An introduction to movement concepts of modern dance. Designed for students with no previous movement training. May be repeated for one credit.

An introduction to basic ballet technique and terminology. Designed for students with no previous movement training. May be repeated for one credit.

Movement exploration in response to given problems or ideas. Emphasis on individual movement and group interaction. May be repeated for one credit.

A practical course in contemporary jazz technique hip hop and lyrical styles. May be repeated for one credit.

An introduction to the Pilates conditioning process includes beginning mat, stretch band, fitness circle and foam roller workouts. Muscle groups are strengthened through a series of resistance exercises. Primary areas of concentration are core conditioning and maintaining the natural curves of the spine. General knowledge of muscle groups, movement, function, and personal alignment will be explored. May be repeated for one credit.

An exploration in basic tap technique developing elementary concepts at the beginning level. May be repeated for one credit.

This course is a study of a variety of dance genres utilized by Musical Theatre performers. It is designed for students with no previous movement training. Students will perform beginning level exercises and explorations in four dance styles (ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom) utilized by Musical Theatre performers, along with identifying and understanding the accompanying terminology.

This course is an introduction to beginning steps in six classic ballroom dances: waltz, fox trot, rumba, cha cha, tango, and swing. In each case, the student will learn: proper posture and position; proper technique; how to connect a piece of music to the appropriate dance; and five basic steps.

History of Ballet follows an extensive evolution of ballet from Ancient Greek to the expansion of territory in the Twentieth Century tracing over 350 years of continuous development. Artistic, political, social trends and cultural influences reflected in ballet history will be discussed in conjunction with human advancement. Movement progression will be traced and defined through motif notation description. The manner movement is demonstrated in ballet through history reflects the changing times of human progression. Video recordings and picture renderings will provide a visual document to parallel the historical and artistic choices in movement, music, literary works, costume and set design relating to ballet.

This course surveys western and non-western dance forms through lecture and studio format. Movement characteristics are linked to cultural identity through the function of dance. Folk, social, and theatrical dance forms will be explored. In addition, Motif (basic movement notation) reading and writing will be introduced at an elementary level and used as a tool for movement identification and creative exploration. This course is intended to foster the student’s personal aesthetics and appreciation of dance.

This course addresses recent and current aspects of the ever-changing world of dance. The fusion of forms, mediums and cultures that impact the art form will be considered. Exposure to dance performance and analysis will encourage the student to develop a personal aesthetic and become dance “literate” in terms of knowledge, communication and expression. Dance education, pedagogy and career options will be explored.

An exploration of the creative choreographic process incorporating elements of composition. Improvisation will be used as a tool for forming ideas, developing movement vocabulary and creative problem solving. The course culminates in an informal concert of studies and solo choreography.

The ensemble functions as the student dance company in residence. The dancers meet on a regular basis for technique classes, master classes and rehearsals with faculty and guest choreographers. D.E.W. presents an annual concert. Variable credit offered for performance and production. Performance students must be concurrently enrolled in a technique class. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. By audition/permission only.

A course exploring various approaches to technique, with emphasis on the concepts of weight, space, time and flow. May be repeated for one credit.

Ballet technique at the intermediate level emphasizing correct alignment and proper execution of barre and center exercises. Prerequisite: placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

A course for the intermediate level ballet student who wishes to explore an extension of ballet technique. Proper alignment and strength will be emphasized in building a strong point foundation. Corequisite: DANC 245. May be repeated for one credit.

Jazz technique at a more advanced level including hip hop and lyrical styles, with an emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

This course is an extension of Body Conditioning I. Beginning mat and reformer work will be reviewed before proceeding to intermediate work. Students will experience a more intense conditioning process and investigate conditioning for injuries. May be repeated for one credit.

A course for the student who wishes to continue study and be challenged by intermediate level tap technique. Emphasis on clean, clear sounds and movement combinations. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated for one credit.

An extension of Dance Composition I, this course incorporates complex theories and ideas in composition and improvisation. Development of the students personal artistic voice will be nurtured through creation and manipulation of movement material in solo and group work. Performance and production elements will be emphasized as part of the advanced study of choreography. Prerequisite: DANC 242.

A more advanced technique course with an emphasis on technical execution and artistic expression. May be repeated for one credit.

Ballet technique for the advanced level student emphasizing accuracy, style, intricate combinations, strength, endurance and advanced vocabulary. Prerequisite: DANC 245 or placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

A course exploring advanced technique in pointe work. Classical variations will be taught to widen the student's knowledge of historical ballets and give them a physical experience in classic works. Prerequisite: placement audition. Corequisite: DANC 245 or DANC 345. Placement audition. May be repeated.

A continuation of jazz technique providing a stimulating and rigorous application of both the traditional jazz dance vocabulary and contemporary styles. The course prepares the dancer for complex group and solo work for concert performance, video, and musical theatre. Prerequisite: DANC 248 and placement audition. May be repeated for credit.

Courses in technique and/or theory. Possible topics: Labanotation, Laban Movement Analysis, Pedagogy, Dance in World Cultures, Music for Dancers, Liturgical and Sacred Dance, Ballet Variations, Historical Social Dance, Folk Dance. May be repeated.

Independent study proposed by the student, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member with the approval of the department chair. May be repeated.