Dance

Courses

DA 101: Modern Dance

Credits 3
This course will explore why and how dance is a vital participant in cultural practices around the world. The students will examine how dance is inherently a reflection of the culture it represents. A wide overview of dance will be covered, from its origins in India, to its inclusion in the rituals of Bali, the Noh and Kabuki theatrical traditions of Japan, dances of the tribes of Africa, the rites of passage in Aboriginal Australian dances, and the rituals of Native American tribes. The class will review examples of related art forms in visual arts, music, and drama.

DA 221: Modern Dance Technique

Credits 3
An introduction to modern dance as an art form through study of its history, major practitioners, and varied styles; studio experience and practice of dance techniques and combinations of movement.

DA 222: Modern Dance Improvisation & Composition

Credits 3
Introduction to the art of choreography, or the creating of dances. Study of choreographic principles through lecture, demonstration, film, and discussion; studio experience in movement combination, improvisation, and composition.

DA 224: Dance Movements of Unique Cultures

Credits 3

This course exposes the students to the varied forms of African, Urban, Latin, and Caribbean dance. The students will have the opportunity to not only perform, but learn and execute the different styles of interpretative dance through movement. Each week or over a two week period, one aspect of the varied style will be taught and rehearsed in order to perform a culminating dance performance for the college community. 

Experience with dance technique is recommended, but not required.

DA 225: Jazz/Tap I

Credits 3

This course introduces the students to the world of Jazz and Tap. The dancers will have the opportunity to learn and perform simple jazz and tap movements through performance means. One-half the semester will be devoted to Jazz, and the remaining of the semester will be devoted to Tap. The students will have the opportunity to not only perform, but learn and execute the different styles of interpretative dance through movement. A culminating dance performance will result as a performance based assessment. 

Experience with Jazz & Tap is recommended, but not required. 

Jazz and Tap shoes are required.

DA 226: Ballet I

Credits 3

This course introduces the students to the world of Ballet. The dancers will have the opportunity to learn and perform simple ballet movements through performance means. The students will have the opportunity to not only perform, but learn and execute the different styles of ballet. Classical and Modern Ballet will be introduced and executed. A traditional style of ballet will be taught as well as a type of ballet from the twenty-first century. A culminating dance performance will result as a performance based assessment. 

Experience with ballet is recommended, but not required. 

Ballet shoes and proper attire required.

DA 229: Creative Movement for the Elementary Child

Credits 3
Methods of teaching creative movement to elementary school children and of using it in connection with the teaching of standard subjects. Discussion of what creative movement is, how it has been integrated into school curricula, how it is employed to promote personal and educational development in the child, and how it can be effectively integrated into classroom plans.

DA 250: Dance Films: Social & Historical Perspectives

Credits 3
An overview of dance films from the 1930's to the present. Films to be studied may include Swing Time, Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever, and Dirty Dancing. Discussion of the stars' contributions to dance history, the historical and social impact of the films, the techniques of dance and cinematography used, and the social issues explored in the films will follow each screening.