Dance and Choreography (DANC)

DANC 101. Modern Dance Technique I and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum total of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 101 to enroll in DANC 102. Dance major or departmental approval. Fundamental study and training in principles of modern dance technique. Emphasis is on body alignment, spatial patterning, flexibility, strength and kinesthetic awareness. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 102. Modern Dance Technique I and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum total of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 101 to enroll in DANC 102. Dance major or departmental approval. Fundamental study and training in principles of modern dance technique. Emphasis is on body alignment, spatial patterning, flexibility, strength and kinesthetic awareness. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 103. Survey of Dance History. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours. 3-3 credits. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 103 to enroll in DANC 104. Dance major or departmental approval. First semester: dance from ritual to the contemporary ballet and the foundations of the Western aesthetic as it relates to dance, and the development of the ballet. Second semester: Western concert dance from the aesthetic dance of the late 1800s to contemporary modern dance. These courses are the first two of a three-course sequence that fulfills one of the general education writing intensive requirements for dance majors.

DANC 104. Survey of Dance History. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours. 3-3 credits. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 103 to enroll in DANC 104. Dance major or departmental approval. First semester: dance from ritual to the contemporary ballet and the foundations of the Western aesthetic as it relates to dance, and the development of the ballet. Second semester: Western concert dance from the aesthetic dance of the late 1800s to contemporary modern dance. These courses are the first two of a three-course sequence that fulfills one of the general education writing intensive requirements for dance majors.

DANC 105. Improvisation. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits. An exploration of spontaneous body movement with the purpose of increasing body awareness, movement invention and movement creativity.

DANC 106. Improvisation. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. Prerequisite: completion of DANC 105 to enroll in DANC 106. An exploration of spontaneous body movement with the purpose of increasing body awareness, movement invention and movement creativity.

DANC 107. Music and Dance Forms. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 101 and 105, or permission of instructor. An exploration of the various traditional and nontraditional concepts of music that are used in collaboration with dance. Course includes lecture, reading, listening and movement assignments. Focus will be on the dancer's understanding and use of music through movement analysis and improvisation.

DANC 111. Ballet Technique I. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 111 to enroll in DANC 112. Corequisites: DANZ 111-112. Dance major or departmental approval. These courses may be repeated for a maximum total of 8 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Fundamental study of the principles of ballet technique.

DANC 112. Ballet Technique I. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. Prerequisites: completion of DANC 111 to enroll in DANC 112. Corequisites: DANZ 111-112. Dance major or departmental approval. These courses may be repeated for a maximum total of 8 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Fundamental study of the principles of ballet technique.

DANC 121. Tap Technique I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Beginning study and training in the principles of tap technique with emphasis upon style, body alignment, spatial patterning, flexibility, strength and kinesthetic awareness to move the body in the style required for tap dancing. Crosslisted as: AFAM 121.

DANC 122. Tap Technique I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Beginning study and training in the principles of tap technique with emphasis upon style, body alignment, spatial patterning, flexibility, strength and kinesthetic awareness to move the body in the style required for tap dancing. Crosslisted as: AFAM 122.

DANC 126. African-Caribbean Dance I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Dance based on the movements and rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean. Crosslisted as: AFAM 126.

DANC 127. African-Caribbean Dance I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Dance based on the movements and rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean. Crosslisted as: AFAM 127.

DANC 133. Introduction to Ballet Technique I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. This course may be repeated for a maximum total of 4 credits on the recommendation of the chair. For nonmajors. Introductory study of the principles of ballet technique.

DANC 134. Introduction to Ballet Technique II. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 133 or permission of instructor. For nonmajors. This course may be repeated for a maximum total of 4 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Further introductory study of the principles of ballet technique.

DANC 141. Ballroom Dancing. 1 Hour.

Semester courses; 2 studio hours. 1, 1 credit. A study of basic ballroom dance steps and practice in their performance.

DANC 142. Ballroom Dancing. 1 Hour.

Semester courses; 2 studio hours. 1, 1 credit. A study of basic ballroom dance steps and practice in their performance.

DANC 151. Jazz Dance Technique I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 102 or permission of instructor. Study and training in the principles and concepts of jazz technique. Emphasis on body alignment, flexibility, balance, rhythmic awareness and mastery of isolated movements of body parts. The course includes the exploration of the relationship between jazz music and jazz dance. Crosslisted as: AFAM 151.

DANC 152. Jazz Dance Technique I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 102 or permission of instructor. Study and training in the principles and concepts of jazz technique. Emphasis on body alignment, flexibility, balance, rhythmic awareness and mastery of isolated movements of body parts. The course includes the exploration of the relationship between jazz music and jazz dance. Crosslisted as: AFAM 152.

DANC 161. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a dance concert.

DANC 162. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a dance concert.

DANC 171. T'ai Chi. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Study and practice of T'ai Chi, a Chinese exercise form, which is designed to bring one to full potential through balancing, aligning and breathing exercises. The short Yang form, based on Taoist principles, strengthens the body while allowing for deep relaxation to take place. Application of T'ai Chi to creative dance techniques is explored as a springboard for improvisation.

DANC 172. T'ai Chi. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Study and practice of T'ai Chi, a Chinese exercise form, which is designed to bring one to full potential through balancing, aligning and breathing exercises. The short Yang form, based on Taoist principles, strengthens the body while allowing for deep relaxation to take place. Application of T'ai Chi to creative dance techniques is explored as a springboard for improvisation.

DANC 183. Introduction to Modern Dance Technique. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. For non-dance majors. Experiential introduction to basic movement principles, body alignment and the elements of modern dance.

DANC 184. Introduction to Modern Dance Technique. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 183 or by audition on first day of class. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. For non-dance majors. Experiential introduction to basic movement principles, body alignment and the elements of modern dance.

DANC 191. West African Dance Techniques. 2 Hours.

Semester course: 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for up to 4 credits. This course is designed to provide the student with movement skill(s) and knowledge of traditional dances of West Africa, with an emphasis on the acquisition of basic movement sequences, as well as traditional dance techniques aligned with the songs, instruments, rhythms and foundational understanding of the cultural and historical context in which the dance derived. This course is open to students of all skill levels, from beginner to the more advanced.

DANC 201. Modern Dance Technique II and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 102, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 201 to enroll in DANC 202. Further study and training in the principles of modern dance technique on an intermediate level with the expectation of better coordination of all elements into a sense of dance. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 202. Modern Dance Technique II and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 102, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 201 to enroll in DANC 202. Further study and training in the principles of modern dance technique on an intermediate level with the expectation of better coordination of all elements into a sense of dance. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 204. Introduction to Composition. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 183 or DANC 184. Applied study of the introduction and principles of dance composition and the dance-making process. This course emphasizes the creation and performance of solo, duet and/or trio dances. This course will incorporate group improvisations, creating and performing dance studies, discussion, critical analysis, and journal writing. Dance experience is required.

DANC 205. Composition. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3-3 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 105 and 107, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 205 to enroll in DANC 206. An introduction to the basic elements of choreography.

DANC 206. Composition. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3-3 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 105 and 107, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 205 to enroll in DANC 206. An introduction to the basic elements of choreography.

DANC 207. Studies in Music for Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 107, or departmental approval. Study of the history, theory and aesthetics of music as it relates to dance. Course includes lecture, listening, reading, discussion, writing and oral presentations.

DANC 211. Ballet Technique II. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. This course may be repeated for a maximum total of 8 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 112, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 211 to enroll in DANC 212. Intermediate-level study, training and practice of ballet technique.

DANC 212. Ballet Technique II. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. This course may be repeated for a maximum total of 8 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 112, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 211 to enroll in DANC 212. Intermediate-level study, training and practice of ballet technique.

DANC 213. Beginning/Intermediate Pointe. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 studio hours. 1 credit. Course restricted to dance majors. Study and practice of pointe technique, including barre and center floor work using proper body alignment and safe movement mechanics.

DANC 221. Tap Technique II. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. Further study and training in the principles of tap technique.

DANC 222. Tap Technique II. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. Further study and training in the principles of tap technique.

DANC 230. Dance in Hollywood. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. This course will use an interdisciplinary approach to investigate how dance on screen has been portrayed in 21st-century Hollywood films. Students will learn how to discuss dance and choreography as a cultural lens for contemporary issues. Through film viewings, readings and lectures, the role of dance will be examined in relation to how it perpetuates and challenges issues of power, race, class, gender, sexual orientation and age. Students will discuss popular perceptions of dance, dance in Hollywood and dance as a reflection of the socio-political context within the past 25 years.

DANC 251. Jazz Technique II. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 151, 152, or permission of instructor. An in-depth study of movement styles and qualities in jazz dance. Advanced work on integrating music and movement with focus upon chronology of jazz music and corresponding dance forms.

DANC 252. Jazz Technique II. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 151, 152, or permission of instructor. An in-depth study of movement styles and qualities in jazz dance. Advanced work on integrating music and movement with focus upon chronology of jazz music and corresponding dance forms.

DANC 253. Pilates. 1-2 Hours.

Semester course; 2-4 laboratory hours. 1-2 credits. Students engage in a physical practice: matwork of the Pilates system, built on the work of Joseph H. Pilates. The practice is designed to improve muscular-skeletal performance, strength, flexibility and endurance, while focusing on core stability, restoring the optimal curves of the spine, relieving tension and enhancing self-confidence. Basic muscular anatomy and kinesiology will also be integrated into instruction and cuing for greater body awareness.

DANC 254. Yoga. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 2-6 laboratory hours. 1-3 credits. Students engage in a physical practice based on yoga, taught from an experiential, philosophical and anatomic perspective, with an emphasis on dynamic flow that links breath and movement.

DANC 255. Hip Hop Dance. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisite: dance major or permission of instructor. Intermediate-level dance technique class that draws on the hip hop aesthetic to create a movement experience that emphasizes individual style, rhythmic awareness and physical prowess.

DANC 256. Hip Hop Dance. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2, 2 credits. Prerequisite: dance major or permission of instructor. Intermediate-level dance technique class that draws on the hip hop aesthetic to create a movement experience that emphasizes individual style, rhythmic awareness and physical prowess.

DANC 260. Dance Production Workshop. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: dance major or permission of instructor. An introduction to the basic principles of dance lighting and technical theatre through lecture, practical demonstration and discussion.

DANC 261. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a major dance concert.

DANC 262. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a major dance concert.

DANC 291. Topics in Dance. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; 1-4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A seminar or workshop on a selected issue or topic in the field of dance. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

DANC 301. Modern Dance Technique III and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 202, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 301 to enroll in DANC 302. Advanced study and training in principles of modern dance technique. Movement studies demanding greater strength and flexibility. Spatial patterns demanding increased coordination, kinesthetic awareness and aesthetic sensitivity. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 302. Modern Dance Technique III and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 202, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 301 to enroll in DANC 302. Advanced study and training in principles of modern dance technique. Movement studies demanding greater strength and flexibility. Spatial patterns demanding increased coordination, kinesthetic awareness and aesthetic sensitivity. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 303. Choreography/Performance. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 3 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 206. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors who have successfully completed the sophomore readmittance evaluation. The craft of choreography and performing techniques are explored extensively as students develop solo and group pieces while rotating in the roles of choreographer/director and performer.

DANC 304. Choreography/Performance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 205 and DANC 206, and successful completion of the sophomore readmittance evaluation; and DANC 303. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors. The craft of choreography and performing techniques are explored extensively as students develop solo and group pieces while rotating in the roles of choreographer/director and performer.

DANC 305. Advanced Improvisation. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 3 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 105 or permission of instructor. Advanced exploration of spontaneous body movement with the purpose of increasing body awareness, movement invention and movement creativity. This class will utilize exercises in body imaging, patterning, energy, trust, risk-taking and creativity. The class will also investigate specific improvisational forms, including contact improvisation and environmental improvisation.

DANC 311. Ballet Technique III. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 212, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 311 to enroll in DANC 312. Advanced training, study and practice of ballet technique focusing on the refinement and performance skills.

DANC 312. Ballet Technique III. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits on the recommendation of the chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 212, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 311 to enroll in DANC 312. Advanced training, study and practice of ballet technique focusing on the refinement and performance skills.

DANC 313. Dance in World Cultures. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 103-104 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200, or permission of instructor. This course is the third in a sequence that fulfills one of the general education writing intensive requirements for dance majors. Students learn and participate in dance styles of various world cultures as they study cultural traditions and how they are expressed in movement. No dance experience necessary. This course will include lectures, readings, research and discussion. Students will engage in the viewing and discussion of films, videos and dance concerts.

DANC 315. Contact Improvisation. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of 6 credits. Exploration of the technique of partnering and the exchange of weight in an improvisational format. Emphasis is on a shared process that explores gravity, lifting, and the give and take of body weight.

DANC 316. Contact Improvisation. 2 Hours.

Semester courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 101, 102, or permission of instructor. Exploration of the technique of partnering and the exchange of weight in an improvisational format. Emphasis is on a shared process that explores gravity, lifting, and the give and take of body weight.

DANC 317. Anatomy for the Dancer. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours (delivered online). 1 credit. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors or by permission of the instructor. A Web-based, self-study course designed for dance students. Integrates the study of anatomy with dance terminology, skills and concepts. Covers basic knowledge of skeletal, muscular and nervous systems of the body and applies this information to principles important to dance.

DANC 318. Dance Science. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 317. A team-taught lecture and laboratory course that applies anatomical and basic kinesiological concepts to dance technique. Students will analyze and assess dance movement using scientific principles as well as study the interplay between the aesthetic qualities and biomechanics of dance technique, and the role of this study in injury prevention.

DANC 319. Screen Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students with experience in movement, performance and/or video/film, or with permission of the instructor. Students gain practical skills as well as basic theoretical foundation in the principles of working with video and choreography. Crosslisted as: KINE 319.

DANC 321. Partnering. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of 4 credits. Enrollment restricted to dance majors. Investigation and practice of traditional to contemporary partnering concepts supporting the fundamental through advanced development of skills necessary for a dancer and choreographer.

DANC 360. Lighting Design for Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: DANC 260 or permission of instructor. Open to qualified School of the Arts majors only. A study in the art of lighting design as it evolves from the choreographer/designer collaboration. The basic techniques of drafting, use of color and composition of space related to light and movement.

DANC 361. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a major dance concert.

DANC 362. Rehearsal and Performance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; hours to be arranged. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Dance rehearsals and production of work for a major dance concert.

DANC 365. Sound Design for Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 107, DANC 205 and DANC 206. Enrollment is restricted to majors in the Department of Dance and Choreography or requires permission of the instructor. This course introduces diverse perspectives on sound design for live and video dance and provides an overview of sound as a form of communication and an artistic practice. Instruction will focus on how sound design conveys meaning and how sound interacts with visual experience, including dance, art installations, performance, video and film. Designing great sound scores begins by deeply listening to sounds and environments and thinking about how to expressively create drama and emotion for the audience. This is a project-based course designed to help students complete sound designs for their own work.

DANC 371. Repertory. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Study and rehearsal of roles in choreography produced by the faculty and/or guest artists, with the objective of achieving a performance level.

DANC 372. Repertory. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Study and rehearsal of roles in choreography produced by the faculty and/or guest artists, with the objective of achieving a performance level.

DANC 401. Modern Dance Technique IV and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits on the recommendation of the department chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 302, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 401 to enroll in DANC 402. Preprofessional study and training in modern dance technique. Movement studies demanding a superior level of clarity, strength and flexibility. Movement patterns demanding a high level of coordination, deep kinesthetic awareness and aesthetic sensitivity. Exploration of a wide range of performance qualities. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 402. Modern Dance Technique IV and Workshop. 3 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. These courses may be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits on the recommendation of the department chair. Prerequisites: dance major and DANC 302, or departmental approval; completion of DANC 401 to enroll in DANC 402. Preprofessional study and training in modern dance technique. Movement studies demanding a superior level of clarity, strength and flexibility. Movement patterns demanding a high level of coordination, deep kinesthetic awareness and aesthetic sensitivity. Exploration of a wide range of performance qualities. Course includes weekly group exploration of techniques related to all areas of dance.

DANC 407. Teaching Methods for Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: dance major and DANC 302. The student learns to analyze and communicate movement in a variety of teaching situations. The student will have an opportunity to observe different teaching techniques and to practically apply learned teaching concepts and theories.

DANC 408. Children's Pedagogy. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 1 practicum hours. 2 credits. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors or with permission of the instructor. This course offers an examination of teaching principles and theories specific to children’s dance. Primarily focusing on creative dance and Western forms of movement for toddlers through age 14, students will learn to analyze, observe and communicate teaching concepts and theories of movement while considering the physical, cognitive and developmental stages of a child’s growth. This course is designed to prepare students for future employment opportunities within privately owned dance studios.

DANC 411. Ballet Technique IV. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of 12 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and placement audition or permission of the chair; completion of DANC 411 to enroll in DANC 412. Preprofessional study and practice of ballet technique focusing on the refinement of technical skills and the elements of dynamic performance in ballet.

DANC 412. Ballet Technique IV. 2 Hours.

Continuous courses; 1 lecture and 2 studio hours. 2-2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of 12 credits. Prerequisites: dance major and placement audition or permission of the chair; completion of DANC 411 to enroll in DANC 412. Preprofessional study and practice of ballet technique focusing on the refinement of technical skills and the elements of dynamic performance in ballet.

DANC 413. African American Presence in American Dance, Performance and Social Contexts. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 103-104 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200, or permission of instructor. This course is an option for the third course in a sequence that fulfills a writing intensive requirement for dance majors only. Examines African-American history, culture and aesthetics as they relate to dance in American social and performance contexts. Includes lectures, readings, research and video screenings.

DANC 414. Summer Dance Workshop. 1-3 Hours.

Semester courses; variable hours. 1 or 3 credits per semester. May be repeated for credit. Flexible course offerings in dance technique, improvisation, composition, rhythmic training and repertory. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

DANC 415. Black Performance Theory. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 103, DANC 104 and UNIV 200. This course will focus on performance as apt method for analysis of notions/experiences of Blackness. Students will read scholarly texts which contend with the ubiquity of Black death and gratuitous violence alongside sonic, visual and written texts by significant cultural contributors — including works by Rihanna, Dapper Dan, Cardi B, Beyonce and Janet Mock — in order to examine and contend with expressions of complex personhood by people who exist under the constant threat of annihilation. The course focuses on embodied knowledge — that is, the harnessing of insight derived from lived experiences of hegemonic racial, gender, sexual and class subjection — and how such wisdom is transformed into strategies, tactics and tools that enable black people to acquire the human and material resources needed for survival. Crosslisted as: GSWS 415.

DANC 450. Professional Project. 2-9 Hours.

Semester course; 3-9 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: dance major. An individualized program in research and/or practicum within a professionally-oriented organization, subject to approval of the department faculty.

DANC 451. Careers in Dance. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: dance major. Realistic aspects of the dance profession, as performer, teacher and researcher. The student's learning experience culminates in a final project that enhances and challenges the student in both areas of performance and choreography. The project must attain public performance status.

DANC 455. Dance Criticism. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 103, DANC 104 and UNIV 200. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors and minors. Students in this course will consider dance criticism from historical and contemporary perspectives, investigating issues of culture, identity and power. Students will engage with the practice of writing dance criticism as a creative act, considering both poetics and mechanics. Students will read and respond to contemporary and historical dance reviews and essays; read and respond to poetry as a practice which fuels their creativity and invention as writers grappling with the ephemerality of dance; and will write and revise reviews of performances.

DANC 460. Business of Dance. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200. Enrollment restricted to dance majors. Investigation of diverse business models in dance performance, creation, production and administration.

DANC 490. Senior Project. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: DANC 302 and DANC 303. Enrollment is restricted to dance majors who have completed the "creative practicum" requirement and have departmental approval. The culmination of the student's learning experience in a final project that enhances and challenges the student in both areas of performance and choreography. The project must attain public performance status.

DANC 491. Topics in Dance. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; 1-4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A seminar or workshop on a selected issue or topic in the field of dance. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

DANC 492. Independent Study in Dance. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Prerequisites: dance major status and approval of department chair and instructor. Individual instruction and supervision of a special project. Learning experiences should be designed with the supervising faculty member in the form of a contract between student and instructor. This course is limited to those students who have demonstrated an exceptional level of ability and intense commitment to their discipline.