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. This course will

primarily be made up of synchronous classes on Zoom. We may have some classes outside once the weather is warm.

Location

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

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.

Location

Online Room 1 (ASE) (MTWR 9:00AM - 11:05AM)

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

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (WF 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

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

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

This course explores dance improvisation as a practice and technique for self-expression, performance and composition. By opening our senses and learning tools for generating movement in real-time, students will unite their bodies and minds to engage in spontaneous investigation and creation. Specific theories and techniques based in the work of Anne Bogart, William Forsythe and Laban Movement Analysis will be explored in addition to wider concepts such as scores, collective composition and site-specific work. The main goals of this class are to provide students with the freedom to explore their own movement-based research interests and to develop their individual artistic voices within a structured environment. Students will also strengthen their presence, intuition, self-awareness and decision-making skills. This class will begin online as the weather is cold.  We will be outside or in the tent as soon as weather allows.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

This new course is a combined investigation of linguistics and movement. In the context of sustainable living, the course will examine how verbal and non-verbal expression manifest and shape overall well-being. Every year, a different theme will be addressed. The theme for this year is: Translation and Transformation. We will explore how cultural heritage, point of view, and aesthetics affect the process of translation and transformation in verbal and non-verbal language. Each class encourages open discussion, active inquiry, creativity, and individual self-reflection to explore the course theme. DANC 167M uses an inter-disciplinary approach to study human expression as it investigates language through embodied practice and linguistic analysis. Discovering the parallels and divergences of physical and verbal expression is at the heart of the course.

Clusters: Movement and Culture and Mind and Body Somatics

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

An art form of self-defense with aerobic and dance elements that brings together these harmony of forces. Through looking into history, movement and culture, students will gain self-confidence, power, flexibility, and endurance in a positive environment with proper progressions. Open to those of any background and fitness level. Capoeira allows you to balance the body, mind, and soul by enabling one to break through limits and revitalize oneself for everyday life.

Location

(MW 4:50PM - 6:20PM)

Dynamic dance traditions of Guinea, West Africa. Accompanied by live music, students learn footwork and movements for several rhythms and acquire familiarity with the physical stance common to many styles of West African dance. Learn to execute movements together with the rhythmic foundation provided by our drummers and become familiar with the origins and cultural significance of each dance, and the songs that accompany them.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

A continuation of DANC 181.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Krump; an urban street dance, is characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated and highly energetic movement. Krump was created by several youth from Los Angeles who were seeking to escape gang life and to express raw emotions in a powerful but non-violent way. A movement that started in a living room, is now all over the world. Students will learn the history, the fundamentals of Krump which consist of 4 basic moves: Stomps, Jabs, Chestpops, and Armswings, and the terminology associated with the dance, such as, as battle, session, buck, live, call-out, lab, get-off, kill-off, concepts, combos, material, hype and many more. Students will be evaluated through reflective writing, vocal quizzes, a mini-research project, video viewing, discussion and participation within the class, and attendance and responses to 2 workshops and 2 performance events on campus outside of class time.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 8:00PM - 9:15PM)

Traditional Folkloric roots of Middle Eastern Dance, focusing on specific Bedouin dance styles of North Africa (Raks Shaabi). Discourse and research will address issues of gender and body image. Improving strength, flexibility and self-awareness of the body, the class work will include meditative movement, dance technique, choreography and improvisation. No prior dance experience necessary.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 6:30PM - 7:45PM)

This course offers an introduction to Peacebuilding and Conflict Studies, while asking how dance and movement practices experienced both as participants and spectators can actively participate in creating a better world for individuals and communities. With perspectives drawn from diverse fields including psychology, anthropology, sociology, physiology, education and dance, students learn how conflict depletes individuals ability to interact with others and how dance practices can help replenish these capacities. Students also develop their leadership and facilitation skills through designing and implementing relevant movement activities for their peers. This course has some lecture/discussions that will take place synchronously on Zoom and some “Dance Days” that will take place in-person. 

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

Qi Gong is a ancient Chinese internal art and an early forerunner of Tai Ji Quan. It is an Eastern Movement Discipline (EMD) which embodies a holism of Eastern martial arts and Eastern meditation. This course is a study of the philosophical roots, mindful practices and physical movements of Qi Gong in order to better understand and attain the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Topics will include traditional Chinese cultural concepts such as Yin-Yang theory, Five Element theory and Qi theory and their potential inclusion in modern Western culture. Qi Gong provides the dancer and athlete with healthy lifestyle practices and fitness training for better breathing, body awareness, focus and concentration, mental presence, imagery, and cultivating and expressing energy flow. This class will begin online. When the weather allows, class will meet in-person on occasion outside in the tent.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Dancers, musicians, actors, painters, philosophers, poets, warriors, healers, and artists of every discipline historically have utilized the Chinese internal arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong as tools for the mobilization of qi, or energy, in order to achieve health, healing, and mind-body-spirit integration. This course combines movement, meditative, and breathing exercises and traditional forms with readings, video viewings, creative exercises, exploratory projects, and discussions of literature and philosophy to explore how the practice and philosophy of these transformative arts can lead to mental and physical balance, body-mind integration, self-discovery, creative expression, and peak athletic and enhanced artistic performance. (Four Credit Hours). This class will begin online. When the weather allows, class will meet in-person on occasion outside in the tent.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This experiential course invites pausing and reflecting on the habits of mind, cultivating awareness of the present moment, which is the only moment available to learn and live. Students will be guided in meditation 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, attendance will be required at DANC 218 meditation labs on Fridays. You must register for Lab when registering for the main section. Cluster: (H1DAN009) Mind-Body Somatics

Location

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

To facilitate establishing a personal practice, attendance will be required at meditation labs on Fridays

Location

(F 9:00AM - 9:50AM)

Freshly experience inhabiting a human body and its postural alignment through the deep work of noticing and embracing anatomical processes. A counter-pose to the pressures of college life, discover embodiment as a resource for self-awareness, support, ease, and stress relief. Show up, slow down, pay attention, meditate, feel, sense, and relax. Explore form and the nature of mind through yogic practices. Color anatomical drawings, read about human structures, reflect on one’s unique living anatomy, write responses, join inquiry discussions, and adopt simple daily practices outside of class. Students are required to schedule a 1:1 meeting with the instructor outside of regular class time to design a project based on their distinct interests and needs. This class incorporates various aspects of the 8 limbs of yoga, particularly self-study. For a more movement focused yoga course see DANC 114 and DANC 225. Contact the instructor for more information and admittance to the course. "Open to Juniors and Seniors.".

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 12:20PM)

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. This is a 2 credit course and only meets a few times throughout the semester from

3:30pm -6:30pm on Fridays and the Fridays will be TBD. 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

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (F 3:30PM - 6:30PM)

This course is open to beginning & intermediate level jazz dancers and will include an in-depth exploration of vernacular jazz movement and its relationship to jazz music. Through inter-active discussion, movement, and research we will investigate the context, history, applications, and societal impact of jazz dance in America and throughout the world. Technique classes will blend full-bodied momentum-driven dancing with subtlety, rhythmic challenges, and self-expression. Emphasis will be on a working knowledge of the elements of jazz, embodiment of rhythm, accent, dynamics, and disciplining the body to move with clarity and sound anatomical principles. A range of styles of jazz music will be used for performing class sequences and improvisations. Reading, writing, video viewing, class discussions, and attendance at live concerts will hone skills of observation, movement analysis and interpretation of jazz dance.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

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. This class will begin online as the weather is cold.  We will be outside or in the tent as soon as weather allows. Prerequisites: DANC 116 or DANC 268 or previous experience.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

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

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

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

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (F 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

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 DANC 250 is helpful.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

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 deepen the investigation and mastery of technical skills. We will also continue to work on deepening the understanding or artistry as it pertains to subtlety and individual expression in performance. Pre-requisite: DANC 266: Intermediate Contemporary Dance

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

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.

This class will begin online as the weather is cold.  We will be outside or in the tent as soon as weather allows. Prerequisites: DAN 116 or permission from Instructor

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

Dancer as Collaborator is a one-credit movement course engaging students as dancers for choreographic work generated from the DANC 278 Choreography class and/or the Program of Dance and Movements Fall Concert. DANC 279 students act as collaborators in that they embody and perform the choreographers concepts and vision and participate in creative process. Rehearsals will average twice weekly for the bulk of the semester. Pieces created in this course will be included in the Fall concert, the End of the Term Showings, and/or other Program approved performance opportunities throughout the semester. Enrollment is by permission of instructor. Please email requests to m.p.smith@rochester.edu.

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

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

Sansifanyi offers experienced dancers the opportunity to study West African dance forms as well as studying cultural history and context from which and in which they are performed at a professional level. This course requires a high degree of student commitment. Dancers who enroll in Sansifanyi will learn choreographic techniques for West African dance and gain experience dancing as soloists. They will also focus on rhythmic timing, and on advanced skills such as how to combine movement with drumming. In addition to the time students spend in class, dancers in the ensemble are expected to spend several hours per week researching, reading, writing, viewing videos, text and article analysis, practicing, and choreographing various rhythms, songs, movements, and sequences. Dancers must also be available for performances both on and off campus throughout the semester.   Clusters: Improvisation and the Creative Process, Movement and Culture, Dance and Performance. Prerequisite: Audition on first day of class or for dancers, one of the following: DANC 181/182, DANC 283, DANC 253, DANC 285: For drummers one of the following: MUSC 168A, MUSC 168B, MUSC 146

Email kerfala.bangoura@rochester.edu with questions 

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 6:45PM - 8:15PM)

What can we learn by bringing science and art into conversation? In this course, students use improvisational and compositional forms from the field of contemporary dance to engage with cutting-edge research about extreme densities, temperatures and pressures at URs Laboratory for Laser Energetics. This new frontier of physics is shedding light on the interior of planets and stars, new material states and the development of fusion energy here on earth. Guest speakers from LLE share their research, which students then investigate in the studio, creating dances related to the scientific material presented. Core questions include: what are the benefits, challenges and limitations of artistic inquiry for modeling, understanding and communicating scientific ideas? How can scientific concepts shape dance-making? What commonalities exist between the scientific process and the creative process? The course culminates with an informal performance of students choreography based on current LLE research. This course has some lecture/discussions that will take place synchronously on Zoom and some “Dance Days” that will take place in-person. 

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration.