skills in risk taking and choice making.
Each session will run for one and half hours per week. Assessment will be made on the basis of the quality of a ten-minute collaborative dance piece composed by the students based on their improvisation efforts at the end of the course.
The objective of this course is to establish a movement codification system using existing methods as well as the exploration of new ones. Students are expected to participate in the process to help them acquire basic understanding and ability in the subject. Class will meet one and half hours, twice a week. Students will be required to come up with a number of simple codified movements and answer questions at the end of the course.
*The above courses which will be revised periodically are taught by teachers with University degrees in the Performing Arts and Diploma holders from the Noyam African Dance Institute, as well as local and international experienced resource personnel.
