Dance

DNCE BC1135 BALLET I. 2.00 points.

This course is designed for the absolute beginner or the student returning to ballet class after a lengthy hiatus and is intended to familiarize the student with the classical ballet terminology, to foster independence in this particular vocabulary, to introduce the historical context of the Western art form and conventions of a ballet class. Learning the physical practice of this centuries-old craft will give the student basic classical ballet terminology as well as gaining an anatomical understanding of the body

DNCE BC1136 BALLET I. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC1137 BALLET II. 2.00 points.

Ballet II

DNCE BC1138 BALLET II. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC1250 HIP HOP DANCE ＆ CULTURE I. 2.00 points.

This course introduces students to urban dance styles, focusing on the foundations and origins of hip-hop dance, street dance culture, and the physical vocabularies of hip-hop and freestyle dance. Classes are geared to condition the body for the rigors of hip-hop technique by developing strength, coordination, flexibility, stamina, and rhythmic awareness while developing an appreciation of choreographic movement and structures. Compositional elements of hip-hop will be introduced and students may compose brief movement sequences

DNCE BC1330 MODERN I. 2.00 points.

This course is designed for movers with little or no experience with dance, or who are unfamiliar with modern dance styles. It is intended to introduce modern dance techniques, terminology, and historical context, as well as improve anatomical and spatial awareness, and foster physical confidence moving to music. Students of this course will also cultivate comfort with watching, interpreting, and discussing modern dance. Love of dance is not a prerequisite, but is definitely a goal

DNCE BC1331 MODERN I. 0.00-1.00 points.

Open to all beginning dancers

DNCE BC1332 MODERN II. 2.00 points.

This course is designed for movers with some experience with dance, or who are unfamiliar with modern dance styles. It is intended to introduce modern dance techniques, terminology, and historical context, as well as improve anatomical and spatial awareness, and foster physical confidence moving to music. Students of this course will also cultivate comfort with watching, interpreting, and discussing modern dance. Love of dance is not a prerequisite, but is definitely a goal

DNCE BC1333 MODERN II. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC1445 TAP I. 2.00 points.

Tap I is a beginning level tap class for students with some previous dance or movement experience. We will cover basic tap technique, proper use of the body to enhance sound quality and style, a variety of music styles and structures, and improvisation

DNCE BC2137 BALLET III. 2.00 points.

This course is designed for intermediate dancers who are interested in maintaining their established ballet technique as well as advancing their knowledge and familiarity with the classical vocabulary. Students of Ballet III should have completed two semesters of Ballet II or it’s equivalent, or one semester of Ballet III or its equivalent, and have a firm mental and physical understanding of barre exercises (plié, battement tendu, battement dégagé, rond de jambe à terre, battement fondu, frappé, and grand battement), as well as general center concepts such as adagio, waltz, pirouettes, and petit allegro (including changement, glissade, jeté, and assemblé). This is a graded, semester long, two credit course

DNCE BC2138 BALLET III. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC2139 BALLET IV. 2.00 points.

This course is designed for advanced intermediate dancers who are interested in maintaining their established ballet technique as well as advancing their knowledge and familiarity with the classical vocabulary. Students of Ballet IV should have completed two semesters of Ballet III or its equivalent, or one semester of Ballet IV or its equivalent, and have a firm mental and physical understanding of ballet technical exercises. These include all barre exercises (plié, battement tendu, battement dégagé, rond de jambe à terre, battement fondu, battement frappé, and grand battement), as well as center exercises including adagio, waltz, pirouettes, petit allegro, and grand allegro. Focus of this class will be on how to practice ballet safely, efficiently, musically, and joyfully. This is a graded, semester long, two credit course. This class is offered in person only, and no remote learning option will be available

DNCE BC2140 BALLET IV. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC2252 AFRICAN DANCE I. 2.00 points.

In West Africa, dance is part of daily life. It is used to mark occasions such a birth, death, harvest, and marriage. It is also used to unite the community in times of crisis. West African dance is not as much a strict technique as it is a movement coming from the spirit and the rhythm of the drum and the energy of the people. While there are certain steps that go with specific rhythms, it leaves space for the individual interpretation and improvisations which is an important element. Dancing is more about the communication between dancer and drummer. The movement of West African dance tends to be energetic and big. It is very expressive, and the energy is outward. Some African dance steps are taken directly from daily activities such as planting or hunting. Most, however, are an expression of joy or release of the spirit. Dancing is done by communicating with a drummer to create positive energy. It is a way to enjoy oneself and each other. In African dance, the name of the dance is the same as the name of the rhythm played by the drummer. The individual steps that make up the dance do not have names. In this course, we are going to be learning various West African dances such as Sikko, Socco, Kuku, Mandiany, Farakorroba, Sunu, Soli, Lamba, Mandjo, Diambadong, Doundounba, Kaolask, Thieboudjeune, Niarry---gorong, Ekongkong, Wolossodong, Zaouly, Ngorong, Niakka, Maraka, Djansa and Lengeng/Kutiro

DNCE BC2253 AFRICAN DANCE II. 2.00 points.

Prerequisites: DNCE BC2252 or permission of instructor. In West Africa, dance is part of daily life. It is used to mark occasions such a birth, death, harvest, and marriage. It is also used to unite the community in times of crisis. West African dance is not as much a strict technique as it is a movement coming from the spirit and the rhythm of the drum and the energy of the people. While there are certain steps that go with specific rhythms, it leaves space for the individual interpretation and improvisations which is an important element. Dancing is more about the communication between dancer and drummer. The movement of West African dance tends to be energetic and big. It is very expressive, and the energy is outward. Some African dance steps are taken directly from daily activities such as planting or hunting. Most, however, are an expression of joy or release of the spirit. Dancing is done by communicating with a drummer to create positive energy. It is a way to enjoy oneself and each other. In African dance, the name of the dance is the same as the name of the rhythm played by the drummer. The individual steps that make up the dance do not have names. In this course, we are going to be learning various West African dances such as Sikko, Socco, Kuku, Mandiany, Farakorroba, Sunu, Soli, Lamba, Mandjo, Diambadong, Doundounba, Kaolask, Thieboudjeune, Niarry-gorong, Ekongkong, Wolossodong, Zaouly, Ngorong, Niakka, Maraka, Djansa and Lengeng/Kutiro

DNCE BC2254 CLASSICAL INDIAN I. 2.00 points.

Bharatanatyam is typically studied as a theater dance form, and as a spiritual practice. In this class, traditional and contemporary teaching approaches are combined to introduce the participant to an overview of technical and performative aspects of the form. An example of the adjusted structure of the classes is that we begin each class with hatha yoga based stretches and dance warm ups that specifically target the kind of joint articulation that the form presupposes. We focus on the basic stance, the ardha-mandi, along with the technique of stamping as exemplified in the series of adavu, (basic combinations of hand, foot and rhythmic movement.) Following the progressive difficulty of the adavu system itself, more challenging combinations of hand and footwork will be introduced. Head and eye techniques will be introduced first in isolation then in combination. The last stage of this class involves learning a short abstract dance to music especially pre-recorded for a particular version of a dance genre and adjusted for difficulty level. This is in order to experience how the parts of the technique are integrated and to experience the state of performing. Students will be invited to perform at informal showings

DNCE BC2255 AFRO-CUBAN DANCE. 2.00 points.

This course introduces students to the African-based dances of Cuba, including dances for the Orisha, Rumba, and the immensely joyful “Rueda de Casino” style of Salsa. In addition to learning rhythms, songs, and dances, we will have an ongoing, informal discussion about the historical and contemporary significance of Afro-Cuban dance performance, making connections to personal experience through practice and ongoing reflection. We engage Afro-Cuban music and dance as a living and evolving tradition, where culture, artistry, and history are intimately bound

DNCE BC2260 HIP HOP DANCE ＆ CULTURE III (ADVANCED). 2.00 points.

Advanced technique and repertory in hip hop. Classes are geared to condition the body for the rigors of hip-hop technique by developing strength, coordination, flexibility, stamina, and rhythmic awareness, while developing an appreciation of choreographic movement and structures. Compositional elements of hip-hop will be introduced and students may compose brief movement sequences. The course meets twice weekly and is held in the dance studio

DNCE BC2332 MODERN III. 2.00 points.

Modern III continues training in contemporary/modern technique for the beginning-intermediate level dancer, emphasizing alignment and musicality while expanding on the dancer’s physical and intellectual understanding of articulation, phrasing, dynamics, performance and focus. Our class will incorporate relevant principals from classical modern techniques along with contemporary aesthetics, improvisation and reflection. Our class aims to create a space that is in support of your artistic development, aesthetic fluency, and creative explorations as a dancer

DNCE BC2333 MODERN III. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC2334 MODERN IV. 2.00 points.

Modern IV is a contemporary technique class for the intermediate to advanced-intermediate level dancer, emphasizing alignment and musicality while expanding on the dancer’s physical and intellectual understanding of articulation, phrasing, dynamics, performance, and focus. Our class will incorporate relevant principles from classical modern techniques with contemporary aesthetics, improvisation, and reflection. Our class aims to create a space that is in support of your technical and aesthetic development as a dancing practitioner, performer, and creator

DNCE BC2335 MODERN IV. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC2448 TAP II. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC2452 PILATES FOR DANCERS. 2.00 points.

Pilates for Dancers is a full-body, low impact exercise class based on the work of Joseph Pilates, including movement concepts from Rudolf von Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff. We’ll work on a yoga or Pilates mat doing exercises and movement sequences that build strength, flexibility, coordination and clarity in the body. The class is suitable for dancers, athletes and movement enthusiasts. A Pilates ring is highly recommended. A limited number of Pilates rings will be available in class. This course may not be appropriate for those with spine, neck, and shoulder injuries. If you have any of these types of injuries, kindly present a doctor’s note clearing you for participation in the class

DNCE BC2455 FELDENKRAIS FOR DANCERS. 2.00 points.

Through guided practice-based lessons in Awareness Through MovementÒ (ATM), students develop sensory awareness of habitual neuromuscular patterns resulting in increased movement efficiency, improved skill acquisition, and greater strength, coordination, and flexibility. Applicable to all dance styles and activities

DNCE BC2563 DANCE COMPOSITION: FORM. 3.00 points.

An exploration of choreography that employs text, song, vocal work, narrative and principles of artistic direction in solo and group contexts

DNCE BC2564 DANCE COMPOSITION: CONTENT. 3.00 points.

Continued study of choreography as a communicative performing art form. Focuses on the exploration of ideas and meaning. Emphasis is placed on the development of personal style as an expressive medium and unity of style in each work. Group as well as solo compositions will be assigned

DNCE BC2565 WORLD DANCE HISTORY. 3.00 points.

Investigates the multicultural perspectives of dance in major areas of culture, including African, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Middle Eastern, as well as dance history of the Americas through reading, writing, viewing, and discussion of a wide range of resources. These include film, original documents, demonstration, and performance

ANAT BC2573 HUMAN ANATOMY AND MOVEMENT. 3.00 points.

Corequisites: ANAT BC2574
Corequisites: ANAT BC2574 Dancers and other movers will acquire concrete, scientific information about anatomy and integrate this knowledge into their sensed experience of movement. Through readings, lecture/discussions and movement practice, students will explore: (1) structure and function of bones and joints, (2) muscles, neuromuscular function and coordination, (3) motor cognition and learning

DNCE BC3001 HISTORY OF THEATRICAL DANCING. 3.00 points.

Focuses on the history of theatre dance forms originating in Europe and America from the Renaissance to the present. Includes reading, writing, viewing, and discussion of sources such as film, text, original documentation, demonstration, and performance

DNCE BC3138 BALLET V. 2.00 points.

This course is for the intermediate advanced dancer. Material presented will focus on healthy anatomical alignment in barre work, extended combinations in the center, fostering personal artistic expression, and integrating improvisation in combinations with the ballet vocabulary. Clarification, analysis and repetition are fundamental elements for a sound technique of any dancer and are the foundation of this course. Center work will include attention to shaping adagio work, multiple turns in the large poses, batterie, and extended grand allegro. You may be assigned the construction and presentation of exercises, which will be explained in detail further into the semester

DNCE BC3139 BALLET V. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC3140 BALLET VI. 2.00 points.

This course is for the intermediate advanced dancer. Material presented will focus on healthy anatomical alignment in barre work, extended combinations in the center, fostering personal artistic expression, and integrating improvisation in combinations with the ballet vocabulary. Clarification, analysis and repetition are fundamental elements for a sound technique of any dancer and are the foundation of this course. Center work will include attention to shaping adagio work, multiple turns in the large poses, batterie, and extended grand allegro. You may be assigned the construction and presentation of exercises, which will be explained in detail further into the semester. You will be assigned a grading exercise at the end of the shopping period and will get written observations from me

DNCE BC3141 BALLET VI. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC3143 CLASSIC VARIATIONS. 2.00 points.

Variations class is a course for the intermediate to advanced dancer. As in all other ballet classes, there will be a focus on correct physical alignment, proper technique and musicality. The added challenges in this course will be the pointe shoe technique, creative choreographic choices, and musical phrasing. The class will include variations based on works ranging from Petipa to Balanchine to today’s choreographers. Dancers will explore personalizing already known works, pushing the boundaries of the pointe shoe, examining how choreography has evolved and developing the stamina required to execute a full variation. Learning material rapidly while paying attention to the stylistic demands of each choreographer’s works and being able to shift from one stylistic choice to another is simply expected

DNCE BC3250 FLAMENCO. 2.00 points.

Prerequisites: DNCE BC1137, BC1138, BC1332, BC1333, or Permission of instructor. Intermediate level in modern or ballet technique is required.
The study of contemporary flamenco dance technique with special emphasis on improvisation and performance. Through video and reading assignments and attendance at live performances, students will also develop a context for understanding flamenco art, pedagogy, and culture

DNCE BC3332 MODERN V. 2.00 points.

Note: This is a variable-point course (0-1 pts).

This contemporary technique class invites students into an embodied practice focusing on a daily physical experimentation and challenge. Emphasis will be placed on corporeal ways to explore questions around propelling, listening, connecting, healing, and action. This course offers a chance for students to use their sensatorial experience to reflect on individual pathways/ desires for expression while, challenging the body to take risks and practice as their movement knowledge expands. Emphasis on sensation, initiation, and weight will be introduced in a floor or standing warm-up that will expand to a standing exploration of the transition between form and space. A focus will be to continue our development of a strong-grounded technique with healthy placement that moves with ease in and out of the floor. We will continue to develop our true embodied relationship to environment, people, and time

DNCE BC3333 MODERN V. 0.00-1.00 points.

Note: This is a variable-point course (0-1 pts).

Intermediate Advanced

DNCE BC3334 IMPROVISATION. 2.00 points.

Improvisation is an open level, movement based class in which students will learn collaborative improvisation tools, skills, practices, and mindset through experience, reflection, practice, and generation. Deep play, support for others, and a willingness to experiment and reflect are key in this discovery based course

DNCE BC3335 MODERN VI. 2.00 points.

This contemporary technique class invites students into an embodied practice focusing on a daily physical experimentation and challenge. Emphasis will be placed on corporeal ways to explore questions around propelling, listening, connecting, healing, and action. This course offers a chance for students to use their sensatorial experience to reflect on individual pathways/ desires for expression while, challenging the body to take risks and practice as their movement knowledge expands. Emphasis on sensation, initiation, and weight will be introduced in a floor or standing warm-up that will expand to a standing exploration of the transition between form and space. A focus will be to continue our development of a strong-grounded technique with healthy placement that moves with ease in and out of the floor. We will continue to develop our true embodied relationship to environment, people, and time

DNCE BC3336 MODERN VI. 0.00-1.00 points.

DNCE BC3447 TAP III. 2.00 points.

Prerequisites: DNCE BC2447, BC2448, or permission of instructor. Tap III is an advanced level tap class for students who have 5 or more years of tap dance training. We will cover tap technique, proper use of the body to enhance sound quality and style, a variety of musical genres and structures, and improvisation

DNCE BC3560 SCREENDANCE:COMPOSITION. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: Must have taken a Dance Department Composition course, have some dance training.
Prerequisites: Must have taken a Dance Department Composition course, have some dance training. This experiential, hands-on course requires all students to choreograph, dance, and film. Focusing on single-shot film-making, the duet of the camera and the dance will create an understanding of the interaction between the two, enabling students to create a final short film

DNCE BC3567 DANCES OF INDIA. 3.00 points.

A range of dance genres, from the traditional to the innovative, co-exist as representations of Indianness in India, and beyond. Identities onstage and in films, morph as colonial, national, and global contexts change. This course zooms from micro to macro views of twentieth century staged dances as culturally inflected discourse. We review how Indian classical dance aligns with the oldest of performance texts, and with lively discourses (rasa as a performance aesthetic, Orientalism, nationalism, global recirculations) through the ages, not only in India but also in Europe, Britain and America. Throughout the course, we ask:- How is culture embodied? How do historical texts configure dance today? How might they affect our thinking on mind-body, practice-theory, and traditional-contemporary divides? How does bodily patterning influence the ways that we experience our surroundings and vice versa? Can cultural imaginaries instigate action? How is gender is performed? What are dance discourses?

DNCE BC3576 DANCE CRITICISM. 3.00 points.

This course offers intensive practice in writing on dance and explores a range of approaches to dance criticism from the 1940s through today. Starting from the premise that criticism can be an art form in itself, we ask: What are the roles and responsibilities of a critic? How do our own identities and experiences inform how we see and write? With the proliferation of dance in digital spaces, what new possibilities arise for dance criticism? Class meetings include discussion, writing exercises, and peer workshops. Assignments involve viewing performances outside of class

DNCE BC3591 SENIOR SEMINAR. 4.00 points.

Research and scholarly writing in chosen topics relating to dance. Methods of investigation are drawn from prominent archival collections and personal interviews, as well as other resources. Papers are formally presented to the Dance Department upon completion

DNCE BC3592 Senior Project: Research for Dance. 4 points.

Independent study for research and writing (35 to 50-page thesis required).

DNCE BC3593 SR PROJECT:REPERTORY FOR DANCE. 3.00 points.

Independent study for preparing and performing repertory works in production to be presented in concert

DNCE BC3607 Rehearsal and Performance in Dance. 3 points.

The course can be taken for 1-3 credits. Students are graded and take part in the full production of a dance as performers, choreographers, designers, or stage technicians.

DNCE BC3984 Digital Performance. 4 points.

BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: The Visual and Performing Arts (ART).

An intensive conceptual and practice-based inquiry into the field of digital performance – the integration of computational, interactive, new media, and mobile technologies into experimental performance practice and research – its history, central concerns, scientific breakthroughs, and transformative impact on the role of the artist and on the notion of “live” art.   Limited enrolment: 15 students.

DNCE BC2565 WORLD DANCE HISTORY. 3.00 points.

Investigates the multicultural perspectives of dance in major areas of culture, including African, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Middle Eastern, as well as dance history of the Americas through reading, writing, viewing, and discussion of a wide range of resources. These include film, original documents, demonstration, and performance

DNCE BC2570 DANCE IN NEW YORK CITY. 3.00 points.

Study of the cultural roots and historical contexts of specific communities using New York Citys dance scene as a laboratory. Students observe the social environments in which various modes of dance works are created while researching the history of dance in New York City. Course includes attendance at weekly events, lecture-demonstrations, and performances

DNCE BC3001 HISTORY OF THEATRICAL DANCING. 3.00 points.

Focuses on the history of theatre dance forms originating in Europe and America from the Renaissance to the present. Includes reading, writing, viewing, and discussion of sources such as film, text, original documentation, demonstration, and performance