Course Descriptions
111. Modern I
(GER 6) Fall and Spring (2) Glenn, Wade, Wilhelm
This
course is designed for the student with little or no dance background.
It introduces dance as an art form and as a means of expression through
both the study of movement fundamentals and creative work. The movement
concepts presented in Modern I provide the basis for continuing with
intermediate studies in modern, ballet and jazz.
115. Studies in Style
Fall or Spring (1) Staff
This
course is designed to provide an opportunity to study the technical
skills and artistic elements of a particular style of dance. Offerings
will vary and may include tap, ethnic forms or historical dance. Course
is repeatable provided different styles are studied.
150W. Freshman Seminar
Fall or Spring (4) Wade
A course designed to introduce freshmen to topics in the study of
dance. Four credits when satisfying the freshman writing requirement. Spring 2012 topic: Dance on Screen.
*211, 212. Modern II
(GER 6) Fall and Spring (2,2) Glenn, Wade, Wilhelm
This
course is designed to strengthen technical skill at an intermediate
level. It explores modern dance as an art form and as a means of
expression through both the development of movement skills and creative
work.
220. History of Modern Dance
(GER 5) Spring (3) Glenn
This
course is an introduction through films and lectures to the field of
modern dance, which is rooted in American culture, with emphasis on the
stylistic approach and aesthetic of the artists who have contributed to
its development in the twentieth century. Cross-listed with AMST 240.
230. History of American Vernacular Dance
(GER 5) Fall (3) Glenn
This
course is an introduction through videos and lectures to the vernacular
dance of the United States with an emphasis on its development from
roots in West African and European dance to contemporary forms such as
tap and jazz. We will examine the vernacular dance styles found in
professional, competitive and social dance settings as well as the
cultural context in which the dancing appears. Cross-listed with AFST 334 and AMST 241.
*261, 262. Intermediate Ballet
(GER 6) Fall and Spring (2,2) McCoy
This
course is designed to strengthen technical skill at an intermediate
level. It explores ballet as an art form and as a means of expression
through both the development of movement skills and creative work.
*264. Intermediate Jazz
(GER 6) Spring (2) Staff
Explores
jazz dance as an art form and as a means of expression through
technical and creative work (choreography, improvisation). The study of
various jazz and musical theatre dance styles will reflect the history
of jazz and popular music.
*301. Practicum in Dance
Fall and Spring (1-3) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade
This
course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to fulfill
needs in dance-related areas of movement experience such as creative
work, stage lighting for dance, bodywork, performing skills,
improvisation, teaching skills, and community outreach activities.
Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
*303. Alexander Technique
Fall (1) Gavaler
This
course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to refine
and heighten their kinesthetic sensitivity. The process of exploring
the inherent design of human beings and how to consciously cooperate
with that design leads to greater ease, flexibility, power and
expressiveness in all activities. This work is of particular value to
dancers and other performing artists because it provides a way to
prevent injury, relieve tension and enhance performance. As space
permits, this course may be repeated once for credit.
*305. Dance Composition I
Fall (3) Gavaler
This course introduces elements, methods and structures of dance composition mainly in application to the solo figure. Students
will have the opportunity to experiment with movement invention; to
cultivate variety, contrast, and originality in their choreographic
process; and to expand their personal aesthetic range.
*306. Dance Composition II
Spring (3) Gavaler
This
course builds on the compositional elements presented in Danc 305 and
offers students the opportunity to develop increasing sophistication
and self-direction in their approach to choreography. The visual,
aural, and kinesthetic inspiration for many of the studies will be
influenced by compositional experiments in 20th and 21st century fine and performing arts.
*311, 312 Modern III
Fall and Spring (1-2,1-2) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade
This
course is designed to challenge the student by introducing complex
movement sequences drawn from well-known technical vocabularies. Each
course may be repeated twice for credit.
*321, 322 Performance Ensemble
Fall and Spring (1-2, 1-2) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade Prerequisite: Successful audition.
This
course is designed to provide an opportunity for the advanced dancer to
participate in creative work and performance. Each course may be
repeated three times for credit.
*330. Internship in Dance
Fall and Spring (1-3) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade
Qualified
students may receive credit for a structured learning experience in a
professional quality dance company or dance festival (e.g., American
Dance Festival, Duke University) which provides an opportunity to apply
and expand knowledge under expert supervision. Must be approved in
advance. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
333. South and Southeast Asian Folklore Performance
(GER 4B and 6) Fall (3) Tanglao-Aguas
Interdisciplinary journey into the sociocultural history, aesthetics, and performance of ceremony, dance, folklore, oral literature, performance and ritual in South and Southeast Asia. The primary narrative of performance exercises and projects emanates from the RAMAYANA, Hinduism's most sacred epic. (Cross listed with THEA 333)
*350. Introduction to Physical Theatre
Spring (3) Gavaler, Wiley. Prerequisite: Previous theatre and dance performance course
work and permission of the instructors
Provides students with an opportunity to develop sensitivity, intelligence, and strength through practice in Contact Improvisation and exposure to other physical theatre techniques. Students will learn to use compositional tools, develop physically-inspired characters, and interact with environmental elements through performer-created projects. (Cross listed with THEA 350)
*401. Group Choreography
Fall (3) Wade Prerequisite: Danc 305-306.
Students explore principles of choreographic invention for small groups and large ensembles. Problems and possibilities for movement invention involving more than one dancer are investigated as an outgrowth of Dance 305-306 which concentrates on composition for the solo figure.
*401L.Group Choreography Lab
Fall (1) Wade
Students will apply principles of choreographic invention, rehearsal and performance techniques learned in Dance 401. Emphasis is on the choreography, teaching, rehearsal and studio performance of two original works – one for a small group and one for a large ensemble.
*406. Independent Projects in Dance
Fall and Spring. (1-3) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade
Directed
study for the advanced student arranged on an individual basis with
credit according to the range of the proposed project. A semester of
work could include either a choreographic work or a research project.
*411, 412. Modern IV
Fall and Spring (1-2,1-2) Gavaler, Glenn, Wade
This
course is designed for the proficient dancer to provide a sound
physical and intellectual understanding of modern dance technique. It
concentrates on elements drawn from specific movement theories. Each
course may be repeated three times for credit.
*460. Topics in Dance
Fall or Spring (3,3) Staff
Exploration of a topic in dance through readings, writing, discussions, and practice (when applicable). If there is no duplication of topic, course may be repeated for credit.
Please Note: Although students may take as many credits as they wish of dance technique and Performance Ensemble (Dance 111, 211, 212, 261, 262, 264, 311, 312, 321, 322, 411, 412), a maximum of 14 credits may be applied toward the 120 credits required for a degree for those not minoring in Dance. (A maximum of 16 credits is allowed for Dance Minors.) This limit does not include other Dance Program courses such as dance history, freshman seminars, composition, practicum, independent projects, Alexander Technique, Asian performance, physical theatre, etc.