Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen
Dance History 142631/3656/2627/1/80
Study guide

Dance History 1

42631/3656/2627/1/80
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Dance, programme stage 1
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Nellis Steff
Teaching staff are not (all) known yet.
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2026 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.
Total study time: 90,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

Dance History 1 examines themes from the history of dance, placed in their cultural, political and interdisciplinary artistic context.

Learning outcomes (list)

Comprehends historical and current cultural and social frameworks
Comprehends key evolutions, themes and protagonists within dance history in relation to their wider art-historical context
Understands and reflects on the relation between (historical) artistic discourses and practices with social and political ideologies
Has a basic understanding of metahistorical processes and challenges related to the construction of dance history
Reflects on content and structure in relation to own and shared viewpoints
Uses relevant skills to communicate and dialogue with diverse target groups
Demonstrates communication skills to enter relevant dialogue

Course content

Dance History 1 examines themes from the history of Western theatre dance, placed in their cultural, social, political and interdisciplinary artistic context. It aims to provide a panorama of dance history through different topics, based on the study of sources. The period is a broad one, from prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century (which complements Dance History 2 from BA2), but more recent cases are also seen and analyzed. It provides a large reflection on memory and heritage. It also focuses on how choreographers and dancers, past and present, relate to (dance) history (the "meta-history"). For example, the course wants to stimulate students to think about what (dance) history can mean for their own artistic practice and how (dance) history can inspire them. Historical sources will be used and reading and listening skills will be the main focus in processing these sources.

Study material (list)

DigitapMandatory
Study guide for the bachelor dance programmeMandatory
Digital resources to research artists contributing to the programme, professional dance companies, digital archives, databases and online journals and blogsRecommended
Industry knowledge sources of magazines, publications, reports and studies on current developments in the professional fieldRecommended
Library Sources for books on dance history, theory, pedagogy, artistic research, academic research and biographical and critical writings on choreographers and artistic practicesRecommended
Live dance performances, concerts and exhibitions in De Singel, in Antwerp and across BelgiumRecommended

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Lectures and / or tutorials30,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours60,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test once during class weeks40,00The total exam time for written and digital knowledge and comprehension tests consists of the scheduled time for the test plus an additional quarter of exam time for all students. This therefore includes the extra exam time provided as an individual adjustment.
1st examination periodResearch Assignment40,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series80,00The total exam time for written and digital knowledge and comprehension tests consists of the scheduled time for the test plus an additional quarter of exam time for all students. This therefore includes the extra exam time provided as an individual adjustment.
Evaluation(s) for both exam chances, not reproducible in re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodReflection assignment permanently during class weeks (Permanent evaluation)20,00

Evaluation (text)

Evaluation

See 'Evaluation (list) for the specific evaluation components of the course unit.

Re-sit exam
Not all courses have a re-sit exam possibility. Refer to the notification above in this ECTS information sheet for the possibility of a re-sit exam for this course unit.
A re-sit exam:
• is not possible for assessment methods that use permanent evaluation (see evaluation list above). When a re-sit exam is possible for the course, the grade for the permanent evaluation of the first examination period is transferred to the second examination period.
• is possible for the evaluation components that do not include permanent evaluation.

Attendance requirement:
Your attendance is mandatory (except in cases of illness, force majeure, or written approval from the program) in order to be assessed through permanent evaluation. Unjustified absence will negatively affect your chances of passing the course.
Conditions for legitimate absence:

* An absence legitimised by a medical certificate uploaded in iBamaFlex.
* Due to an Act of God, if approved by the head of the programme.
* Exceptional circumstances, if previously approved by the head of the programme.