DANCE COURSES

DAN 101. DANCE APPRECIATION 4 sh
This course invites dancers and nondancers to learn basic dances and their history in the area of performing arts and social dances of a variety of periods. The creative process of dance will also be explored. Offered fall only.

DAN 102. SOMATIC THEORIES I 4 sh
This course enables students to explore the body-mind centering theories of Irmgard Bartenieff, Joseph Pilates and classical yoga. Students will learn core movement patterns that pay particular attention to flexion and extension of the spine; rotation; spiraling; pelvis integration; relation of the head, neck and back; and breath. Students will improve movement habits, increase self-awareness of postural and movement characteristics, and move more effectively and efficiently. Offered fall.

DAN 104. MODERN I 1 sh
This is an introductory course in modern dance that develops the group consciousness while introducing individual students to their own movement potential through technical training and movement exploration. Theoretical knowledge of dance as an expressive art form is gained through lecture/discussion based on class work, required readings, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts. May be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 105. TAP I 1 sh
The student will be introduced to the basics of rhythm tap, including technique, traditional movement vocabulary, rhythmic sensibility, history and the development of individual style. May be repeated for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 106. BALLET I 1 sh
This is an introductory course in ballet that develops the group consciousness while introducing the individual to his or her own movement potential through technical training. Theoretical knowledge of dance as an expressive art form is gained through lecture/discussion based on class work, required readings, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts. May be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 107. JAZZ I 1 sh
This is an introductory course in jazz that develops the group consciousness while introducing the individual to his or her own movement potential through technical training. Theoretical knowledge of dance as an expressive art form is gained through lecture/discussion based on class work, required readings, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts. May be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 108. WORLD DANCE I 2 sh
This hybrid course combines traditional lecture with active studio course work. Students explore historical and cultural context of specific dance and music forms. Topics covered may include: African, Flamenco, Korean and East Asian, among others. This class may be repeated for credit. Offered twice every fall and spring semester as half-semester course; may be taken for repeat credit.

DAN 114. MODERN II 1 sh
This course is for the student with previous experience in modern dance. Students gain an appreciation of modern dance and develop a framework for the aesthetic criteria used in order to be informed observers of modern dance. This class may be repeated one for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 115. FOLK, SQUARE AND SOCIAL DANCE PEDAGOGY 1 sh
This course introduces the student to various folk, square and social dance forms through analysis, demonstration and practice with the objective being knowledge of the characteristics of each form and ability to participate in each. Offered fall.

DAN 116. BALLET II 1 sh
This course is for the student with previous experience in ballet. Students gain an appreciation of ballet and develop a framework for the aesthetic criteria used in order to be informed observers of ballet. This class may be repeated one for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 150. DANCE FOR THE MUSICAL STAGE I 1 sh
This course is designed for the incoming music theatre major. Levels and abilities will be assessed, alignment corrected, fundamental dance technique and conditioning exercises taught and drilled in order to ready the student for dance technique and styles classes required by their major. Students will also learn fundamental locomotor skills and the basic techniques required for jumping and turning. Dance combinations stressing steps and styles historically and traditionally used in the music theatre will be taught to a variety of musical styles. Stress is placed on giving the student a new awareness of and comfort with his or her body: to condition it, to gain the ability to apply dance technique and to learn to express musicality in a physical way. No prerequisite. For music theatre majors only. To be taken in the fall of the music theatre major's first year.

DAN 202. SOMATIC THEORIES II 4 sh
This course is a continuation of DAN 102 with additional focus on experiential anatomy: moving with awareness through the anatomy of motion. Special attention is placed on achieving balance through the action of key muscles of the trunk and hips and the alignment of the skeleton to gravity through the joints. The theories of Moshe Feldenkrais and somatic yoga will be integrated with the study of motor coordination patterns as related to expressive movement. Prerequisite: DAN 102 with a grade of "B." Offered spring.

DAN 204. MODERN III 1 sh
In this course, students focus on the qualitative aspects of modern movement and develop speed in movement analysis and synthesis. Attention is placed on alignment, musicality, expression and aesthetic understanding of the genre. Reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts required. The class may be repeated once for credit. Placement audition required. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 205.  TAP II 1 sh
This course continues to focus on the aspects of DAN 105 plus the introduction of contemporary vocabulary, flash work, improvisation, polyrhythms and choreography. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: DAN 105 or permission of instructor. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 206. BALLET III 1 sh
In this course, students focus on developing technical ballet skills while simultaneously expanding appreciation for ballet. Attention is placed on alignment, musicality, expression and aesthetic understanding of the genre. Reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts required. The class may be repeated once for credit. Placement audition required. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 207. JAZZ II 1 sh
This course is for the student with previous experience in jazz dance. Students gain an appreciation of jazz and develop a framework for the aesthetic criteria used in order to be informed observers of jazz dance. This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 210. YOGA 2 sh
This course introduces the student to the ancient practice of yoga toward mind, body and spirit integration. Specific practices include visualization, sound (mantra), gestures (mudra), breath and meditation which will aid with such problems as stress, anxiety, weakness and stiffness. Offered twice every fall and spring semester as a half-semester course; may be taken for repeat credit.

DAN 214. MODERN IV 1 sh
This course provides further study in applied modern dance instruction for the students who need additional work at the intermediate level for refinement of skills and a more in-depth technical development before promotion to the advanced level. Reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts required. Prerequisite: DAN 204 with a grade of "B." This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 216. BALLET IV 1 sh
This course provides further study in applied ballet dance instruction for the students who need additional work at the intermediate level for refinement of skills and a more in-depth technical development before promotion to the advanced level. Reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts required. Prerequisite: DAN 204 with a grade of "B." This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 223. DANCE ENSEMBLE 1 sh
Students accepted into this course will perform in departmental dance concerts and must be coregistered in a technique class, preferably at the intermediate or advanced level. Admission by audition only. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 301. DANCE HISTORY I 4 sh
This course explores the origins of dance and its development through the Renaissance. Dance as a performing art and dance as a social and educational art will be covered in this course. Students learn through lectures, discussions, experiential dances and research projects. Offered fall.

DAN 302. DANCE HISTORY II  4 sh
This course explores the history of dance from the Renaissance through current trends of dance in the 21st century. Dance as a performing art and as a social art will be a component of this course. Students will live the journey through lectures, discussions, videos, experiential dances and research projects. Offered spring.

DAN 304. MODERN V 1 sh
This is an intensive course in modern dance employing various established techniques for a more complete development of skills and an understanding of the aesthetic criteria for the modern dance style. This course also poses questions for self-evaluation as a dancer. Theoretical knowledge of dance as an expressive art form is gained through lecture/discussion based on class work, reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts. Prerequisite: DAN 214 with a grade of "B." This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 305.  TAP III 1 sh
This course offers continuation of the skills developed in DAN 205 with an intense focus on rhythmic sensibility, development of personal style, choreography and improvisation. Prerequisites: DAN 205 and permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 306. BALLET V 1 sh
This course provides intensive instruction in ballet and pointe through technique classes at the advanced level for a more complete development of technical skills and a more profound understanding of the aesthetic criteria for classical ballet. Theoretical knowledge of dance as an expressive art form is gained through lecture/discussion based on class work, reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts. Prerequisite: DAN 216 with a grade of "B." This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 307. JAZZ III 1 sh
In this course, students focus on developing technical skills while simultaneously expanding appreciation for jazz. Attention is placed on alignment, musicality, expression and aesthetic understanding of the genre. Reading, observation, written assignments and attendance at dance concerts require. May be repeated for credit. Placement audition required. Offered fall and spring.

DAN 310. ADVANCED PROJECTS IN DANCE 2-4 sh
For this in-depth study of a special topic, the advanced dancer may be given a performance assignment to demonstrate advanced proficiency in the field (e.g., dance captain for a theatre production, major choreographic duties in department productions, major role in guest choreographer's concert piece, internship at local dance studio culminating in both performance and choreographic work or an independent research project). Prerequisite: advance permission of instructor.

DAN 320. SPECIAL TOPICS IN DANCE 2-4 sh
Topics for this in-depth study vary each semester it is offered and may include Pilates, Dance for the Camera, Contact Improvisation forms, etc. May be repeated for credit.

DAN 321. DANCE INTENSIVE 4 sh
This course is designed for the advanced dancer to experience rigorous intensive dance in contemporary technique and creative choreographic experiences. Students will learn fast-paced combinations similar to the training of a professional dancer while attaining strength and individual performance enhancement. Offered winter term only; may be taken for repeat credit.

DAN 322. DANCE REPERTORY 4 sh
This course is an advanced-level dance technique class where one particular genre of dance is studied producing a concert piece. The style of dance may be from such areas as ballet, modern, tap, jazz or ethnic dance. Offered winter and spring semester only through audition and instructor permission; may be taken for repeat credit.

DAN 331. DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY II 4 sh
This advanced composition course builds upon the creative and technical skills gained in Choreography I and is devoted to the extensive exploration of choreographic techniques. The utilization of environment, technology, sound, text and scores for dance making will be addressed. The course will focus on developing theme-based choreographic works that are informed by theoretical and creative engagement with contemporary issues and concerns. Prerequisite: DAN 231 with a grade of "B." Offered fall.

DAN 341. DANCE IN WORSHIP 4 sh
This course is an exploration of the role of dance in worship in a variety of cultures from primitive ancient rituals through 21st century contemporary worship. Although a lecture course, students will at times be active participants in various forms of sacred dance. Students will also learn of the history and theory of dance as a form of worship. This course is for dancers and non dancers.

DAN 350. DANCE FOR THE MUSICAL STAGE III 1 sh
This course is a continued study of theatre dance designed to expand and enhance the student’s working knowledge of the art form. At this level, the student will be pushed to cross the line into intermediate-level artistic and technical work building on the course work covered in DAN 150 and DAN 250. Prerequisite: DAN 250. Restricted to junior Musical Theatre majors, others by permission of instructor. Offered fall.

DAN 404. MODERN VI 1 sh
This course provides advanced work in modern dance technique for individual students who need to continue technical development at the advanced level in order to reach their fullest potential as artists. It includes instructions in advanced modern technique and individual coaching in aspects of techniques that need further analysis and refinement. Advanced reading, observation and writing assignments are required. Prerequisite: DAN 304 with a grade of “B.” This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered every other semester.

DAN 406 BALLET VI 1 sh
This course provides advanced work in ballet dance technique for individual students who need to continue technical development at the advanced level in order to reach their fullest potential as artists. It includes instruction in advanced ballet and pointe technique and individual coaching in aspects of techniques that need further analysis and refinement. Advanced reading, observation and writing assignments are required. Prerequisite: DAN 306 with a grade of “B.” This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered every other semester.

DAN 407. JAZZ IV 1 sh
This course is the most advanced jazz dance technique geared toward the Dance major and the Musical Theatre major. Prerequisite: DAN 307 with a grade of “B.” This class may be repeated once for credit. Offered every other semester.

DAN 450. DANCE FOR MUSICAL STAGE IV 1 sh
A continuation course at the advanced level expanding upon the knowledge and skills introduced in DAN 350. The focus is on integrating technique with performance while exploring the traditional musical theatre vernacular in more depth. Historical lineage of music theatre dance remains an emphasis. Prerequisite: DAN 350. Restricted to senior Musical Theatre majors, others by permission of instructor. Offered fall.

DAN 495. SENIOR SEMINAR IN DANCE 2 sh
The beginning capstone experience for the senior Dance major, exploring a variety of topics to help prepare the student for work in the profession or graduate study. Preparation of students creative portfolio and research preparation for students final creative project begins in this course. Offered in the fall semester only.

DAN 496. SENIOR SEMINAR IN DANCE 2 sh
A continuation of DAN 495, this course completes the capstone experience for the senior Dance major, continuing the exploration of topics and skills to help prepare the student for entry into the profession or graduate study. Completion of creative project and creative portfolio required in this course. Offered in the spring semester only.