These one-credit topics are designed to give students a weekly study of a specific dance technique to augment their on-going training. Students registered for a topic in this course must have completed or be concurrently registered for a related two-credit technique class and are required to be at the high intermediate or advanced level in that technique. Dance faculty should be consulted concerning questions about level placement.

Course work emphasizes organizing and designing movement creatively and meaningfully in a variety of forms (solo, duet and group), and using various devices and approaches for example, motif and development, theme and variation, text and spoken language, collage and structured improvisation. Prerequisite: 151. L.

Prerequisite: 121 or permission of the instructor. Limited enrollment.

A duet form of movement improvisation. The technique focuses on work with gravity, weight support, balance, inner sensation and touch, to develop spontaneous fluidity of movement in relation to a partner. Prerequisite: at least one previous dance technique course or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. (E)

Prerequisite: 113 and a minimum of one year of Contemporary Dance study. L.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of aesthetic and interpretive issues in dance performance. Through experiments with improvisation, musical phrasing, partnering, personal imagery and other modes of developing and embodying movement material, dancers explore ways in which a choreographer’s vision is formed, altered, adapted and finally presented in performance. May be taken three times for credit.

Same description as above (DAN 200). May be taken four times for credit, with maximum of two credits per semester.

A laboratory course based on the preparation and performance of department productions. Students may elect to fulfill course requirements from a wide array of production related responsibilities, including stage crew. It may not be used for performance or choreography. May be taken four times for credit, with a maximum of two credits per semester.

The course offers an overarching historical survey of multiple idioms in dance, focusing on the traditions of ballet, modern dance and jazz. The study of major artists, dance works, trends and events from the past illuminates the dance lineages, sociocultural contexts and cross-pollinations between genres that have led to contemporary practices in European and North American concert dance. The acquisition of skills in historical research and writing constitutes a main goal of the course. Particular attention is paid to the location, evaluation and interpretation of primary sources in dance.

Combined enrollment Spring 2016 142/242. This course introduces African dance, music and song as a traditional mode of expression in various African countries. It emphasizes appreciation and respect for African culture and its profound influence on American culture and art. Enrollment limited to 30.