Dance - DAN (36)
Administered by Department of Music, Theater, Dance
Effective Fall 2010
36.111 Dance History Topics: Building 20th Century Concert Dance (3) - Explores dance from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint, while spanning the international dance globe. Examining the work of multiple communities, artists and companies, students will gain an awareness of how various cultures have added to the development of dance as we know it today, while also gaining an appreciation for how to view and discuss various dance forms. Additionally, this course will consider the numerous jobs and contributions of those who reside in the behind-the-scenes dance world, creating a broader context for the discussion and appreciation of the overall form. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements. Prerequisites: None.
36.221 Intermediate Ballet Dance II (3) - Explores ballet dance from an artistic, intellectual and physical approach. Through exposure to floor-barre, standing barre, traveling and center based exercises; students will gain a greater sense of alignment, anatomical principles, musicality, and self-awareness. Additionally, through studying the repertoire of professional ballet companies, students will be able to recognize the elements that define classical vs. contemporary ballet dance, and the importance of both to the dance landscape. Prior exposure to ballet dance is preferred. Instructor approval will be given during the first week of classes to determine appropriate placement. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements/ This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: None (It is recommended that the student have previous ballet experience.)
36.222 Beginning/Intermediate Modern Dance I/II (3) - Focuses on exploring the many principles that make up the medium of modern dance. Through the application of repeated exercises, students will experience how the body becomes an instrument of expression, consciousness, and a tool for self-development. Through a progressive warm-up, across the floor movement patterns, and center combinations, this course will guide students to obtain a deeper physical knowledge base, build stronger mental clarity of vast concepts such as space, weight and time, and reveal the relationship between physics and working anatomical principles. Additionally, through studying the repertoire of professional modern companies, students will be able to recognize the elements that define modern dance and discuss the impacts of such works. Prior exposure to dance is required. Instructor approval will be given during the first week of classes to determine appropriate placement. Students must have completed 05.117 or have previous experience in either ballet, modern or jazz dance to register. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements/ This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of 05.117 or previous dance experience.
36.223 Intermediate Jazz Dance II (3) - Explores jazz dance from an artistic, intellectual and physical approach. Students will experience multiple styles ranging from lyrical to Broadway to hip-hop/funk through various exercises and choreographic studies, while focusing on the development of expressive performance skills. Additionally, the life and work of the master jazz artist Bob Fosse will be examined in-depth through films and classroom based discussions. Prior exposure to jazz, modern or ballet dance is preferred. Instructor approval will be given during the first week of classes to determine appropriate placement. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements/ This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: None (It is recommended that the student have previous jazz, modern or ballet dance experience.)
36.224 Choreography I (3) - Explores the process of making contemporary dance works in the studio setting. Through an artistic, intellectual and physical lens, students will experience/practice multiple approaches to the craft of dance making. Improvisational structures, text analysis, group discussions, choreographic studies and other varied assignments will lead students to develop the breadth of their choreographic voice via actively engaging in the process of dance making. Students will participate in peer feedback sessions, evaluating and de-constructing the work of all classmates. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of 36.221, 36.222, or 36.223, or approval of the instructor.
36.228 Ensemble (0-2) - Provides a forum for the development of student choreography and/or research. Students will submit proposals to faculty for approval of specific projects such as creating, learning, researching, teaching and ultimately performing student dance works and/or masterworks. This course will focus on developing artistry, technique, leadership skills, a choreographic voice, communication skills, and the skills/knowledge required for the successful performance of dance works. A final public performance will be held at the end of the term showcasing the mentored projects, where appropriate. This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of 36.221, 36.222, or 36.223, or approval of the instructor.
36.229 Repertory (3) - Focuses on the process of creating, learning and performing new faculty dance works, faculty repertoire and/or masterworks of selected guest artists and/or master artists. This course places emphasis on developing artistry, technique, and the skills required for performance. A final public performance will be held at the end of the term showcasing the works studied and/or rehearsed. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements/ This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of 36.221, 36.222, or 36.223, or approval of the instructor.
36.290 Special Topics (3) - Examines various special topics from an artistic, intellectual and physical approach. On a rotating basis, these topics may include Tap, Improvisation, The Alexander Technique, African Dance, Dance Pedagogy, or other, and will serve to add depth and diversity to the Dance Program. Students will explore these topics through various exercises, discussions, class films, choreographic studies, and texts as appropriate. Prior exposure to jazz, modern or ballet dance is preferred, and instructor approval will be given during the first week of classes to determine appropriate placement, as needed. This course counts as a Group A, Humanities and The Arts General Education Requirements/ This course will apply 1 credit toward satisfying the Fitness and Recreational Skills requirement. Prerequisites: None (It is recommended that the student have previous jazz, modern or ballet dance experience.)