University Catalog > Courses > Dance (DANC)

Dance (DANC)

College of Visual and Performing Arts

101 Dance Appreciation (3:3:0). Introduction to dance as universal human activity, an expression of cultural identity and an art form. This survey of global dance includes folk, ceremonial/ritual, trance, court, classical, and theatrical dance forms.

114 Rhythmic Analysis and Music Resources for Dance (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Dance major or permission of instructor. Introduction to the rhythmic structure, notation, and basic forms of music. Experience with audio equipment in creating simple sound scores. Taught in a lecture/lab format.

118World Dance (3:3:0). Develops knowledge, skills, and an appreciation of world dance forms through the presentation of fundamental techniques, music, and culture. Area of concentration varies to include as many cultures as possible. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Fulfills non-western requirement for students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the global understanding requirement of university general education.

119 Dance in Popular Culture: Afro-Latino Dance (3:3:0). Develops knowledge, skills, and an appreciation of popular dance forms through the presentation of fundamental techniques, music, and culture. Area of concentration varies to include as many idioms as possible. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

120 Special Topics in Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Rotating topic. Introduction and exploration of topical studies in dance and/or related study areas (e.g., dance forms of the United States: Social Dance, Folk Dance, Square Dance, or Contra Dance). Topic depends on instructor. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits provided the specific course content is different.

125 Beginning Modern Dance (3:3:0). Develops knowledge, skills, and an appreciation of modern dance through the presentation of fundamental techniques and creative movement experiences. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

131 Beginning Jazz Technique (3:3:0). Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of jazz dance technique and its historical context. Emphasis is placed on improving anatomical awareness and alignment, increasing strength and flexibility, and developing rhythmic sensitivity. Students will also be introduced to jazz improvisation and choreography. May be repeated for 6 credits.

145 Beginning Ballet (3:3:0). Introduction to the elements of ballet technique and vocabulary. Stress on learning the elementary positions and movements characteristic of this highly stylized art form. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

150 Dance Improvisation (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance degree program or permission of instructor. An exploration of movement invention and discovery. Movement is explored in relation to other art forms, i.e., literature, painting, sculpture and architecture, enhancing kinesthetic awareness, sensitivity to others, and to the environment. This course is a prerequisite for the dance composition/choreography series.

161 Beginning Tap Dance (3:3:0). Elementary exploration into the rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

170 Orientation to Dance Production (1:1:1). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance program, or permission of instructor. Introduction to sound, lighting, and stage management elements and terminology as related to dance performance. Taught in an intensive workshop setting emphasizing laboratory experience.

210 Dynamic Alignment (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Dance major or permission of instructor. Aspects of anatomy and kinesiology that directly apply to the correct development of dance technique. Emphasis on the use of exercise correctives and imagery to correct insufficient muscle pattern and reduce stress upon the body.

225 Beginning Intermediate Modern Dance (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 125 or permission of instructor. Designed to further develop the knowledge, skills, and appreciation of modern dance through the continued exploration of techniques, aesthetics, and creativity. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

231 Intermediate Jazz Technique (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 131 or permission of instructor. Continued study of the concepts of jazz dance technique and in-depth study of 20th Century jazz dance forms. Emphasis is placed on furthering anatomical awareness and alignment, developing technical clarity, and mastering rhythm and syncopation. Students will continue the exploration of jazz improvisation and choreography. May be repeated for 12 credits.

245 Beginning Intermediate Ballet (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 145 or permission of instructor. Further development of knowledge, skills, and appreciation through the technique, vocabulary, and history of ballet. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

251 Dance Composition I (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 150 or permission of the instructor. Introduction to the basic principles for composing dance movement. Focus is on simple compositional forms as they apply to the solo performer, discussion, analysis, and evaluation of artistic choices. Students will maintain video and written journals to document their artistic process.

252 Dance Composition II (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 251 or permission of the instructor. Exploration of the compositional elements in dance as they apply to group forms. Continued experience in developing and manipulating movement phrases, using a variety of compositional forms. Introduction to conducting rehearsals and selecting music. Students will discuss, analyze, and evaluate artistic choices in composition using appropriate dance arts vocabulary and terminology, and maintain video and written journals to document their artistic process.

270 Dance Production Lab (1:1:1). Prerequisite: DANC 170 or permission of instructor. Practical experience in the areas of stage crew, sound, and/or lighting of dance productions through rehearsal to public performance for university dance concerts or guest artist programs. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

314 Music Accompaniment for Dance (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 114, or permission of instructor. Lecture practicum course that gives both dance and music students practical experience in dance accompaniment, primarily through the use of percussion instruments. Students use their knowledge of music and rhythm to accompany and enhance a dance technique class.

325 Intermediate Modern Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance degree program or permission of instructor. Exploration of an intermediate level of modern dance technique. Emphasis is placed on improving anatomical awareness, increasing strength and flexibility, expanding a modern dance vocabulary, and developing flow and dynamic range. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

326 Dance Performance Practicum (1:0:3). Prerequisite: Audition. Practical experience in the area of dance performance through the rehearsal process of university dance concerts. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

330 Dance/Movement Therapy I (3:3:0). Prerequisites: DANC 125, 150, PSYC 100, PSYC 211, or permission of instructor. An overview of Dance/Movement Therapy exploring the meaning of movement as communication and expression. Theoretical approaches, treatment goals and interventions in Dance Therapy are explored with a wide variety of patient groups, and are enhanced through se lected readings, movement explorations, and volunteer field observations.

345 Intermediate Ballet (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance degree program or permission of instructor. Provides continued ballet training for the intermediate level dancer. Emphasis is placed on increasing technical proficiency, improving anatomical awareness, and developing a deeper understanding of the skills and principles of ballet technique and how they provide a foundation needed to both teach and perform. May be repeated for 12 credits.

350 Advanced Dance Improvisation (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 125, DANC 150, or permission of instructor. Lecture/performance course for continued study of dance improvisation, including "contact improvisation." Each student is responsible for creating and directing advanced problems in dance improvisation. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

360 Choreography (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 252 or permission of instructor. Continued choreographic exploration and research, culminating in bringing completed works to production.

362 Directed Choreography (1:0:3). Prerequisite: DANC 252 or permission of instructor. Faculty-guided, individual learning experience where students learn to choreograph a dance work by auditioning dancers, costuming, staging, lighting, selecting musical accompaniment, and composing original movement material. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

370 Dance Performance (1:0:3). Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. Practical experience in the areas of performance, repertory, and choreography through rehearsal and public performance of university dance concerts or guest artist programs. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

371 Residency Workshop (1:0:3). Prerequisite: Audition. Rehearsal and performance of either a new or restaged dance by a guest choreographer in an intensive rehearsal setting. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

372 Advanced Dance Production (1:1:1). Prerequisite: DANC 170, 270, or permission of instructor. Methodology and practice of stage make-up, costume design, and lighting as dictated by specific needs of a dance performance. Taught in a series of workshop settings.

390 Dance History: Pre-20th Century (3:3:0). Examines dance as it developed as a Western theatrical form from its beginnings in social and folk dance through its evolution into ballet. Emphasis is placed upon romantic and classical ballet. In addition, American dance forms are studied as they evolved in spectacles, burlesques, minstrelsy and social dance. All forms of dance are placed within their social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical context.

391 Dance History: 20th Century (3:3:0). Examines the revolutions that occurred in the transformation of twentieth century Western dance into forms and institutions that radically departed from their predecessors. The development of contemporary dance carried with it reflections of the influence of technology and the media as well as the concept of a global culture. Renewed interest in traditional dance forms acknowledges the power of dance to serve as a carrier of cultural and societal values. These dance forms are placed within their social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical contexts.

399 Independent Study (1-3:0:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Individual research or creative project supervised by a faculty member. May be repeated for a total of six credits.

418 Global Dance Intensive (1-3:1-3:0). Intensive investigation and study of a selected dance idiom within its vital cultural and artistic context. Course work will be supplemented by participation in, and observation of, the ambient culture. A comparative analysis will be constructed of the similarities, differences and common antecedents between the selected culture and North American dance idioms. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

420 Special Topics in Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Nine credits of dance courses or permission of instructor. In depth presentation and exploration of topical studies in dance and/or related study areas (e.g., dance as therapy, avant-garde dance, philosophic approach to 20th century dance artists, cinedance). Topic depends on instructor. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

425 Advanced Modern Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance degree program or permission of instructor. An advanced level exploration of modern dance technique. Emphasis is placed on refining alignment, developing the ability to self-correct and replicating sophisticated movement sequences. Provides preparation to enter the professional field of dance. May be repeated for 24 credits.

430 Dance/Movement Therapy II (3:3:0). Prerequisites: DANC 210, 330, PSYC 324, 325, or permission of instructor. Application of Dance/Movement Therapy as a psychotherapeutic process that furthers the emotional, cognitive, social, and physical integration of the individual.

445 Advanced Ballet (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the dance degree program or permission of instructor. Course provides pre-professional ballet training for the advanced level dancer. Emphasis is placed on the attainment of high quality technical and performance skills, application of anatomical principles, and the mastery of sophisticated classical movement sequences. May be repeated for 24 credits.

453 Teaching Creative Movement (3:3:0). Prerequisites: DANC 125 and DANC 150, or permission of instructor. To provide theory, methodology and practicum experience in preparation for teaching creative movement to children K+12, with some application to special populations.

454 Methods ofTeaching Dance (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 6 credits of intermediate or advanced dance technique and DANC 210. An examination of dance pedagogy focusing on the principles needed for teaching sound technique. Students learn skills, methods and instructional procedures applied in the classroom. Curriculum development, proper course sequencing, implementation of teaching strategies, and classroom management techniques are also emphasized. Students study teaching methods appropriate for K­12, gifted, and talented and special needs students. Intensive practice in implementing these skills includes lab and field-teaching experiences.

455 Teaching Practicum (1-6:3:0). Prerequisites: DANC 454 and permission of instructor. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in an approved school or studio dance program. Credits are based on number of teaching contact hours per week. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

480 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 210 or permission of instructor. Introduction to the components of Laban Movement Analysis: Body, Shape, Effort, and Space. Includes Motif Writing for recording and analyzing movement.

490 Senior Dance Seminar (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Senior status in the dance major program. Culminating seminar devoted to analyzing and synthesizing knowledge and skills gained through undergraduate course work as it applies to dance, arts education, and professional development. Students will develop a senior project that includes both written and oral presentation in a public forum.

501 Graduate Dance Seminar (3:3:0). Presentation and discussion of current issues in dance specific to the areas of education, research, and professional development in the field.

520 Special Topics in Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Nine credits of dance courses or permission of instructor. In depth presentation and exploration of topical studies in dance and/or related study areas. Topic depends on instructor. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

525 Advanced Modern Dance (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate dance program, audition, or permission of instructor. Advanced training in modern technique emphasizing the attainment of high technical ability and performing skills. May be repeated for a total of 18 credits.

545 Advanced Ballet (1-3:1-3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate dance program, audition, or permission of instructor. Advanced training in ballet technique with an emphasis on high technical quality, performance skills, ballet vocabulary, and styles. May be repeated for a total of 18 credits.

553 Teaching Creative Movement (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 125 and 150, or permission of instructor. Provides theory, methodology and practicum experience in preparation for teaching creative movement to children K-12, with some application to special populations.

560 Advanced Choreography (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 351 or permission of instructor. Intensive study and exploration of advanced choreographic forms culminating in a public performance of a complete dance work. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

562 Directed Choreography (1-3:3:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Individual choreographic project supervised by a faculty member. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

570 Advanced Dance Performance (1-3:0:3-9). Prerequisite: Audition. Advanced performance through participation in university productions and professional dance companies. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

571 Residency Workshop (1:0:3). Prerequisite: Audition. Rehearsal and performance of a new or restaged dance by a guest choreographer in an intensive rehearsal setting. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

580 Laban Movement Analysis (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Introduction to the components of Laban Movement Analysis: Body, Shape, Effort, and Space. Includes Motif Writing for recording and analyzing movement.

598 Philosophy and Aesthetics of Dance (3:3:0). Prerequisites: DANC 390 and 391, or permission of instructor. Study of the philosophical theories and aesthetic principles of dance as a performing art.

599 Independent Study (1-6:0:0). Individual research or a creative project in close consultation with an instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

615 Contemporary Trends (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Study of contemporary art and artists and their current ideas and practices as they relate to the making of new work.

627 Advanced Teaching Seminar (3:3:0). Prerequisite: DANC 454 or permission of instructor. Discussion of advanced problems in teaching from both the scientific and creative points of view.

680 Dance Management (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Exploration into the technical, financial, and economic aspects of dance management, including the areas of marketing, fund raising, publicity, incorporation, booking, nonprofit vs. profit-making organizations, and issues relating to current practices in the performing arts industry.

790 Internship (1-3:0:0). Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of advisor. Study that would involve intensive professional experience through sponsorship by a dance company, agency, or other arts organization in the areas of management, administration, performance, choreography, or teaching. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

799 Thesis (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: Graduate standing, permission of advisor, and approval of proposal. Original research, including written work and a public performance, under the direction of a thesis committee. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.