Undergraduate Program

Movement through the use of technique and improvisation. Emphasizes spontaneity, joy in moving, self-awareness and is based on experiential anatomy and developmental movement patterns. Provides strong foundation for further study in dance, theater, or sports. No previous dance training required.

Location

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

Location

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

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

(TR 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. Attendance in selected workshops and performances are required.

Location

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

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

(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

(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 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

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

(MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

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 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

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 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

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 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

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 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

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 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 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

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

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

Focus is on contemporary dance, a form that is an evolving exploration of expression through movement. It will blend the challenges of full-bodied, momentum-driven dancing with a sense of ones own self-awareness and discovery. Through rigorous dancing, move beyond not only physical, but also artistic boundaries and dimensions.

Location

(MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

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

Location

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

Across West Africa, street parties are an essential part of urban culture featuring music, dance, and fashion. This class explores the phenomenon of these street parties, or “Dundunba”, as well as the dance styles, music, and fashions associated with them. Students will learn the iconic dance styles Dundunba, Sabar, Sidi Yankadi and more. They will learn technique to add style through gestures such as the fast-paced dance steps known as "échauffement." They will discuss the gender dimensions of street parties and the types of dance steps, clothing, and public presentation unique to men and women respectively. Videos and short readings will complement our experience on the dance floor.

Location

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

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 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

An intermediate/advanced technique class, this course invites dancers to take a sampler of techniques including but not limited to Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, West African Dance, Krump, and more. It is designed for advanced students with a dance background who are new to the program. Students will have the opportunity to push themselves technically while exploring different genres of dance, ultimately propelling them toward various avenues of technical study.

Location

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

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 main basics: Stomps, Arms, Chestpops, and Grooves and the terminology associated with the dance, such as battles, sessions, call-outs, get-off, kill-off, material, combos, hype and many more. Students will be evaluated through reflective writing, vocal quizzes, a mini-research project, video viewing, discussions and participation within the class, and attendance and responses to workshops and performance events on campus outside of class time.

Location

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

This course investigates the anthropological and historical significance of dance by looking at the many roles dance can play in society including religious devotion, power displays, conflict, healing, resistance, community bonding, “classical art” and more. We discover how cultural beliefs about gender, class, politics, economics, family and the arts are embedded in dance practices. The transmission of dance practices over time and along historic migration routes helps us explore how ideas cross cultures in embodied ways. We experience the basic steps of various dance traditions from around the world and begin to understand how movement both creates and communicates cultural meanings.

Location

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

Location

(TR 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

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.

Location

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

Rooted in dance, the martial arts and studies of body development and awareness, students will use weight, momentum, and inertia to move each other freely through space. Solo and duet skills such as rolling, falling, balance, counter-balance, jumping, weight sharing, and spirals will be explored to facilitate open dancing. Reading and writing assignments will explore the history and practice of contact improvisation and how it deals with physical ability, gender, social connection, and the students relationship to their own culture. Classes will primarily involve physical movement, but some time will be spent on discussion of the class exercises, readings, and personal experiences. In addition to regular class time, additional labs or jams will be scheduled approximately biweekly.

Location

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

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 class will teach the Chen Taijiquan 49-movement sword (jian) form. Practice of the jian develops precise movements and focused awareness. The length of the jian, and two well-defined edges and point enable a practitioner to see the precision of their movement much more readily compared to open hand forms. This attribute leads to a more graceful, meditative, body-mind flow. There are very clear coiling, and opening and closing movements that give the practice a qigong conditioning effect. Practitioners will experience a stretched, connected, open-body feeling. It is a favorite form of many taijiquan practitioners. 

Location

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

In this course, students with prior yoga and/or dance experience will learn how to refine their skills through a continued exploration of asanas, pranayama, philosophy, and meditation. We will explore a more rigorous vinyasa flow practice, resulting in students developing more clarity regarding alignment, breath support, core aliveness, and, ultimately, body/self-awareness. While this is an individualized practice, the importance of community will be emphasized throughout as students share aspects of their practice with each other. Readings, discussion, and reflective writing are inherent to deepening ones practice.

Location

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

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.

Location

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

This course will provide students with an experience of the creative process involving choreographic and improvisational play in professional-style dance rehearsals that are then carried through live performance. Specifically, this course will focus on Afro-Diasporic movement and dance including, but not limited to, Afro Caribbean dances, Flamenco, contemporary dance technique and Black modern dance. Working with the instructor and/or various collaborators, students will diversify their experiences as dancer collaborators and deepen their creative journey as artists.  

Location

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

This course includes an introduction to fundamental production skills grounded in the theory of current practices and exposure to experience by witnessing, taking part in, and reflecting on the process. Learning targets include the understanding and utilization of: 1) best practices of safety in the theater, rehearsal room, and found spaces, 2) producing and production organization/structure for dance, including management and administrative basic, 3) building community and feedback mechanisms, 4) Understanding of basic design elements from a dancer’s perspective. These design elements include an overview of Lighting, Sound, Scenery/Props, Costumes, and Video. Students will develop communication and community engagement skills, as well as an understanding of and practice in implementation of the above. This course is open to all students; no experience necessary.

Location

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

Foundations and Principles of Dance/Movement Therapy examines the ways dance/movement therapy in the west has integrated Asian concepts, natural movement, formal elements of dance, creative processes, music, verbal expression, and constructs drawn from psychology and counseling to treat a wide range of populations. Students will compare and contrast the treatment of individuals seeking help for a range of concerns (e.g., psychosis, autism, anxiety, eating disorders, histories of abuse). Experientials, creative dance, and videotapes of actual sessions with a variety of populations highlight these concepts. Dress comfortably and be prepared to move.

Location

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

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

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

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

(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: DAN 266: Intermediate Contemporary Dance

Location

(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..

Location

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

Location

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

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)

This course is the exploration in Dance, Drumming and Historical Context in Guinea, West Africa. The instructor is a native of Guinea and has been a part of prestigious National companies Les Ballets Africains and Percussion de Guinee. The instruction will include rhythmic foundations for drummers and dancers and will build knowledge of the djembe, dundun, sangban, kenkeni, krins and bell and how they are used culturally for music and dance. Students will learn style, form, technique, and historical context of the dance right in the midst of the vibrant culture and landscape of Guinea.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

In this course, students dance and move with women in recovery who are living in transitional housing, as well as elders in the community. It is meaningful work that supports the well-being of everyone involved, while providing practice in fieldwork. We work in collaboration with one another and with the partners to create dance experiences that build community, invite agency, mindfulness, and personal expression, and in doing so, we challenge our biases and develop understanding and empathy. Students are expected to visit community sites and carry out project activities that fall outside of regular class meetings. Transportation will be provided where necessary.

Location

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

DANC 385 examines multiple aspects of performance and hones the individual's performance skills addressing elements of stage presence, focus, use of breath, preparation, and performance clarity. Students experience the creation of a new work and/or repertory that is adapted to draw on the unique artistry of each dancers. Students have the opportunity to perform in multiple venues during the semester and will study how different spaces affect aspects of performance

Location

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

This course fulfills the second half of the Senior Seminar capstone course work. Students will apply the work from the Fall semester and delve into the making and creating component of their capstones especially.  Students will write, choreograph, perform, implement and/or carry out research, performances and/or projects. In addition to the senior thesis development, students will  investigate various career opportunities, develop a website portfolio, apply to the Undergraduate Research Expo, and produce a final thesis. Creative process and critical thinking are a focus of this course. Internships, other coursework as part of the major, co-curricular dance activity, service learning , or other related activity can support your research either prior or concurrently with DANC 389W.

Location

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

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)