Dance 190C - Cultural Dance Forms

In this immersive once-a-week class, students will learn the dance technique and philosophy of Katherine Dunham, which draws together rhythmic, movement, and cultural aesthetics of traditional and social dance forms with classical ballet and modern dance. Through dynamic and polyrhythmic barre exercises, isolations, progressions, and culturally based choreography, accompanied by Afro-Caribbean based live drumming, students will develop an increased understanding of dance as rhythmic motion and of intercultural communication.

This Spring 2020, we will use Dunham technique and philosophies as a structure through which to build an understanding of the basic rhythmic, movement, and cultural characteristics present within social and sacred dances from Cuba, through experiences with guest artists. The semester will conclude with a choreographic unit, where students will utilize the Dunham Model of Choreography as an investigative process that aims to mitigate cultural appropriation, and can serve as an effective method for intercultural artistic dialogue, creation and performance.

Open to Undergrad Non Dance Majors AND Dance Majors.