The department is renowned for its extensive studio offerings in ballet technique, contemporary/modern technique, and repertory/performance, as well as its rotating offerings in West African dance, hip hop, tap, jazz, Indian classical dance, tango, contact improvisation, and musical theater. Theory courses range from Scientific Foundations in Dance to Studies in Dance History, Analysis of Rhythm, and Choreography. All courses are designed to contribute in various ways to the College’s Learning Goals. This range of courses is further augmented by more than 100 theory and studio courses offered annually through the Five College Dance Department.
DANCE-151 Elementary Composition
A study of the principles and elements of choreography through divers approaches to dancemaking. How is movement design and meaning constructed? How do the different dimensions of the medium of dance inform and inspire choreographic choices? Course work will focus on experiential and analytical approaches to these questions through readings, video viewings and guided improvisational and compositional explorations of such issues as sensation, time, rhythm, desire, image, shape, space, and effort quality. Students will experiment with a range of tools and strategies for dance making, including movement phrasing, musical structure , collage, group forms, improvisational scoring, and the design of movement in relation to objects and environments.
DANCE-171 Studies in Dance History
DANCE-171BH Studies in Dance History: 'Ballet History'
Through readings, video and film viewings, individual research projects, and classroom discussions, students will explore principles and traditions of twentieth-century concert dance, with special attention to their historical and cultural contexts. This semester, the topical focus of the course will be ballet history. The dance world and ballet in particular are thought of as microcosms of Eurocentric history and society. Through this particular lens, we can explore how these concepts shape our view of ballet today and of dance history more broadly.
DANCE-171GC Studies in Dance History: 'Dance in a Global Context'
A study of the histories, cultures and lineages of African, Asian, Indigenous and Latin peoples, this course is a framework for understanding their influence on the American concert dance tradition. Specifically, this course examines the worlds of dancing and dancemaking as they intersect with cultural and gendered differences, geographic location, race, and ethnicity. Students will discuss issues and topics in global dance practices through readings by dance scholars and artists and the viewing of filmed media. Embodied material will enliven some class discussions.
DANCE-171HP Studies in Dance History: 'Contemporary Issues in History and Performance'
This course investigates the development of dance as a performing art in the 20th/21st century. The course will examine major trends, multi-cultural aspects and significant global events affecting the development of dance. We will observe the work of principal artists and companies, and we will investigate aesthetic points of view, beliefs, and assumptions inherent in dance practices, dance criticism and writing of history. The course will investigate topical groupings of events and artists that, in historical perspective, share similar artistic issues and influences. We will look at artists' work and the context of their dance-making and collaboration. Aspects of the work to investigate include: movement description, genre, choreographic methods, production, relationship to music, content, analysis, and economic, geographical or political climates.
DANCE-171MT Studies in Dance History: 'Beginning Modern Dance in History and Practice'
This class is an introduction to the practice of contemporary modern dance at the beginning level, from both the theoretical and embodied perspectives. The course introduces the basic principles of dance movement: body alignment, coordination, locomotion, artistry, and is studied alongside the study of the histories and contexts of modern dance development. Class time will alternate between in-studio dance practice, and lecture-based classes with readings, class discussions, video viewings and short written and creative assignments.
DANCE-241 Scientific Foundations of Dance
Selected scientific aspects of dance, including anatomical identification and terminology, physiological principles, and conditioning/strengthening methodology. These concepts are discussed and explored experientially in relationship to the movement vocabularies of various dance styles.
DANCE-241AM Scientific Foundations of Dance: 'Anatomy of Movement'
Designed for dance students, this course is an experiential study of the human body's musculoskeletal system. The structure of this course includes lectures, movement laboratory sessions, somatic exercises, and developing a personal warmup for full-bodied dancing. Anatomical understanding becomes a springboard for clearer movement choices and deeper engagement in dance practice.
DANCE-252 Intermediate Composition
Intermediate Composition is structured as a workshop for you to explore and expand your own artistic vision. It will increase your understanding of inspiration and intention as they relate to choreography as well as encourage active consideration of choreographic possibilities for space, time, performer/audience interaction, energetic qualities, use of text, music, and physical and environmental intelligences.
DANCE-272 Dance and Culture
DANCE-272AF Dance and Culture: 'Improvisation from an Africanist Perspective'
This course will be a contemporary exploration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the African-rooted community dance circle. Through technical, literary, and media-based explorations, students will examine the circle as a culture of healing and transformation that sustains people of African heritage across geographic spaces spanning both oceans and time. By investigating dance improvisation as a practice of deep listening and as a method of negotiating with precarity and the unknown, we will conduct in-depth research on the potentials of the circle as a place of embodiment, resource, and belonging that can be participated in by people across all cultures, races, and backgrounds.
DANCE-272FD Dance and Culture: 'Funk Styles'
This course introduces students to funk dance styles such as Locking, Popping, and Breaking. We will examine the evolution of African American music and its relationship to what's happening historically in the U.S. Students will learn the terminology and rhythmic patterns of each dance form and how to find their own relationship to the movement. This class will focus on becoming grounded in the basics through technique drills and combinations. There will be many sessions where the students can freestyle using the foundation they've learned and incorporating their own uniqueness to the movement. The study of music and movement will take form in research, through books, scholarly journals, and documentaries. This will allow students to have many discussions throughout the course on the many artists and pioneers of the form.
DANCE-272HP Dance and Culture: Hip Hop
This course will be a literary, media-based, and technical exploration of the history and influence of contemporary Hip Hop culture creation. Students will engage in an embodied study of various hip-hop dance techniques and a rigorous investigation of the influence of Hip Hop culture on music, fashion, language, media, and personal style throughout the world. The technical aspect of the course will support their study of history and culture through media, readings, discussion and research. Works cited will include peer reviewed articles, as well as the brilliance of materials created outside of the narrow academic lens. Each reading, film, or documentary that is assigned will be followed by written responses and discussions, and students will present their in-depth research findings at the end of the course.
DANCE-272QF Dance and Culture: 'Queer and Feminist Performance'
What does performance teach us about subjectivity? How do bodies' cultural inscriptions shape meaning in dance? How does choreography complicate the performance of gender? This course poses an inquiry into euro-american contemporary dance performance through the lenses of queer and feminist thought. Students will study the body as a site of knowledge production and investigate how movement and performance can highlight the intersection of theory and lived experience. Class will read from authors including adrienne marie brown, Audre Lorde, Sarah Ahmed, Ann Cooper Albright, Petra Kuppers, José Muñoz, Fiona Buckland, and others. We will watch and be in conversation about performances by choreographers like Rosie Herrera, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Ananya Chatterjea, Miguel Gutierrez, and Ralph Lemon.
DANCE-287 Rhythmic Analysis
The study of music from a dancer's perspective. Topics include musical notation, construction of rhythm, elements of composition (visual aspects of music and movement), communication between dancer and musician, and music listening.
DANCE-295 Independent Study
Students interested in independent study in dance (Dance 295) must provide convincing reasons for pursuing independent work and be self-motivated and supervised in their work. Students are responsible for choosing and receiving approval from a faculty advisor, with whom workload expectations, meeting times, and outcomes will be mutually negotiated and set for the semester. Credit load (1-4) will reflect the workload level and outcomes of the proposed study (e.g., a 2-credit independent study requires a minimum of 2-4 hours of outside work each week.
DANCE-338 Mobilizing the Hippocampus
This course will provide a research site to investigate the functions of the hippocampal brain region to then embody that learning through choreographic structures. In particular, students will use dance expression to aid the understanding of complex neuroscience topics, and apply neuroscience knowledge to deepen creative expression. "Mobilizing the hippocampus" will help to bridge a gap between science and art, serving as a tool to stimulate a heightened understanding of both disciplines.
DANCE-377 Advanced Studies
DANCE-377AP Advanced Studies: 'Applied Somatics for Dance'
Somatics enhances proprioceptive awareness, uses imagery to deepen anatomical understanding, prevents injury, and promotes coordinated, responsive movement. This course is an experiential study of anatomy and somatic methods, emphasizing their impact on dance practices. While primarily movement-based, the course also critically examines how somatics incorporates ancient medicine, Africanist traditions, and Eastern philosophy, often without acknowledgment, leading to universalization. This course serves as both an ideal warm-up for full-bodied movement and an in-depth exploration of experiential anatomy.
DANCE-377ST Advanced Studies: 'Dance Styles: Street and Club'
This house and hip-hop class will develop the student's dance while preserving the essence of the styles the student is learning. Students will be capable of using technique within the groove as it is the soul and the identity of the dancer. The groove which is often perceived as an aesthetic can also be an invitation to question its social meaning. The objective is to investigate the student's identity and to turn this very technical style into something more authentic. This method develops the coordination, the rhythm, the musicality, polyrhythm and a strong sense of body control. Elements of social justice will be discussed during the class. This course involves discussion, research and journal assignments.
DANCE-387 Rhythmic Analysis II: Performance
A continuation of Dance 287. The focus now shifts specifically to performance and the notation of complex rhythmic structures. Working as an ensemble, the class will create a music/dance suite, using body music, movement, vocal work, and music visualization as our inspiration. Emphasis will be placed on odd and mixed meters and rhythmical accuracy. Students will contribute both movement and musical material. Class time will be run like a professional rehearsal. Outside work will focus on musical research, choreography, and music notation. This suite will be performed at Blanchard Campus Center at a date to be determined.
DANCE-390 Advanced Seminar in Research, Choreography and Production
The structure of this seminar, a required course for dance majors, has three emphases: supporting the development of research, performance and production; offering practical tools for sustaining a life in the arts after academia; and investing in process (your own and that of your cohort). Students should sign up for both fall and spring semesters of this seminar. The fall semester focuses primarily on embodied and scholarly research and the spring semester is meant to support the production of capstone projects.
DANCE-395 Independent Study
Students interested in independent study in dance (Dance 395) must provide convincing reasons for pursuing independent work and be self-motivated and supervised in their work. Students are responsible for choosing and receiving approval from a faculty advisor, with whom workload expectations, meeting times, and outcomes will be mutually negotiated and set for the semester. Credit load (1-4) will reflect the workload level and outcomes of the proposed study (e.g., a 2-credit independent study requires a minimum of 2-4 hours of outside work each week.
DANCE-107 Introduction to Ballet and Modern
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of ballet and modern dance. Students will learn and practice common forms, pathways, and footwork in both styles. The class will focus on momentum, weight shift, and dynamic alignment.
DANCE-113 Beginning Modern
An introduction to the basic principles of dance movement: body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility, basic forms of locomotion. No previous dance experience required.
DANCE-120 Beginning Ballet
Students will study the basic movements and fundamentals of classical ballet. The movements are taught in a pure form, at a relaxed pace before proceeding to more complex combinations. Ballet I sets the groundwork for the movements and musicality of the ballet lesson.
DANCE-127 Renaissance and Baroque Dance I
Sixteenth- through eighteenth-century European social dance, contemporary with the eras of Elizabeth I and Shakespeare in England, the Medicis in Italy, Louis XIV in France, and colonial America. The focus will be on learning the dances, supplemented by historical and social background, discussion of the original dance sources, and reconstruction techniques.
DANCE-128 Renaissance and Baroque Dance II
Continuation of Renaissance and Baroque Dance I. Sixteenth- through eighteenth-century European social dance, contemporary with the eras of Elizabeth I and Shakespeare in England, the Medicis in Italy, Louis XIV in France, and colonial America. The focus will be on learning the dances, supplemented by historical and social background, discussion of the original dance sources, and reconstruction techniques.
DANCE-131 Afrobeats Dance
Through movement and lecture, this class will explore the historical and cultural influences of hip-hop and Afrobeat, which, while newer than classical forms, have rapidly gained global popularity and evolved significantly. Each session will emphasize context and the importance of understanding the reasons behind the dance. The movement sections will follow a traditional structure, featuring a choreographed warm-up, training, new techniques, across-the-floor progressions, and a review combination. Lectures will be delivered through literature, documentaries, and film clips.
DANCE-132 Introduction to Hip Hop
This class will introduce students to the basic elements of hip-hop dance including bouncing, rocking, waving, swinging, and much more. The class will include drills and combinations, which will ask the dancers to find their relationship to musicality, athleticism, dynamics, and articulation of the body. In addition, students will learn the history of hip-hop's core four elements: Deejaying, Emceeing, Breakin', and Graffiti.
DANCE-133 Introduction to Breakin'
In this course students will learn about the history and foundation of Hip Hop culture from its birth to both the current underground and commercial scene. Students will work on foundational techniques and dynamic movements to continue to develop their growth in the form. Documentaries shown in class will inform the students about the underground battle scene and its evolution to the big-stage events like the Olympics. Students will learn battle etiquette and, as community engagement, the students will attend a local event where they can showcase what they've learned and be in community. Students will also be prepared for commercial work by practicing choreography in class that includes auditioning techniques and working on-stage presence. The goal of the course is to physically train and educate students in Breakin' as well as prepare them for any path they want to follow in dance.
DANCE-134 Dance and Drumming
This course bridges two critical components in dance training: movement and rhythm. The course takes inspiration from traditions that conceive drumming and dancing as inseparable companions in the dance making process. In these traditions, such as many West African societies, the well-trained performer, no matter where they lean in their mode of expression, is expected to have a depth of knowledge in both areas. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to different dance-drumming traditions. For each dance piece, students will learn the movements as well all the supporting drum parts and an introduction to the fundamentals of the lead drum.
DANCE-136 Introduction to Afro-Cuban
This course offers a dynamic exploration of Cuban dance, focusing on styles deeply connected to Black identity and culture. Students delve into the rich history, spirituality, and artistry of Afro-Cuban dance forms rooted in African ethnic groups such as the Bantu, Yoruba, and Fon. These traditions have profoundly shaped Latin American dance and continue influencing global culture today. Through hands-on learning and live drumming, students experience the intricate rhythms and vibrant movements that transcend time and borders, and merge into contemporary popular culture. Students move to vibrant beats while gaining a deeper understanding of how they shape identity and cultural expression.
DANCE-137 Latin Social Dances
This course delves into the vibrant, embodied expressions of the Hispanic Caribbean, focusing on social dances like Mambo, Bachata, Merengue, and Rumba. Students will actively engage in these dynamic dance forms, exploring their cultural significance and enduring influence on the global dance scene. Through a fun and physically enriching experience, these dances foster a strong sense of community, encourage camaraderie, and promote an appreciation for cultural diversity-enhancing both the learning environment and personal growth.
DANCE-142 Introduction to West African Dance
An introduction to the history and vocabulary of West African dance, emphasizing the central role that dance plays in African cultures. This class will introduce students to movements from traditional concepts to neo-traditional West African dance forms and the African Diaspora. Students will learn to identify the aesthetic principles and develop physical and artistic skills such as explicit sound, music, and movement connection; call and response; body isolation; and the individuality of movement expressions. Additionally, they will practice playing an instrument, singing, and learning with an emphasis on community building and individual potential.
DANCE-147 Bollywood Dance
Throughout the course, students will build a solid foundation in rhythm, coordination, strength, and stamina, all of which are applicable to various dance styles. By focusing on these fundamental aspects, participants will not only develop their skills in Bollywood dance but also enhance their abilities across various dance styles. Students will also engage in ear training exercises to develop their ability to discern various beats, enabling them to recognize and appreciate the unique sounds of traditional Indian instruments. Through this practice, they will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate rhythm system that underpins Indian music.
DANCE-208 Intermediate West African Dance
This course offers in-depth exploration of embodied West African movement principles and their socio-historical and cultural contexts. Students will study select West African movements and rhythms, engaging with a growing genre influenced by these traditions. Students will refine their skills and knowledge of traditional African dance performances and their rhythms. They will examine both traditional and neo-traditional performances to understand the philosophical foundations rooted in African cosmologies. Students will learn how history and knowledge are artistically constructed within traditional African dance forms, oral traditions, songs, and specific gestures.
DANCE-216 Intermediate Modern
This course is a continued practice of modern dance. Physically, the emphasis is on aligned, articulate and efficient dancing through modern dance technique and principles. Students will build capacity for physical endurance and active presence as well as a deepening awareness of the body's potential. Course work will include improvisation, moving into and out of the floor, shifting the centers of gravity, and finding agility and clarity in movement and thought.
DANCE-217 Site-Specific Intermediate/Advanced Modern Improvisation
This course will focus on the development of site-specific improvisational dance skills. Beginning in indoor environments, and moving outdoors when the weather gets warmer. Students will perform solo, duet and group improvisations inspired by nature, architecture and public spaces. Students will then collaboratively build movement choreographies using compositional methods that draw from the improvisations. There will be repeated opportunities to perform with and for each other.
DANCE-218 Improvisation from an Africanist Perspective
This course is a contemporary exploration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the African-rooted community dance circle. Through movement, literary, and media-based explorations, students will examine the history of the circle and investigate dance improvisation as a practice of deep listening, researching the potential of the circle to engage people across many cultures, races, and backgrounds.
DANCE-219 Intermediate Improvisation
This course focuses on dance improvisation. The class studies structured improvisation through the use of scores, tasks, imagery, and other methods for generating and crafting movement. Students will sharpen their awareness of attention and intention in instant decision-making practices as individuals and in group settings. This is a movement class intended for students with a regular dance practice in any form.
DANCE-222 Intermediate Ballet
This course is designed for the intermediate-level dancer. It will include a logical and efficient development of exercises culminating with varied allegro combinations. The class will provide the student the opportunity to acquire endurance and learn artistic expression. The importance of musicality within the technique will be a fundamental aspect of the class.
DANCE-232 Intermediate Hip Hop
Journey through time and experience the evolution of hip-hop from its old-school social dance roots to the contemporary phenomenon of commercial choreography that hip-hop has become. Using film and text in addition to studio work, this class will create a framework from which to understand and participate in the global culture of hip-hop dance.
DANCE-234 House Dance
This course is designed for dancers to learn the fundamentals of House dance. Students will learn the history and culture of House along with terminology of the dance movements. Class will include across the floor drills and center combinations, which will ask the dancers to find their relationship to musicality, athleticism, dynamics, and articulation of the body. Improvisation is a critical component of this course. This will empower students to embody the movement, feel comfortable improvising, and have a greater capacity to learn more intricate choreography.
DANCE-236 Funk Styles
This course introduces students to funk dance styles such as Locking, Popping, and Breaking. It contextualizes the history of funk dance and examines its relationship to the evolution of African American music. Students will learn terminology and the rhythmic patterns of each dance form as they find their own relationship to the movement. This course will focus on becoming grounded in specific movement techniques through drills and combinations, and students will freestyle incorporating learned foundations and their own unique movement styles.
DANCE-237 Intermediate Tap
Intermediate Tap expands the movement vocabulary and technical skills of the beginner. Students increase rhythmic accuracy, coordination, and speed by practicing tap rudiments and double-time patterns. The class also includes satisfying time steps and breaks, traveling combinations, and some creative improvisation to deepen the dancer's connection to music. Students will learn at least one complete dance from the traditional tap dance repertory. Video performances by tap masters, past and present will be shown in class or assigned for out-of-class viewing.
DANCE-268 Dance, Performance and Text
In this course, students will explore the various ways in which dance and embodied performance generate, adapt, and incorporate text in practice. Our endeavor envisions and engages with text as a permanent artifact that is enlivened through the crucible of the dance-making process. Students will take inspiration from other logocentric forms such as plays, poetry, prose etc.
DANCE-305 Dance Repertory
DANCE-305CR Dance Repertory: 'Contemporary Repertory'
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced dancers interested in performing. The work developed will be performed in the Fall Faculty Concert.
DANCE-305HP Dance Repertory: 'Hip Hop Repertory'
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced hip hop dancers interested in performing a premiere hip hop work for the Fall Faculty Dance Concert.
DANCE-305NT Dance Repertory: 'Exploring the Intersection of Movement, Choreography, and Performance'
Throughout the semester, students will actively participate in the choreographic process as they create or rework dance pieces. A strong background in modern dance technique and improvisational skills is preferred as these technical elements will serve as a solid base for the choreographic and performance aspects of the course. Students will have the opportunity to refine their technique, expand their movement vocabulary, and explore improvisational skills within the context of choreography. This course offers a comprehensive experience exploring intersections of dance and performance studies, choreographic processes, and technology.
DANCE-305RM Dance Repertory: 'Modern Repertory'
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced dancers interested in performing. The work developed will be performed in the Fall Faculty Concert.
DANCE-305ST Dance Repertory: 'Street Styles'
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced street style dancers interested in performing a premiere work for the Fall Faculty Dance concert.
DANCE-318 Advanced Modern
Intermediate and Advanced study in modern technique focuses on body level issues of strength, support, alignment, articulation, and initiation; and performance issues of rhythmic clarity, spatial clarity, intention, embodiment, intricate coordinations, and expanding personal vocabularies. Students will build capacity for physical endurance and active presence as well as a deepening awareness of the body's potential.
DANCE-319 Advanced Modern and Improvisation
In studying dance at the advanced level, students are expected to define their own priorities, thresholds, and modes of working. This course is an opportunity for students to physically engage with dance forms rooted in modern dance and improvisational forms of the mid-twentieth century and the twenty-first century. Daily creative and physical practice and building a resilient and collective dance culture are the foundations of this course. Meeting times will be dedicated to codified modern forms, improvisational practice, and discussion. Advanced placement or instructor permission is required.
DANCE-325 Advanced Ballet
Course is for advanced dancers and will stress complex classical ballet technique combinations, concentrating on turns at the barre, turns in the big poses in the centre, and batterie in the allegro. Artistry, presentation, and musicality of dance will be incorporated, with the grande allegro serving as the focus of the class.
