Course Descriptions
DAN 100 Performance Practicum (1 hour). Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in one PES or DAN dance activity course and permission of instructor. Introduction to the performance techniques of live dance production. Learning, rehearsing, and performing a contemporary dance work in an informal and/or formal setting. Return to top
DAN 201 Introduction to Dance (3 hours). Survey course exploring the diverse aesthetic, multicultural, and historical aspects of Western dance, including theater, social, and ethnic forms. Return to top
DAN 210 Dance for the Physical Educator (1 hour). Introduction to the fundamentals of dance with focus on clear movement patterning. Theories and skills of dance technique will be explored, including elements of rhythm, phrasing, step patterns, movement combinations, and qualitative and aesthetic considerations. Includes attention to dance teaching strategies. Return to top
DAN 211 Dance History (3 hours). Study of the history of dance and its relationship to the arts and society from the 16th century to the present. Return to top
DAN 212H The Pleasure, Power, and Art of Movement (3 hours). A survey course exploring the diverse aesthetic, multi-cultural, and historical aspects of western culture’s dance forms and their relationship to non-western cultures. Through readings, lectures, viewing of dance, and participation in dance styles, an understanding of dance in present society will be developed, as well as a global viewpoint of how dance fits into the contemporary world. Return to top
DAN 240 Modern Dance III (2 hours). Prerequisite: PES 141 or permission of instructor. Further study of modern dance theory and skill with emphasis on increasing physical competence and understanding of underlying theory. May be repeated for up to 9 hours. Return to top
DAN 250 Ballet III (2 hours). Prerequisite: PES 151 or permission of instructor. Further study of the theory and skills of classical ballet, with emphasis on increasing physical competence and understanding of underlying theory. May be repeated for up to 8 hours. Return to top
DAN 300 Modern Dance Repertory (3 hours). Techniques, improvisation, choreography, and production experience leading to public performance. Audition is required for entry. Return to top
DAN 301 Dance Composition I (2 hours). Study and exploration of the elements of dance composition, including rhythm, time, space, gesture, and sources of composition material. Return to top
DAN 302 Dance Composition II (2 hours). Prerequisite: DAN 301. Explores the creative process and compositional elements of designing a choreographic work beyond the solo. Student will take the choreographic tools from previous levels of dance composition and apply them to the solo and group work. Return to top
DAN 340 Modern Dance IV (2 hours). Prerequisite: DAN 240 or permission of instructor. Advanced contemporary dance technique expanding upon previously learned modern training to develop advanced movement phrases, integrated body patterning, and sensitivity to the body as an expressive instrument. Return to top
DAN 350 Ballet IV (2 hours). Prerequisite: DAN 250 or permission of instructor. Advanced ballet technique expanding upon previously learned ballet training to develop articulate execution of complex classical ballet vocabulary and refined presentational skills. Return to top
DAN 410 Teaching Dance (2 hours). Prerequisite: DAN 210. Methods for teaching various elements of dance in the elementary and secondary schools. Emphasis is upon developing educational dance/movement activities of both spontaneous and formal structure. Included are dance appreciation and interdisciplinary activities. Return to top
DAN 473 Contemporary Dance Technique (1 hour). Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced level or above of previous contemporary dance training. Continuing study in the techniques of contemporary dance; designed for the professional or post-graduate dancer interested in maintaining a dance training program. Consists of warm-up, floor and centerwork, and complex combinations emphasizing integrated body patterning and rhythmic clarity with a diverse qualitative sensibility. Return to top
DAN 480 Practicum in Dance (3 hours). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A structured, supervised field experience designed to provide an extended, practical experience in a selected dance setting; designed and executed by the student in consultation with a member of the faculty. Return to top
DAN 496 Independent Study (Hour as Arranged). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Faculty supervised independent study in an area of the student's interest. Return to top
DAN 499 Dance Seminar (1 hour). Intensive study in topics of importance for contemporary dancers including creative process, world dance forms, guest artist residency activities, and body work issues. May be taken for credit more than once, but no single topic may be repeated. Topics appear in course schedule. Return to top