Course Descriptions

Fall Courses

• DAN 101 World Dance-Movement as Culture
  This course is an exploration of world cultures through dance. Students will expand their dance literacy through movement and embodied dance history. The course will therefore investigate the historical and anthropological significance of dance as well as provide an experience of the movement qualities of different world cultures. In this connection, students will examine dance as a kaleidoscopic reflection of humanity's basic instinct to communicate and, by extension, as an expression of world perspectives through movement. Specific attention to the cultures and dances of Japan, Nepal, India, Africa, North and South America and Europe will be investigated. The course will include movement classes, lectures, films, readings, discussions, guest artists, journal writing and a final project.
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• DAN 102 Fundamentals of Movement
  This course will explore movement through the use of technique and improvisation. It emphasizes spontaneity, joy in moving, and self-awareness and is based on experiential anatomy and developmental movement patterns. It provides a strong foundation for further study in dance, theater, or sports, or can be used as an introduction to movement and body awareness. No previous dance training is required.
  (See course details)
• DAN 104 Contact Improvisation I
  Contact improvisation is rooted in dance, the martial arts, and studies of body development and awareness. It is a duet form where partners use weight, momentum, and inertia to move each other freely through space, finding support through skeletal structure rather than muscular effort. We will explore solo and duet skills such as rolling, falling, balance, counter-balance, jumping, weight sharing, spirals, and attuning to sensory input. Skill work will be combined with more open dancing in a supportive and focused enviornment. No previous dance training required.
  (See course details)
• DAN 114 Introduction to Yoga
  Anusara Yoga is a powerful system of hatha yoga that integrates a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic human goodness, Universal Principles of Alignment, and an artistic method of expressive movement. Students learn to honor their unique differences and limitations and through self-examination, discovery and receptivity, they open to new ideas about their responsibility and individual roles in a rapidly changing world community. This class unifies traditional Indian philosophy with practical implementation, classic yoga asana (poses) with a creative movement application emphasizing a celebration of the heart. Course requirements include assigned readings, journaling, discussion, participation in class and home practice.
  (See course details)
• DAN 116 Introduction to Contemporary Ballet
  Contemporary Ballet will approach ballet technique through the lens of somatic practices and will focus on giving the students a strong technical base. Phrasing, musicality,and efficiency of movement will be emphasized. The class will provide a theoretical context, looking at ballet history and art and culture in society.
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• DAN 171 Capoeira: Brazilian Art Movement
  An art form of self-defense with strong aerobic and dance elements that bring together a harmony of forces. Through the study of history, movements, and culture behind Capoeira, students will gain self-confidence, power, flexibility, endurance, and ultimately the tools toward self-discovery.Capoeira is within reach of anyone regardless of age, sex, or athletic experience. In keeping with its strong traditions, Capoeira balances the body, mind, and soul, and enables one to break through limits, revitalizing oneself for everyday life.
  (See course details)
• DAN 181 West African Dance Forms I
  A long-time member of Les Ballets Africains, the national ballet of Guinea, instructor Fana Bangoura will introduce students in this course to the dynamic dance traditions of Guinea, West Africa. Accompanied by live music, students will learn the footwork and movements for several rhythms from Guinea, and acquire familiarity with the physical stance common to many styles of West African dance. As well as learning to execute movements together with the rhythmic foundation provided by our drummers, students will also become familiar with the origins and cultural significance of each dance, and the songs that accompany them.
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• DAN 182 West African Dance Forms IA
  This is a continuation of DAN 181.
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• DAN 203 Contact Improvisation II
  A continuation of DAN 104 that is taught concurrently with the introductory course. Students in DAN 203 will gain a deeper experiential and intellectual knowledge of contact by exploring issues further. Work includes both more advanced practice with other DAN 203 students, and the experience of helping teach the DAN 104 students the basic principles of contact.
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• DAN 208 T'ai Chi: Movement Art & Culture
  A study of Taijiquan, (also known as T'ai Chi Ch'uan or Tai Chi), a traditional Chinese martial art, and its intimate relationship to the cosmological, physiological, and philosophical conceptions found in the culture and thought from which it emerged. The course investigates both the traditional Chinese philosophy and movement aspects of Tai Chi in order to better understand the integration of human body, mind, and spirit. The Simplified 24-Step Taijiquan (Ershisi Shi Taijiquan) is learned, along with the foundation skills of the Eight Methods or Energies (Ba Fa), Reeling Silk (Chan Si Gong), Pushing Hands (Tui Shou), and Standing Pole meditation (Zhan Zhuang). Tai Chi is not only a valuable cross training exercise for the dancer, but also provides training for relaxed strength, whole body coordination, balance, centered alignment, timing, weight shifting and moving with fluid grace.
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• DAN 209 Qi Gong Way to Health
  Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese internal art and an early forerunner of Tai Chi Ch'uan consisting of the practice (Gong) of sets of energy (Qi) exercises to build outer and inner strength. It is a self-healing modality designed to balance and harmonize the energy flow of the body, improve breathing and relax the mind for health, fitness, and longevity. This course is a study of both the philosophical and the movement aspects of Qi Gong in order to better understand and to attain the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Topics will include traditional Chinese cultural concepts such as Yin-Yang theory, Five Element theory and Qi theory. Qi Gong provides the dancer with training for better breathing, body awareness, focus and concentration, mental presence, imagery, and cultivating and expressing energy.
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• DAN 225 Yoga II
  This class offers the continuing student of yoga a deeper experience and understanding of Anusara Yoga through its Universal Principles of Alignment, methodology and foundation in classical Indian and Tantric philosophy. A level II syllabus of asana (poses), both challenging and creatively inspiring, will be taught as a continuation of the level I syllabus poses learned in Introduction to Anusara Yoga. Journaling and discussion of assigned readings on yoga philosophy are included. Pre-requisite: DAN 114 (Introduction to Anusara Yoga) or DAN 216 (Yoga and Experiential Anatomy)or equivalent experience with instructor’s permission.
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• DAN 245Dance Therapy Foundations
  Dance Therapy Foundations examines dance/movement therapy’s integration of natural movement, formal elements of dance, creative processes, music, verbal expression, Asian concepts, and constructs drawn from psychology and counseling to treat a wide range of challenges (e.g., psychosis, autism, anxiety, eating disorders, abuse, developmental challenges). Experientials, creative dance, and videotapes of actual sessions highlight these concepts. Dress comfortably. Be prepared to move.
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• DAN 250 Intermediate Contemporary Dance: Context and Practice
  Dance appreciation, technical practice and movement observation are the overarching areas of focus in this course. Within the technique classes, students will practice contemporary dance experientially through examining movement principles and exploring choreographic combinations. Through lecture/discussion-based classes, we will investigate the context, history, applications and societal impact of Modern and Contemporary dance. Students will be viewing dance on video and at live concerts, honing their skills of observation, movement analysis and interpretation of dance as an art from a personal perspective as well as within a larger cultural and historical framework. No pre-requisites but some dance experience preferred.
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• DAN 251Intermedaite/Adv Jazz Dance: Context & Practice
  Vernacular jazz movement and its relationship to jazz music through dance appreciation, movement observation and technical practice. Investigates the context, history, applications and societal impact of jazz dance. Elements of jazz, embodiment of rhythm, disciplining the body to move with clarity and in accordance with sound anatomical principles and cultural influence.
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• DAN 267 Intermediate/Adv Contemporary Dance
  Continuing technical development and comprehension and integration of theory into practice is the focus in this course. Students will practice contemporary dance experientially through examining dance concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories and by exploring complex choreographic combinations. Classes will explore continuity and connectivity, patterns of total body organization, efficiency of movement, momentum, musculo-skeletal anatomy, strength, alignment, gravity and weight, rhythm and somatic practices to develop and improve technical skills. We will also investigate subtlety and individual expression in performance.
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• DAN 385 Dance Performance Workshop
  Within a choreographic process, students experience the creation of new work and/or repertory that will be adapted in order to draw on the unique artistry of each of the dancers. Experience a rehearsal process from beginning to end, addressing a variety of performance techniques and carrying out various production aspects of performance as well as performance itself in various public settings, most likely including the American College Dance Festival Association Conference in winter 2013. Pre-requisite: By audition or permission of instructor.
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• DAN 391 Independent Study
  Please contact the Program of Movement and Dance to get more information about the Independent Study elective.
  (See course details)

Spring Courses

• DAN 102 Fundamentals of Movement
  This course will explore movement through the use of technique and improvisation. It emphasizes spontaneity, joy in moving, and self-awareness and is based on experiential anatomy and developmental movement patterns. It provides a strong foundation for further study in dance, theater, or sports, or can be used as an introduction to movement and body awareness. No previous dance training is required.
  (See course details)
• DAN 110 Beginning Dance Techniques: Jazz, Modern and Ballet
  This course serves as an introduction to dance technique, specifically in Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary Modern Dance. Emphasis will be on the development of basic skills, energy, strength, control, breath, alignment, continuity and connectivity, and rhythmic and bodily awareness. No prior training is necessary or expected. Students who have had prior training will be challenged individually. Within the three specified forms, students will also explore dance improvisation, dance composition, and dance performance as both audience members and participants.
  (See course details)
• DAN 114 Introduction to Yoga
  Anusara Yoga is a powerful system of hatha yoga that integrates a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic human goodness, Universal Principles of Alignment, and an artistic method of expressive movement. Students learn to honor their unique differences and limitations and through self-examination, discovery and receptivity, they open to new ideas about their responsibility and individual roles in a rapidly changing world community. This class unifies traditional Indian philosophy with practical implementation, classic yoga asana (poses) with a creative movement application emphasizing a celebration of the heart. Course requirements include assigned readings, journaling, discussion, participation in class and home practice.
  (See course details)
• DAN 160 Dance Improvisation
  Dance Improvisation.
  
• DAN 188 Hip Hop Culture and Breaking
  Hip Hop Culture and Breaking.
  
• DAN 171 Capoeira: Brazilian Art Movement
  An art form of self-defense with strong aerobic and dance elements that bring together a harmony of forces. Through the study of history, movements, and culture behind Capoeira, students will gain self-confidence, power, flexibility, endurance, and ultimately the tools toward self-discovery.Capoeira is within reach of anyone regardless of age, sex, or athletic experience. In keeping with its strong traditions, Capoeira balances the body, mind, and soul, and enables one to break through limits, revitalizing oneself for everyday life.
  (See course details)
• DAN 181 West African Dance Forms I
  A long-time member of Les Ballets Africains, the national ballet of Guinea, instructor Fana Bangoura will introduce students in this course to the dynamic dance traditions of Guinea, West Africa. Accompanied by live music, students will learn the footwork and movements for several rhythms from Guinea, and acquire familiarity with the physical stance common to many styles of West African dance. As well as learning to execute movements together with the rhythmic foundation provided by our drummers, students will also become familiar with the origins and cultural significance of each dance, and the songs that accompany them.
  (See course details)
• DAN 182 West African Dance Forms IA
  A continuation of Dance 181 that allows the student to deepen their experience and hone their skills in West African Dance.
  (See course details)
• DAN 190 Middle Eastern Dance: Folkloric/Bedouin
  This course will explore Traditional Folkloric roots of Middle Eastern Dance, focusing on specific Bedouin dance styles of North Africa (Raks Shaabi). These dance forms will consist of Moroccan, Tunisian, Algerian, and Egyptian Folkloric styles. Rhythms from within these regions will be identified through music and drumming. Traditional costuming will be addressed and shown in class and history, art, and culture from these countries will be explored and experienced. Discourse and research topics will be explored and experienced. Discourse and reserach topics will address issues of gender and body image. Improving strength, flexibilty, and self-awareness of the body. The class work will include meditative movement, dance technique, choreography, and improvisation. No prior dance experience necessary.
  (See course details)
• DAN 204 Contact Improvisation and Culture
  Contact improvisation is rooted in dance, the martial arts and studies of body development and awareness. It is a duet form where partners use weight, momentum, and inertia to move each other freely through space, finding support through skeletal structure rather than muscular effort. We will explore solo and duet skills such as rolling, falling, balance, counter-balance, jumping, weight sharing, spirals, and attuning to sensory input. Skill work will be combined with more open dancing in a supportive and focused environment. This course includes studio work, readings and written assignments that use ideas from contact improvisation to explore cultural issues. No previous dance training required.
  (See course details)
• DAN 209 Qi Gong Way to Health
  Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese internal art and an early forerunner of Tai Ji Quan. It is an Eastern Movement Discipline (EMD) which embodies a holism of Eastern martial arts and Eastern meditation. This course is a study of the philosophical roots, mindful practices and physical movements of Qi Gong in order to better understand and attain the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Topics will include traditional Chinese cultural concepts such as Yin-Yang theory, Five Element theory and Qi theory and their potential inclusion in modern Western culture. Qi Gong provides the dancer and athlete with healthy lifestyle practices and fitness training for better breathing, body awareness, focus and concentration, mental presence, imagery, and cultivating and expressing energy flow.
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• DAN 211 T'ai Chi: Explorations in Qi
  Dancers, musicians, actors, painters, philosophers, poets, warriors, healers, and artists of every discipline historically have utilized the Chinese internal arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong as tools for the mobilization of qi, or energy, in order to achieve health, healing, and mind-body-spirit integration. This course combines movement, meditative, and breathing exercises and traditional forms with readings, video viewings, creative exercises, exploratory projects, and discussions of literature and philosophy to explore how the practice and philosophy of these transformative arts can lead to mental and physical balance, body-mind integration, self-discovery, creative expression, and peak athletic and enhanced artistic performance.
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• DAN 225 Yoga II
  This class offers the continuing student of yoga a deeper experience and understanding of Anusara Yoga through its Universal Principles of Alignment, methodology and foundation in classical Indian and Tantric philosophy. A level II syllabus of asana (poses), both challenging and creatively inspiring, will be taught as a continuation of the level I syllabus poses learned in Introduction to Anusara Yoga. Journaling and discussion of assigned readings on yoga philosophy are included. Pre-requisite: DAN 114 (Introduction to Yoga) or DAN 216 (Yoga and Experiential Anatomy)or equivalent experience with instructor’s permission.
  (See course details)
• DAN 230 Yoga and Living Anatomy
  Take a fresh look at the experience of inhabiting a human body, its support, postural alignment and movement. Through active and restorative yoga asanas (poses), somatic practices, and study, explore our anatomical structures and systems and their relationships within the whole. Discover resources for self-awareness, support, ease, stress relief, and embodiment.
  (See course details)
• DAN 240 Tap Dance: Intermediate
  Development of basic skills, energy, strength, control, continuity, and rhythmic and bodily awareness through the teaching of rhythm tap dance. Previous tap dance experience is expected.
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• DAN 253 West African Dance: Context & Practice
  Students will experience dancing African styles from the traditional cultures of Guinea, West Africa, as well as studying the cultural history and context from which and in which they are practiced and performed. Technical emphasis will focus on musicality and complex choreographic arrangement. Students will practice the dances and drum songs called Sorsonet, dunungba, and Tiriba as well as various other selections. Outside work is required, including performance attendance, video viewing, text and article analysis, research and written work. Students can expect to gain a broadened perspective on contemporary West Africa and its cultural practices.
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• DAN 265 Contemporary Dance Technique A
  This class will focus on contemporary dance, a form that is an evolving exploration of expression through movement. It will blend the challenges of full-bodied, momentum-driven dancing with a sense of one's own self-awareness and discovery. Classes will explore efficinecy of movement, breathe, gravity and weight, musicality, performance, and somatic practices. Through rigorous dancing, students will be challenged to move beyond not only their physical, but also their artistic boundaries and dimensions.
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• DAN 268 Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary Ballet
  This intermediate level course will focus on the practice and performance of classical and contemporary ballet with a contemporary approach in order to serve the dancer of any style of movement. Within the ballet form, classes will explore efficiency of movement, breath, anatomical mechanics, strength, alignment and through-line, gravity and weight, rhythmic accuracy, clarity of space, shape and effort, and somatic practices to develop and improve technical skills. The course will also concentrate on body awareness and a sense of whole body connectivity. Students will be challenged to move beyond not only their physical, but also their expressive and artistic boundaries and dimensions. Prerequisites: Intro to Contemporary Ballet I or permission of the instructor. Some previous ballet experience is necessary.
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• DAN 271 Capoeira II: Music & Motion
  This is a deeper study of Capoeira. This second level will find students continuing to build strength, coordination, rhythm, and balance. Students will also become further involved with the instrumentation of Capoeira. Readings and discussions will explore historical events and look at Capoeira and its Afro-Brazilian spirituality, liberation and cultural revolution throughout the ages. Each class involves daily physical and musical training.
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• DAN 278 Choreography
  In this course, students will experiment with improvisational structures andvarious methods of making dances, focusing on examining craft in the service of choreographic expression. Students will be encouraged to curiously and playfully embody manipulations of movement material to better understand different points of view and to explore the leemnts of time, space, shape, and effort to see how they affect quality and content. Drawing from dance, visual art, theatre, music, writings, and other sources, we will explore diverse approaches to creativity, experimentation, and choreography. While masterpieces are not necessary at all times, commitment to and interest in what one is investigating is required.
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• DAN 295 Art of Teaching Dance: K-12
  This course is designed to introduce the student to the practices and principles of teaching creative dance for the K-12 population. The class will explore methods of teaching dance for children, incorporating cross-curricular lesson planning, and addressing the benefits of dance education in K-12 curriculum. Pedagogical areas of study will include lesson and curriculum planning, assessment, and development of teaching philosophy. The course will focus on creating a teaching environment which generates creative and intellectual stimulation, while also addressing the practice of teaching movement with a sound anatomical base. This course is geared for both the student interested in arts in education and in the teaching of studio dance.
  (See course details)
• DAN 391 Independent Study
  Please contact the Program of Movement and Dance to get more information about the Independent Study elective.
  (See course details)

Summer Courses

• DAN 102 Fundamentals of Movement
  This course will explore movement through the use of technique and improvisation. It emphasizes spontaneity, joy in moving, and self-awareness and is based on experiential anatomy and developmental movement patterns. It provides a strong foundation for further study in dance, theater, or sports, or can be used as an introduction to movement and body awareness. No previous dance training is required.
  (See course details)
• DAN 230 Yoga and Living Anatomy
  Take a fresh look at the experience of inhabiting a human body, its support, postural alignment and movement. Through active and restorative yoga asanas (poses), somatic practices, and study, explore our anatomical structures and systems and their relationships within the whole. Discover resources for self-awareness, support, ease, stress relief, and embodiment.
  (See course details)
• DAN 190 Middle Eastern Dance: Folkloric/Bedouin
  This course will explore Traditional Folkloric roots of Middle Eastern Dance, focusing on specific Bedouin dance styles of North Africa (Raks Shaabi). These dance forms will consist of Moroccan, Tunisian, Algerian, and Egyptian Folkloric styles. Rhythms from within these regions will be identified through music and drumming. Traditional costuming will be addressed and shown in class and history, art, and culture from these countries will be explored and experienced. Discourse and research topics will address issues of gender and body image. Improving strength, flexibility and self-awareness of the body, the class work will include meditative movement, dance technique, choreography and improvisation. No prior dance experience necessary.
  (See course details)

Additional Offerings

• DAN 186 Jamaican Popular Dance
  An energetic exploration of movement and music from Jamaican popular culture. This course examines the evolution of dancehall from the early 80s to present, emphasizing influential elements of other gendres such as Hip-hop, R&B, Jazz,and Rock n' Roll. It also focuses on the folkloric movement of the island that has evolved and re-entered the popular social dance repertoire.
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• DAN 216 Yoga and Experiential Anatomy
  In this course we will study and embody the anatomical systems through the practice of yoga asanas (postures). As we delve experientially into bones, muscles,organs, nervous system, fluids and connective tissue, we bring a deeper awareness, refinement and clarity to the exploration of the yoga asanas as well as to our daily functional movement and other movement practices. We discover that the asanas become an expression of our internal experience rather than a form we impose upon the body. Awareness of our own living anatomy offers us support for our movement and opens up rich and subtle possibilities for self expression. A variety of approaches to learning will be used including movement, discussion, journaling, reading, coloring anatomical drawings and individual and partner hands on work.
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• DAN 220 Sacred Dance and Yoga
  This class will explore what sacred dance is and how the sacred can be revealed from within through the study and practice of the following topics: a dance history overview, goddess worship and the feminine spirit, the women iconoclasts of American modern dance, spirituality and the body temple and various yoga practice techniques. Students will also learn traditional dance sequences from Namibia, India, Israel, Greece and the Middle East, creative community circle dancing and dances of Universal Peace. Class requirements including journaling, reading assignments from the textbook and handouts, viewing videos and attendance at dance events.
  (See course details)
• DAN 251 Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Dance: Context and Practice
  This course will be an in-depth exploration of vernacular jazz movement and its relationship to jazz music through dance appreciation, movement observation, and technical practice. Through lecture/discussion, we will investigate the context, history, applications, and societal impact of jazz dance. Technique classes will blend the challenges of full-bodied, momentum-driven dancing with subtlety and a sense of one's own self. Emphasis will be on a working knowledge of the elements of jazz, embodiment of rhythm, disciplining the body to move with clarity, and in according with sound anatomical principles. Dance video viewing and attendance at live concerts will hone skills of observation, movement analysis and interpretation of dance as an art form, from a personal perspective as well as within a larger framework.
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• DAN 281 West African Dance Forms II
  This course will focus on the increasingly complex dance repertoires of Ghana and Guinea, West Africa. A more specified investigation of regional context and cultural function of the dances will be emphasized. Repertoire dances include Sinte, Kassa, Yamama, & Somuninku from Guinea and Adowa, Slow Agbekor, & Gahu from Ghana, as well as others. Enrollment requires West African Dance I or demonstrated ability in African dance.
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• DAN 284 African Dance: Women & Culture
  This course will focus on dances that pertain to the life cycle of women. Students will experience dances that celebrate rites of passage such as coming of age, circumcision, marriage, and childbirth. Discussion will center around gender roles in the performance ensemble and the correlation of performance representations with the traditional lifestyle. Students will examine the cultural factors that contribute to the articulation of gender roles in post-colonial West Africa and the relationship of those roles to the performance ensemble. This course will be cross-listed with the Frederick Douglass Institute for African-American Studies and Women's Studies for the Spring 2011 semester.
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Dance Minor

The Minor in Dance consists of a minimum of 26 credits. No more than two courses included in one's major may be counted toward the minor. A required student Performance Component is included in DAN 278 and/or DAN 385 and at least two courses need to be taken at the Intermediate or Advanced level.

The Minor will develop skills in observation, analysis and critical response to dance as an art form and as a component of life and culture. We do not merely dance for the sake of fitness or memorizing steps as our studies are the result of the theoretically-based movement explorations and more. Ultimately, dance literacy and appreciation along with the potential for participation in and/or an understanding of a dance-related career including but not limited to performance, teaching, arts management, choreography, criticism and production design, are at the heart of our purpose. Regardless of a student’s career path, a minor in dance will help foster educated audiences and participants in the diverse field of dance in culture.

Core Context Courses (Choose at least 8 credits)

• DAN 250 Contemporary Dance: Context and Practice (4 cr.)
• DAN 251 Intermed/Adv Jazz Dance: Context and Practice (4 cr.)
• DAN 252 Intermediate Ballet: Context and Practice (4 cr.)
• DAN 101 World Dance (4 cr.)
• DAN 204 Contact Improvisation and Culture (4 cr.)

Creative Expression Courses (Choose at least 6 credits)

• DAN 278 Choreography (4 cr.)
• DAN 104 Contact Improvisation (2 cr.)
• DAN 295 Art of Teaching Dance: K-12 (2 cr.)
• DAN 385 Dance Performance Workshop (2 cr.)

Somatic Awareness Courses (Choose 2-4 credits)

• DAN 114 Intro to Anusara Yoga (2 cr.)
• DAN 190 Conditioning for Dancer & Athlete (2 cr.)
• DAN 208 Tai Chi: Movement Art and Culture (2 cr.)
• DAN 209 Qi Gong: Chinese Way to Health (2 cr.)
• DAN 216 Yoga and Experiential Anatomy (2 cr.)
• DAN 225 Anusara Yoga II (2 cr.)

Style Courses (Complete 26 credits)

• DAN 116 Intro to Contemporary Ballet (2 cr.)
• DAN 110 Beginning Dance Techniques (2 cr.)
• DAN 268 Intermed/Adv Contemporary Ballet (2 cr.)
• DAN 213 Jazz Dance (2 cr.)
• DAN 265 Contemporary Dance Technique (2 cr.)
• DAN 102 Fundamentals of Movement (2 cr.)
• DAN 180 Creative Middle Eastern Dance (2 cr.)
• DAN 190 Middle Eastern Dance: Folkloric/Bedouin (2 cr.)
• DAN 230 Intermediate Rhythm Tap (2 cr.)
• DAN 181 West African Dance Forms I (2 cr.)
• DAN 281 West African Dance Forms II (2 cr.)
• DAN 284 African Dance: Women and Culture (2 cr.)
• DAN 171 Capoeira: Brazilian Art Movement (2 cr.)
• DAN 271 Capoeira II: Music in Motion (2 cr.)
• DAN 230 Yoga and Living Anatomy (4 cr.)
• DAN 105 Creative Improvisation through World Percussion (2 cr.)

Movement Studies Minor

The Minor in Movement Studies consists of a minimum of 26 credits. No more than two courses included in one’s major may be counted toward the minor.

The minor in movement studies emphasizes contemplative practice, the nature of community, diversity and an appreciation of diverse and creative ways of thinking and moving. At the core of our goals for the movement studies minor is embodiment of self-awareness, knowledge of culture through movement and dance and movement studies as a practice for lifelong health and stress management. Our classes and faculty promote a sense of community within which discussions and experiential study take place focusing on a number of issues surrounding cultural identity, movement practices across cultures, internal practices for self-discovery and creative expression, body image, centered alignment, body conditioning and philosophies for mindfulness are some of topics investigated in this minor. The dances and movement practices of any given culture also shed light on the sociology, philosophy, politics and relationships among people within that culture.

Core Context Courses (Choose at least 8 credits)

• DAN 211 T’ai Chi: Explorations in Qi (4 cr.)
• DAN 230 Yoga and Living Anatomy (4 cr.)
• DAN 250 Contemporary Dance: Context and Practice (4 cr.)
• DAN 204 Contact Improvisation and Culture (4 cr.)
• DAN 101 World Dance (4 cr.)

Fundamental Course (2 credits)

• DAN 102 Fundamentals of Movement (2 cr.)

Dance Appreciation Courses (Choose 4-6 credits)

• DAN 104 Contact Improvisation (2 cr. )
• DAN 116 Intro to Contemporary Ballet (2 cr.)
• DAN 110 Beginning Dance Techniques (2 cr.)
• DAN 268 Intermed/Adv Contemporary Ballet (2 cr.)
• DAN 213 Jazz Dance (2 cr.)
• DAN 180 Creative Middle Eastern Dance (2 cr.)
• DAN 190 Middle Eastern Dance: Folkloric/Bedouin (2 cr.)
• DAN 181 West African Dance Forms I (2 cr.)
• DAN 281 West African Dance Forms II (2 cr.)
• DAN 171 Capoeira: Brazilian Art Movement (2 cr.)
• DAN 265 Contemporary Dance Technique (2 cr.)
• DAN 240 Tap Dance: Intermediate (2 cr.)
• DAN 290 Middle Eastern Dance: Orientale (2 cr.)

Movement Studies Courses (Complete 26 credits)

• DAN 114 Intro to Anusara Yoga (2 cr.)
• DAN 190 Conditioning for Dancer & Athlete (2 cr.)
• DAN 208 Tai Chi: Movement Art and Culture (2 cr.)
• DAN 209 Qi Gong: Chinese Way to Health (2 cr.)
• DAN 216 Yoga and Experiential Anatomy (2 cr.)
• DAN 220 Sacred Dance and Yoga (2 cr.)
• DAN 225 Anusara Yoga II (2 cr.)
• DAN 265 Contemporary Dance Technique (2 cr.)
• DAN 271 Capoeira II: Music in Motion (2 cr.)
• DAN 105 Creative Improvisation through World Percussion (2 cr.)

Clusters

Our department proudly offers four 12-credit cluster curriculums.

• Dance & Performance
  This cluster is designed for the student interested in the art of dance and performance. Through the study of dance technique and theory as well as the context within which dance exists in the field, students will have opportunities to experience, view and discuss the art of dance, performance, and creative expression.
• Improvisation & Creative Process
  This cluster encourages students to discover the potential of their own creative energies. Through reading, attending lecture-demonstrations, discussion, and improvisation, we explore the creative process.
• Mind-Body Somatics
  This cluster involves an in-depth study of the mind-body relationship, focusing on finding connections between the inner physical world and the external environment.
• Movement & Culture
  In this cluster students will have the opportunity to investigate theoretically and experientially movement and dance from different cultures. The goal is to increase knowledge and understanding of the rich and varied roles of movement forms around the world with a focus on community.