Dance

This course provides students with the opportunity to take one or two semesters of basic modern dance technique. Each semester will include a novel approach to basic technique, viewing of major choreographers' works, a review of live performance, and discussions of various styles of movement. Course may be repeated for credit. 

This course traces the development of ballet from its origins in the 16th century preclassic dance forms to the present. Primary focus will be given to changes in the structure and context of ballet as revealed through a study of major works. The course will also cover the contributions of performers who have been responsible for the evolution of ballet. Students will be asked to consider how the development of the art form relates to the aesthetic values in a sociocultural context.

History of 20th and 21st century dance is studied in its relation to the past, as well as to other 20th century art forms. Attention is paid to the philosophies of movement of 20th century artists and their artistic, social, cultural and political implications.

Dance movements are analyzed and understood through application of anatomical principles. Special consideration is given to body alignment, range of motion, and identification and remediation of poor movement habits. Attention will be given to long term injury and resulting depression. Systems of movement analysis will also be discussed as well as applied: Laban, Bartenieff Feldenrais, Pilates, and Yoga.

In this introduction to creative movement for K-6 grade children, movement is explored as creative expression, a learning aid and a means for the development of socialization skills. Skill in lesson planning is developed.

This is a beginning ballet sequence that allows students one or two semesters of ballet techniques. The main focus of both courses is the discipline and experience of mind/body integration as used in the technique and style of classical ballet. Ballet's history will be studied as it relates to the style, technique, and development of ballet.  Course may be repeated for credit.

Fundamentals of tap dance including basic rhythmic structure and incorporation of dance fundamentals such as alignment and style, in conjunction with tap technique.

This beginning two-part jazz sequence allows students to experience the mind/body coordination that is integral to jazz technique and how it is utilized differently in various jazz dance styles. Jazz dance history will be explored. Course may be repeated for credit.

The department occasionally offers special topics courses dealing with areas and topics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

The course is designed for students with dance experience. This course consists of studio work in Modern Dance technique, principles and style at an Intermediate Level. The student is expected to  master intermediate level elements of alignment, placement, rhythm and execution of movements that are unique to the modern dance idiom.  This course may be taken twice for credit.

The course consists of intermediate level dance study that comprises two segments. The 1st half of the course consists of studio work in Classical Ballet technique, vocabulary, principles and style. The student is expected to understand ballet vocabulary and to work towards further mastery of the rules of alignment, classical line and execution of movements unique to classical ballet at an intermediate level. The 2nd half of the course consists of studio work in Modern Dance technique, principles and style. The student is expected to master intermediate level elements of alignment, placement, rhythm and execution of movement patterns that are unique to the modern dance idiom. If offered in the fall of the school, students enrolled in this course may participate in a student/faculty performance. The purchase of appropriate dance clothing (leotard, tights, and ballet slippers) is the responsibility of the student.

To be arranged with faculty.

This course examines the abstract elements of dance, time, space, and energy so that they can come together to form movement that has artistic purpose. Students will learn through movement various ways to shape the abstract elements of dance.

An experimental exploration of authenticity and spontaneity in movement through improvisational techniques. An introduction to analysis of individual movement styles with an emphasis on how to broaden the range of artistic expression.

The course is designed for students with dance experience. The course consists of studio work in JAZZ Dance technique, principles and style at an Intermediate Level. The student is expected to master intermediate level elements of alignment, placement, rhythm and execution of movements that are unique to the jazz dance idiom.  Class will consist of floor and center work, barre work and across the floor movement.  This course may be taken twice for credit.

The course is designed for students with dance experience. The course consists of studio work in intermediate ballet technique, vocabulary, principles and style. Class will consist of barre, center work and across the floor movement.  This course may be taken twice for credit.

The course is designed for students with dance experience. The course focuses primarily on intermediate Tap Dance technique. Some Modern Jazz technique will be included in the warm-up. The class will consist of warm-up, isolations, strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as beginning tap combinations. Work will be done in the center, at the barre, and across the floor.  This course may be taken twice for credit.

STUDIO JAZZ AND TAP DANCE The course consists a semester of intermediate level dance study that comprises two segments. The 1st half of the course consists of studio work in intermediate level Jazz Dance technique, vocabulary, principles and style. Some ballet technique will be included as part of a classical jazz dance foundation. The class will consist of warm-up, isolations, strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as jazz combinations. The 2nd half of the course consists of studio work in intermediate level Tap Dance technique. The student is expected to master intermediate level elements of alignment, placement, rhythm and execution of movements that are unique to the tap dance idiom. Some Modern Jazz Technique will be included in the warm-up. The class will consist of warm- up, isolations, strengthening and stretching exercises as well as intermediate tap combinations. If offered in the fall of the school, students enrolled in this course may participate in a student/faculty performance.  

To be arranged with faculty.

The course is designed for students with dance experience.  This advanced-level course approximates the experience of the professional dancer, including technique, rehearsals, and performances.  This course may be taken twice for credit. 

Students design and execute individual projects under the supervision of a department advisor. Required for CAT majors with a concentration in Dance.

Senior CAT majors who satisfy college and divisional standards may be invited to undertake a Honors Project in place of a Senior Project. The expectation is that these individuals' faculty-supervised projects are both qualitatively and quantitatively superior to a regular Senior Project.

The course is designed for students with dance experience. This course explores the use of intermediate level compositional study and improvisation exploration as tools for the development of the art of dance-making for ensemble groups. This course may be taken twice for credit.