2021-2022 Academic Catalog

DAN-Dance

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Course Descriptions By Program

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DAN131 - Foundations of Dance Technique

Foundations of Dance Technique is designed to provide accessibility to the world of dance for all students, novice or pre-professional. As this course is intended for students with little⊦ no dance training, the class will use lecture, discussion, and studio work to introduce ballet, jazz, and tap, their history, and their aesthetics. The lecture and discussion will help the student recognize and articulate key terminology and criteria for aesthetic judgment in this form of expression. The studio work, including barre exercises and center and traveling sequences, will be performed in small groups as well as individually in order to help the student develop creativity in expressing themselves and a kinesthetic awareness for self-evaluation.

DAN132 - Ballet Technique I

Introductory instruction in the basic techniques applicable to ballet as practiced in western Europe and in the United States is covered. Basic techniques include barre exercises, port de bras and center practice with jumps, beats and turns.

DAN133 - Jazz Technique I

This is an introductory, entry level jazz technique class emphasizing American jazz dance style. The focus of instruction and performance is on developing flexibility, isolation techniques, as well as jazz jumps, kicks and turns necessary for most forms of jazz dance. This course is a 3 credit course and is required for dance minors.

DAN134 - Tap Dance Technique I

This course emphasizes instruction in the basic tap techniques practiced classically and in modern day. Basic techniques include a center warm ups for feet, floor progressions with tap technique and center practice encompassing rhythm and timing elements.

DAN232 - Ballet Technique II

Ballet II is a second level course designed for the development of strength and fluidity through an extension of techniques demonstrated in specialized study and drill. Emphasis is placed on quicker retention of complex combinations. Further emphasis is placed on center floor work to develop the student’s artistry, technique, and physical ability in the dance form.

DAN260 - Modern Dance

Modern dance is an expressive form of movement which serves to enhance individual creativity and exploration. The class will emphasize creative problem solving through movement and modern dance technique. The development of movement quality, as well as the use of force, time and energy, will be explored while learning the rich history of modern dance.

DAN301 - Theatre Dance I

Introductory, entry-level instruction in the basic elements of period movement/style used in acting and musical theater, as well as social/ballroom, jazz and tap dance, will be presented in this course. Student presentations of these various styles and dance forms used in musical theater will be provided by the instructor and evaluated for credit.

DAN302 - Theatre Dance II

This course will help the dancer develop specific movement skill and style in the area of musical theater. Emphasis will be place on the basic techniques of American modern, jazz and tap forms including those used by Agnes DeMille and Jerome Robbins (American modern), Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett (jazz), as well as Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines (tap).