Dance

DAN 100 Contemporary Dance Forms 1 Credits

Designed to offer students training in a range of dance genres such as Hip Hop, West African, Latin, Commercial, Lyrical, Tap, and Jazz. Forms rotate each semester. This course may be taken more than once for credit.

DAN 105 Survey of Dance History 3 Credits

An introductory course to familiarize students with the breadth and depth of dance in human society. It will chronologically examine dance through four lenses: Dance and Community, Dance and Religion, Dance and Politics, and Dance as Art. Students will be exposed to various dance forms from around the world with varying purposes, functions, and motivations from the beginning of recorded history to present.

DAN 111 Dance Lab 0 Credits

DAN 112 Ballet I 1 Credits

This course provides a foundational study of ballet for dancers within a university setting. Classes concentrate on foundational concepts within ballet technique and theory. Work focuses on alignment and core connection; balance and/or aplomb; physical strength and flexibility; upper and lower body integration and coordination; clarity of line and direction in movement; qualitative range and expressivity inside movement; use of dynamics, weight and breath; mental dexterity; and self-motivation discipline. Over the term students become familiar with terminology and positions of the body, and gain broad knowledge of the protocols and traditions of ballet class.

DAN 113 Ballet II 1 Credits

This is a continuation of the fundamental practices covered in Ballet I, including proper use of alignment, feet, rotation, and use of the core in the classical vocabulary. In addition this course extends the coverage of discourse, terminology and vocabulary of the classical technique. Course pre-req(s): DAN 112 with a C+ or better.

DAN 151 Modern Dance I 1 Credits

Modern Dance I is a foundation level technique class that aims to inform students' dance skills through studying the concepts and techniques of modern dance by expanding knowledge and expressive range to increase potential as a dancer and artist. The course will progress throughout the semester and is based on the foundational exercises. Variation on the exercises will be practiced as the class progresses. The sequence of movements - floor work, standing center work, and traveling across the floor - is usually taught in order. The contraction and release principle is used throughout the classwork.

DAN 152 Modern Dance II 1 Credits

Modern Dance II is a continuation of Modern Dance I and is a foundation level technique class that aims to inform students' dance skills through studying the concepts and techniques of modern dance by expanding knowledge and expressive range to increase potential as a dancer and artist. The course will progress throughout the semester and is based on the foundational exercises. Variation on the exercises will be practiced as the class progresses. The sequence of movements - floor work, standing center work, and traveling across the floor - is usually taught in order. The contraction and release principle is used throughout the classwork. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement is required.

DAN 201 Ballet III 1 Credits

This course provides a foundational study of ballet for dancers within a university setting. Classes concentrate on foundational concepts within ballet technique and theory. Work focuses on alignment and core connection; balance and/or aplomb; physical strength and flexibility; upper and lower body integration and coordination; clarity of line and direction in movement; qualitative range and expressivity inside movement; use of dynamics, weight and breath; mental dexterity; and self-motivation discipline. Over the term students become familiar with terminology and positions of the body, and gain broad knowledge of the protocols and traditions of ballet class. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement is required.

DAN 202 Ballet IV 1 Credits

This course is a continuation of DAN 201. The course provides further skills in basic classical ballet vocabulary and preparation for professional study at the intermediate level. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement is required.

DAN 210 Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions 1 Credits

This course provides an in-depth experience with the art of dance production from creation to performance. Students will be chosen to learn and perform repertory; fulfill technical roles such as sound, lighting and costume design; and assume production and managerial responsibilities such as promotion, publicity, front of house management and stage management.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

DAN 210T Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech 1 Credits

DAN 215 Improvisation and Embodiment 1 Credits

This course provides experiences in the spontaneous use of movement structures derived from movement concepts, games, imagery, and media sources. It is designed to help students discover and develop their own movement potential. Weight, speed, momentum, inertia, and relationships are explored through structural improvisational exercises. These techniques provide the basis for improvised duets and group dances.

DAN 220 Dance Composition 3 Credits

This course prepares the dance student for the creation of dance through critical analysis, reading, writing and practical assignments. Students will examine the creative process as applied to dance artists and various forms and genres of dance. Weekly choreographic studies that deal with space, time, energy, gesture, and form are assigned.

Prerequisite(s): DAN 215 with a C+ or better.

DAN 250 Movement Analysis 3 Credits

This course introduces movement analysis through a theoretical framework and historical lens. Methods of movement analysis such as Laban Movement Analysis and other systems of movement description are critically evaluated in this course. The course investigates application in the fields of dance, education, anthropology, and non-verbal communications research. This movement course familiarizes students with the basic elements of music theory (staff, clefs, time signatures, notations, chords, etc.) and the Dalcrozian principles regarding music, movement and improvisation.

DAN 251 Modern Dance III 1 Credits

Modern Dance III is a continuation of Modern Dance II and is an advanced level technique class that aims to inform students' dance skills by studying the concepts and techniques of modern dance by expanding their knowledge and expressive range to increase their potential as a dancer and artist. The course will progress throughout the semester and is based on the foundational exercises. Variations on the exercises will be practiced as the class progresses. The sequence of movements - floor work, standing center work, and traveling across the floor - is usually taught in order. The contraction and release principle is used throughout the classwork. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement is required.

DAN 301 Ballet V 1 Credits

This course provides advanced intermediate level study of ballet for dancers within a university setting. Classes concentrate on foundational concepts within ballet technique and theory. Work focuses on: alignment and core connection; balance and/or aplomb; physical strength and flexibility; upper and lower body integration; clarity of line and direction in movement; qualitative range and expressivity inside movement; use of dynamics, weight and breath; mental dexterity; and self-motivation and discipline. In keeping with contemporary practice in higher education, students continue to deepen their understanding of ballet as a historically-situated movement practice and oral tradition, learning and performing historical ballet repertory and the many ways this choreographic legacy is evolving over time. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement required.

DAN 302 Ballet VI 1 Credits

This course provides advanced intermediate level study of ballet for dancers within a university setting. Classes concentrate on foundational concepts within ballet technique and theory. Work focuses on alignment and core connection; balance and/or aplomb; physical strength and flexibility; upper and lower body integration; clarity of line and direction in movement; qualitative range and expressivity inside movement; use of dynamics, weight and breath; mental dexterity; and self-motivation and discipline. In keeping with contemporary practice in higher education, students continue to deepen their understanding of ballet as a historically situated movement practice and oral tradition, learning and performing historical ballet repertory and the many ways this choreographic legacy is evolving over time. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement is required.

DAN 310 Music for Dance 3 Credits

This course teaches dancers to consider Western and non-Western music, building the necessary vocabulary to analyze, develop, and communicate musical ideas. We will explore the basic elements of music through the study of rhythmic structures, an introduction to fundamental music theory, critical analysis of compositions and choreography of various genres, and experiential activities that combine music and movement. This course explores temporal and rhythmic organizations of movement and dance analyzed for the purpose of enhancing clarity in performance, choreography, and teaching. Elementary musical notation, scoring, and accompaniment skills are developed.

DAN 311 Dance Video 3 Credits

This course teaches students how to create dance choreography specifically for the camera. Student learn how to recognize and use the camera apparatus to film, edit and produce choreographic projects. Each student is required to create a substantial dance video by the end of the semester.

Prerequisite(s): DAN 220 with a C+ or better.

DAN 350 History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance 3 Credits

Studies the major periods in the development of Western Theatrical Dance from the Renaissance to the present focusing on ballet, modern, jazz, tap and musical theater dance. The course will examine the ideas and individuals that caused the development of choreographers, producers, designers and productions.

DAN 351 Modern Dance IV 1 Credits

Modern Dance IV is a continuation of Modern Dance III and is an advanced level technique class that aims to inform students' dance skills through studying the concepts and techniques of modern dance by expanding knowledge and expressive range to increase potential as a dancer and artist. The course will progress throughout the semester and is based on the foundational exercises. Variations on the exercises will be practiced as the class progresses. The sequence of movements - floor work, standing center work, and traveling across the floor - is usually taught in order. The contraction and release principle is used throughout the classwork. Permission of Instructor or prescreen placement required.

DAN 450 Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance 3 Credits

This course provides the student with first-hand experience inside a classroom setting to broaden the students’ understanding of dance techniques, teaching styles and strategies, analysis of skills and critical feedback, class preparation and design, and assessment. Course requirements include off-campus field work. Cross-listing existing entry-level teaching course with analogous graduate-level course (CURR 711).

DAN 460 Movement Theory and Somatic Practice 3 Credits

Somatic Dance Explorations investigates basic kinesiological principles that have informed a range of somatic practices such as Feldenkrais, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Alexander Technique, and yoga. These practices have become widely incorporated into the contemporary dance field as a means of developing greater movement efficiency, enhancing mindfulness, and preventing injuries. In this course, students will gain an understanding of dance performance as it relates to functional anatomy. Building knowledge of the body's structures and regions, particularly the musculoskeletal system, the course will incorporate imagery and kinesthetic exercises to expand the students' technical proficiency and expressivity.

Prerequisite(s): C+ or better in DAN 450.

DAN 490 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits

Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 Credit hours. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to enrollment.

Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, good academic standing.

DAN 491 Internship in Dance 1-4 Credits

Provides junior or senior dance majors with the practical experience of working within an educational or professional dance environment. Students must be sponsored by a dance professor. For each academic credit, interns must work 48 hours for the semester, or approximately 3.7 hours each week.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

DAN 498 Senior Capstone 3 Credits

DAN 499 Seniors Honor Program 3 Credits

A senior honors program may be submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation with honors in fine arts. Honors work is limited to those departmental majors with a GPA of 3.5 in fine arts courses and cognates. The program, to be planned under the direction of a faculty advisor, will represent a culmination of demonstrated excellence in a specific area of fine arts. Candidates for honors in fine arts must be approved by the department chairperson and the faculty.