Course Descriptions

Dance

DANC 141: Beginning Modern Dance (1/2)
Beginning technique develops physical proficiency in the performance of basic dance materials while promoting intellectual understanding of fundamental principles, practices, and vocabulary common to modern dance. The weekly technique classes consist of a series of exercises that condition the body for strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination; develop a physical and conceptual awareness of the elements of space, time, and energy; and exhibit performance skills of concentration, focus, and musicality. ARTSStaff

DANC 142: Beginning Ballet (1/2)
Beginning ballet is an introductory course that develops a basic understanding of ballet movement vocabulary and dance terminology with an eye toward the modern dancer. The class structure will include a full barre warm-up, center combinations and basic ballet turns, as well as lectures on the history and development of ballet and video viewings.ARTSStaff

DANC 143: Beginning Jazz Dance (1/2)
Jazz, a common form of dance used in musical theatre and commercial and entertainment industries, has its roots in social dance and is heavily influenced by African-American traditions. Beginning Jazz Dance introduces students to basic movement vocabulary, dance terminology, and human anatomy as they explore different styles of jazz dance technique. Class work may include quizzes, essays, research papers, and attending one or more campus performances. ARTSStaff

DANC 145: Theory and Improvisation (1)
Theory & Improvisation guides the student in exploring the elements of dance through spontaneous movement. Participants work with, define, and discuss principles of dance such as space, time, shape, and force. Students focus their concentrations and physical abilities as they create their own movements in response to specific kinesthetic problems. They work as individuals, in duets, trios, and larger groupings, learning to respond to and work with fellow dancers as well as follow their own impulses.ARTSJSmith

DANC 221: Somatic Practice for the Performing Artist (1)
This class will develop a basic understanding of the roots of the somatic approach; the relationship between the mind and movement; the kinds of results obtained with somatic techniques; and the causes of sensory-motor conflicts. The course will begin with the study of experiential anatomy and move into the analysis of both the theory and practice behind various somatic techniques. These techniques will include: the Alexander Technique, Body-Mind Centering, Laban Movement Analysis, Bartenieff Fundamentals and Authentic Movement.JSmith

DANC 241: Intermediate Modern Dance (1/2)
Intermediate modern dance focuses on the physical technique of modern dance, with a primary emphasis on building advanced skills. The elements of dance learned in beginning modern: space, time, the body and energy, will be used as students explore these skills. Lectures on human anatomy and dance terminology will be included in this course. ARTSJSmith

DANC 242: Intermediate Ballet (1/2)
Intermediate ballet utilizes the basic skills of ballet dance technique with the primary emphasis of developing advanced skills. The class structure will include a full barre warm-up, advanced center combinations, and turns. Partner work may also be introduced.ARTSStaff

DANC 243: Intermediate Jazz Dance (1/2)
This course focuses on building students' musicality and performance skills. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of dance terminology and anatomy and movement vocabulary as introduced in Beginning Jazz. Class work may include attending campus performances, completing research papers, and/or incorporating the tools of technology into dance.ARTSJSmith

DANC 244: Continuing Dance Technique (1/2)
This course allows students who have completed any Intermediate level technique class, the opportunity to continue to develop their dance technique skills. A strong understanding of the fundamentals of dance found in ballet will be emphasized while modern dance techniques will be the focus of the course. ARTSJSmith

DANC 246: Dance Composition (1)
Dance Composition focuses on applying the basic elements of dance into the creation of original dance compositions. Students enrolled in this course participate in weekly critiques that focus on learning how to articulate artistic thoughts and ideas in discussions while developing individual artistic goals and voices. JSmith

DANC 248: Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)
Staff

DANC 250: Independent Study (1/2 or 1)
Staff

DANC 260: Dance History & Contemporary Trends in Choreography (1)
This course introduces students to the history of western theatrical dance. We begin the study of this history within the courts of France and follow it through post-modern dance in America. The class meets three times a week; two of those meetings are used for lectures, the third for an experiential lesson that draws connections between dance and other fields of study. This course serves as the pre-requisite for the Chicago Dance Project (260A) where students experience dance in an urban setting. JSmith

DANC 260A: Chicago Dance Project (1/2)
Two-week December break program held in Chicago that is open to all students who have taken, or are currently enrolled in, the Dance History course. Students will participate in daily technique classes held at a professional studio of dance training, as well as attend four to six dance concerts over the program's duration. Trips will also be taken to the city's many art and cultural museums to create a full interdisciplinary art experience. JSmith

DANC 295: Special Topics (1/2 or 1)
Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Dance not covered in the usual curriculum.Staff

DANC 341A: Dance Ensemble (1/2)
Dance Ensemble provides advanced students with an opportunity to study contemporary trends in performance and choreography. Each year, ensemble participants learn two to three new dance works, created by faculty and/or guest choreographers. These new works are presented by the ensemble in a Spring Dance Concert. JSmith

DANC 341B: Dance Ensemble (1/2)
A continuation of DANC 341A.JSmith

DANC 343A: Choreography Workshop (1/2)
Choreography Workshop focuses on creating an intensive learning environment for dance students who have focused their dance studies on examining the choreographic process. Students work independently on developing dance works to be presented in a spring concert. Students are also required to write an artistic statement and proposal explaining what their goals are in creating their choreographic work, and they will participate in class sessions that focus on understanding how to communicate and collaborate with costume and lighting designers in creating a finished choreographic work, ready for performance. Staff

DANC 343B: Choreography Workshop (1/2)
A continuation of DANC 343A.Staff

DANC 348: Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)
Staff

DANC 350: Independent Study (1/2 or 1)
Staff

DANC 395: Special Topics (1/2 or 1)
Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Dance not covered in the usual curriculum.Staff

DANC 400: Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)
See College Honors Program. Staff