Travel to Buenos Aires to research performance practices, dance pedagogy and attend performances, rehearsals and lectures.

Travel to Buenos Aires to research performance practices, dance pedagogy and attend performances, rehearsals and lectures.

Grant:
Instructional Development Fund (IDF)
Academic Year:
2014 - 2015 (June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015)
Funding Requested:
$500.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
chavasse
Overview of the Project:
This application seeks funding from CRLT to support a research trip to Buenos Aires, August 2-10, 2014 to study innovations in performance, composition and dance pedagogy. I will engage in practice-based research while studying, attending and observing classes with Professors of Dance and Theater, Luciana Acuña and Luis Biasotto. They are also co-Artistic Directors of Grupo Krapp, an internationally recognized group of dance, theater and music artists in Buenos Aires, and professors at the Universitario Nacional de Arte. Through this immersive experience-- participating, observing, writing about, documenting, (video and written, I will build dynamically upon my work and research, expanding my teaching modalities and methods here in the courses I teach-- Creative Process, Performance Improvisation, Senior Seminar, Advanced Dance Technique. My dedication to international travel, teaching, performance and research during the summer has infused by teaching practice in important and myriad ways.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:

To visit museums, attend theater, music and dance performances and interact with local performing artists. To teach classes in improvisation and contemporary technique at The Universidad de San Martin. To observe classes at at the Universitario Nacional de Arte taught by master teachers, Luciana Acuña and Luis Biasotto. Most profoundly, we were invited to sit in on rehearsals for a new film and performance project by the multimedia company, Grupo Krapp.

Project Achievements:

This kind of field research amplifies the ways that I recognize and study global trends in research and performance and dynamically shapes my teaching methods. Teaching students from another culture asked me to consider how economic and social systems impact learning. Questions of privilege become foregrounded, followed by analysis of how privilege can blunt creativity. I was able to think about these experiences as designed my coursework for Dance Technique, Senior Seminar, Improvisation and Composition. My work as a BFA adviser and mentor was positively impacted. My international connections in Buenos Aires and beyond have provided introductions for my students traveling abroad for study and work.

Continuation:
I was able to continue my professional and artistic connection with Grupo Krapp. Transglobal exchanges provide immersive experience through direct engagement with international practitioners and educators. These are experiences that resonate in my pedagogy, and push me to cultivate new perspectives and methods. The concept of inclusive teaching became a real practice as I navigated the challenges of teaching in another culture and language. I will seek more opportunities to work in Buenos Aires, and with Grupo Krapp in the future.
Dissemination:
I have brought artists from Grupo Krapp to the U-M three times in the past for residencies in the Department of Dance. My colleagues have benefited from learning about the company and attending classes and performances.
Advice to your Colleagues:
Our travel to Buenos Aires was delayed by 2 days and our luggage was lost for 4, so we experienced some difficulty keeping our itinerary on track. International travel can always bring these surprises. Be prepared, and be adaptable. The success of the project was heavily contingent on the open minded spirit and resiliency of the student participants. Having connections in the host city is beneficial. Language proficiency can avoid mishaps.
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