Undergraduate Program

Rooted in dance, martial arts and studies of body development and awareness. A duet form where partners use weight, momentum, and inertia to move each other freely through space. Solo and duet skills, rolling, falling, balance, counter-balance, jumping, weight sharing, spirals explored. Skill work combined with more open dancing in a supportive and focused environment. No previous dance training required.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

An introductory course of three different contemporary dance techniques. This course will be divided into three sections across the semester. Starting the course with the fundamentals of Cunningham technique to find stability, balance and coordination. We find a strong grounding through upright dance focusing on the 5 positions of the spine through various standing and travelling sequences. Second, we move on to release based techniques with a focus on using the stability we have found with Cunningham and applying in a more relaxed and somatic approach. Working on both floor work and standing work we have our emphasis on finding ease of movement through the use of breath and other sensations such as swinging. Lastly we move away from codified dancing to work on improvisation, where we can draw from everything we have learned in a more creative way of working that is more about interpreting tasks than recreating taught phrases granting you more autonomy over your dancing.

Location

(MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Yoga is defined as union, the uniting together of ourselves in all aspects- body, mind, heart, spirit. This class introduces the student to a hatha yoga method which integrates a dynamic and engaging approach to living through practicing on and off the mat. The goal of this class is to learn how to create a deeper, more enlivened relationship to ones self through honoring ones abilities and limitations, while growing ones skills and sensitivity in the supportive environment of the class community. Students will engage with principles of attitude, alignment and action in a full range of hatha yoga poses, breathing techniques, readings on yoga philosophy, reflection, journaling and discussion. Through this ongoing process, students of yoga are encouraged to cultivate a more expansive and clear perception of self and others. Attendance in selected workshops and performances are required.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

Approach ballet technique through the lens of somatic practices, placing an emphasis on dynamic alignment, movement efficiency, connectivity, articulation, phrasing, and breath support. While the primary focus is on an embodied practice, students can expect to develop an appreciation for aspects of the ballet aesthetic while considering theoretical aspects related to historical and socio-cultural contexts.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(MW 6:30PM - 7:45PM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(M 7:00PM - 9:30PM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This 1 cr. option for dance technique is designed so that students can continue to hone their skills in various dance forms. Students focus on dance practice, with minimal reading and reflective writing as scaled for a one-credit course.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Body conditioning aimed to develop and strengthen specific musculature as it pertains to physical demands of dancers, athletes, martial artists, as well as those who wish to explore a mindful, physical and anatomically sound practice. Will introduce fundamental strength training based in Pilates, hands-on bodywork and basic movement sequences designed to help prevent injury as well as build core strength, endurance, coordination and overall physical mobility and stability.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Development of basic skills, energy, strength, control, continuity, and rhythmic and bodily awareness through the teaching of rhythm tap dance. No previous tap dance experience is expected.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

Beginning Jazz Dance is an exploration of historic roots, techniques, and styles including vernacular jazz dance movements and their relationship to jazz music, pop culture, and musical theatre.

Location

(MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

Social dance plays an important role in every society, simultaneously fostering community and self-expression. From the Waltz to Contra Dancing, Ragtime Dances to Rock n Roll, and Tango to Salsa, this course explores the history and culture of several social and popular dances in the United States from the countrys founding to the present. Students discover how cultural beliefs are embedded in social dance practices, and how, vice versa, social dance practices can help shape changing norms and behaviors. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, video-viewings and experiencing the basic steps, each social dance form studied is contextualized within its time period. The course as a whole considers patterns of cultural change across the decades in terms of gender, race, class and social identities. No previous dance experience is necessary.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

From subtle intrinsic movement to whole body integration, students will have the opportunity to experience the essence of several somatic modalities and discover what it means to be fully alive and  resourced in movement and stillness. Mindful Awareness provides the foundation for listening inwardly to one’s immediate embodied experience. From this felt sense and the inherent wisdom of the body, students will be encouraged to explore various somatic approaches presented by the co-teachers. This work is powerful for dancers and for those on every academic track who are inquisitive in becoming more compassionate, open, present, resilient and centered. Experiential practice, readings, discussion, and reflective writing will comprise the course. Additional reading, writing and projects required at the graduate level.Open to Juniors and Seniors.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

An art form of self-defense with aerobic and dance elements that brings together a harmony of forces. Through history, movement and culture, students gain self-confidence, power, flexibility, endurance, and tools towards self-discovery. Open to all, Capoeira balances the body, mind, and soul and enables one to break through limits, revitalizing oneself for everyday life.

Location

(MW 6:30PM - 7:45PM)

Originated in the boroughs of New York City, hip hop has grown to become a global phenomenon, influencing the lives of countless individuals with the core ideals of peace, unity, love and having fun. The class will provide a look into the historical origins and social importance of hip hop culture. The main focus will be on the original dance of hip hop culture - breaking, (also known as bboying). The class format is geared towards physical movement along with lectures, videos and opportunities to attend events in the community.

Location

(M 7:00PM - 9:30PM)

This course will focus on the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems primarily in order to explore efficiency of movement, alignment, and body connectivity. Additionally, the class will explore topics that promote well-being such as: nutrition, hydration, rest, joint health, injury prevention, basic injury treatments, and fitness and strength practices that support the demands of dance. The class will include reading, discussion, research, creative approaches, writing, and kinesthetic practice. The course requires 4 anatomy workshops that will be scheduled with the class outside of regular class time.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

A continuation of DANC 104 that is taught concurrently with the introductory course. Students in DANC 203 will gain a deeper experiential and intellectual knowledge of contact by exploring issues further. Work includes both more advanced practice with other DAN 203 students, and the experience of helping teach the DANC 104 students the basic principles of contact.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

Taijiquan often spelled "T'ai Chi Ch'uan," or “Tai Chi,” is one of the most commonly practiced exercises and martial arts in the world. Known for its distinctive movement style, it has provided health benefits to its practitioners for many generations. Being categorized as an internal martial art, its characteristics include a sense of connection throughout the body, natural spiraling movements, relaxed grounded strength, focused mind-body connection, and “opening” and “closing” the body, which is the yin and yang of taiji. To facilitate learning this movement method the course will teach “reeling silk” exercises, eight fundamental skills and the Chen 19 movement form.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

“Qi” means energy or lifeforce, and “gong” means skillful work done over time. Qigong is a holistic mindful movement discipline that combines body, breath, movement and mind to cultivate and refine our lifeforce for greater harmony and health. This course offers an Applied Medical Qigong approach to mental and physical self-regulation. You will learn simple, accessible practices to attain the integration of body, mind and spirit. Its meditative quality makes it a fine complement to formal seated meditation practice. It also provides the dancer and athlete with concrete, practical skills for regulating and expressing the energy flow for better breathing, body awareness, focus, concentration, mental presence and imaginal capacity This is a skills-based course, so regular class attendance and practice of Qigong outside of class is a basic requirement for successful completion. In addition to the practices learned, we will cover basic energetic anatomy as presented within Traditional Chinese Medicine. We will also explore traditional Chinese cultural concepts such as Yin-Yang theory and the Five Phase theory and their relevance in modern Western culture.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Throughout much of Southern Africa, the word "ngoma" means drum. It also refers to specific musical styles that combine drumming, dance, and song. Finally, there is often a ritual dimension to ngoma, which is used in ceremonies focused around individual and social healing. In this class, students will bring ngoma alive by learning to perform various Zimbabwean ngoma genres, with the option of specializing in either drumming or dance. Through video clips, audio recordings, photos, and articles, we will also learn to understand ngoma within a larger cultural framework.

Location

(F 10:00AM - 12:00PM)

Cultivate awareness of the present moment, which is the only moment available to learn and live. This experiential course invites pausing and reflecting on the habits of mind. Students will be guided in mindfulness and insight techniques, relaxation, and other mindfulness practices. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life, class discussion, reading, and writing assignments will support understanding and personal growth. To facilitate establishing a personal practice, learning partner activities will be required outside of class.

Location

(MW 8:40AM - 10:10AM)

Cultivate awareness of the present moment, which is the only moment available to learn and live. This experiential course invites pausing and reflecting on the habits of mind. Students will be guided in mindfulness and insight techniques, relaxation, and other mindfulness practices. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life, class discussion, reading, and writing assignments will support understanding and personal growth. To facilitate establishing a personal practice, learning partner activities will be required outside of class.

Location

(F 9:30AM - 10:20AM)

This course examines the film/video origins and development of western concert dance during the 20th and 21st centuries. Through lecture, discussion, film/video viewing, reading/writing assignments and movement experiences, we explore a variety of dance artists and their work and acknowledge a broader global perspective in terms of aesthetics, socio-cultural context and continued evolution in the contemporary dance landscape in regards to form, trends, and style. In order to not just experience dance conceptually but also learn from dance as a physical practice, we will also explore some physical dance and movement classes to explore various dance ideas, techniques and choreographies from different time periods in an open and inclusive setting, no dance experience is required for this. This course will serve as an investigation of dance history from a critical and analytical perspective, interfacing with a variety of theoretical frameworks.

Location

(TR 11:35AM - 12:50PM)

This is an introductory design course aimed at giving students exposure to light as a medium, lighting design, lighting equipment, and visual story-telling for performance through class discussion, and practical work. Students will be required to attend dance performances and will help install the light plot. The class is built around specific performance dates that will provide the students with an opportunity to light a dance piece.

Location

(F 12:30PM - 3:30PM)

Moving Memories enables UR students and senior citizens the opportunity to participate in a mutually enriching and artful mission. Together seniors and students work to create a performative piece based on a significant memory from the seniors past. Both parties share in all aspects of decision- making: topic, aesthetics, stage craft, choreography, narrative, abstractions, music, and more. Students work with social workers and geriatric specialists prior to the partnership to enhance their understanding of senior living. Social bonding opportunities via outings and communal workshops are part of the semester experience as well. The final projects are performed in culminating concerts at the senior residence as well as at the University of Rochester.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

In this course, students practice contemporary dance forms and examine concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories. Classes explore patterns of total body organization and connectivity, efficiency of movement, weight sensing, and somatic practices. Students develop self-awareness and technical skills while addressing artistry and self-expression. The course looks at Contemporary Dances rich history and its influence on 21st century forms. In addition to movement practice, students participate in discussions, workshops and performances. Students can register for either section A or B during initial enrollment. A first-day placement class will determine appropriate section for each dancer

Location

(MW 11:50AM - 1:35PM)

In this course, students practice contemporary dance forms and examine concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories. Classes explore patterns of total body organization and connectivity, efficiency of movement, weight sensing, and somatic practices. Students develop self-awareness and technical skills while addressing artistry and self-expression. The course looks at Contemporary Dances rich history and its influence on 21st century forms. In addition to movement practice, students participate in discussions, workshops and performances. Students can register for either section A or B during initial enrollment. A first-day placement class will determine appropriate section for each dancer.

Location

(MW 11:50AM - 1:35PM)

Dance appreciation and technical practice. Practice classical ballet technique and theory with a contemporary perspective and investigate context, history, applications and societal impact of Ballet. Phrasing, musicality and efficiency of movement will be emphasized. The course requires 3 workshops that will be scheduled with the class outside of regular class time.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Experience dancing African styles from traditional cultures of Guinea, West Africa, as well as studying cultural history and context from which and in which they are practiced and performed. Technical emphasis will focus on musicality and complex choreographicarrangement. Students will practice dances and drum songs. Required outside work includes performance attendance, video viewing, text and article analysis, research and written work.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Experience dancing African styles from traditional cultures of Guinea, West Africa, as well as studying cultural history and context from which and in which they are practiced and performed. Technical emphasis will focus on musicality and complex choreographicarrangement. Students will practice dances and drum songs. Required outside work includes performance attendance, video viewing, text and article analysis, research and written work.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides a forum for dance majors and minors, especially those with a concentration in Dance Studies, to develop their skills for conducting interdisciplinary, practice-based research. Through videos, readings and live events, we investigate the creative processes of professional dance artists making interdisciplinary work and explore in the studio how we might incorporate their processes into our own. We also consider how anthropologists, historians, scientists, educators and other scholars have approached studying dance from their interdisciplinary perspectives. Students enhance their practice-based research skills by developing and facilitating movement workshops, and choreographing a final project that translates research into a topic of their choice into a dance.

 

Location

(F 12:00PM - 2:00PM)

Continuing technical development and comprehension and integration of theory into practice is the focus in this course. Students will practice contemporary dance experientially through examining dance concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories and by exploring complex choreographic combinations. Classes will explore continuity and connectivity, patterns of total body organization, efficiency of movement, momentum, musculo-skeletal anatomy, strength, alignment, weight sensing, rhythm and somatic practices to develop and improve technical skills. We will also investigate subtlety and individual expression in performance. Experience in dance required. Having already taken DAN250 is helpful.
Audits will be approved with permission for dance majors only.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Practice and performance of classical and contemporary ballet with a contemporary approach in order to serve the dancer of any style of movement. Within the ballet form, classes will explore efficiency of movement, breath, anatomical mechanics, strength, alignment and through-line, weight, rhythmic accuracy, clarity of space, shape and effort, and somatic practices to develop and improve technical skills..

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Experiment with various methods of dance-making and focus on examining craft in the service of choreographic expression. You will be encouraged to curiously and playfully embody manipulations of movement material to better understand different points of view and to explore the elements of time, space, shape and effort to see how they affect quality and content. Drawing from dance, visual art, music, current events, writings and other sources, we will explore diverse approaches to creativity, experimentation and choreography.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Dancer as Collaborator is a one-credit course engaging students as dancers or choreographers in a creative process that is seen through to public performance. Students engaging in this course for choreographing a work may not receive credit for the same work in another course (such as Choreography or Senior Seminar). DANC 279 students act as collaborators in that they embody and perform the choreographers’ concepts/vision and/or work with performers as they participate together in a complete process. Students engaging in either faculty or student work are eligible to take this course, and all students have faculty support.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Students will write, choreograph, perform, implement and/or carry out research, performances and/or projects. All students, regardless of their trajectory (choreography, performance or interdisciplinary research) will write a senior thesis, develop & realize their projects under advisement, consider & discuss various career opportunities & develop curriculum vitae. Practice in grant-writing, budgeting, marketing & general arts management skills will be addressed when appropriate. Creative process, creative & critical thinking are a focus and are carried through to a culminating event, paper, or project. Internships, other coursework as part of the major, co-curricular dance activity, service learning and/or other related activity is meant to support this capstone research both in advance of and in simultaneity with this seminar.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)