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Dance Courses

Course Descriptions

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 101 FOUNDATIONS OF DANCE 3 (2-2)

This course is an introduction to dance as an art form and its role in history and society. Classes include the fundamentals of movement, the elementary techniques of ballet, modern and jazz dance, and exploration of the elements of rhythm, dynamics and spatial awareness through simple composition and improvisational dance studies.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 102 BALLET TECHNIQUE 2 (0-4)

Course content includes the basic positions and adagio and allegro movements of classical ballet. Movement in ballet has a controlled yet graceful quality, which is acquired through repetition of standardized ballet technique. Throughout the course, the student is encouraged to experience and appreciate the art of ballet as a performing art.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 104 MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE 2 (0-4)

This course consists of the technique, history and theory of modern dance. Emphasis is on conditioning the body, developing beginning modern dance skills and acquiring a basic movement vocabulary to promote creative exploration.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 106 JAZZ DANCE TECHNIQUE 2 (0-4)

Course content includes the techniques, history and styles of jazz dance. Also included is the development of beginning skills in jazz dance technique with emphasis on body isolations and rhythmic phrasing.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 107 Dance Improvisation 1 (0-2)

This class includes beginning dance and movement improvisation as a compositional and performing technique, and the development of skill in improvising dance movement and structuring dance improvisations.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 109 TAP DANCE 1 (0-2)

This introductory course covers the basic steps of tap dance technique. Students will learn coordination, rhythmic variations, dynamics, and performance skills through a series of tap dance combinations. Students will also begin to develop creative ability through tap improvisation.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 146 PERFORMANCE & APPLIED DANCE I 1 (0-3)

This course emphasizes the development of dance performance skills. Within the structure of the course, the student is exposed to various performance techniques as well as learning specific choreography culminating in a dance concert.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 147 PERFORMANCE & APPLIED DANCE II 1 (0-3)

This course further emphasizes the development of dance performance skills. Within the structure of the course, the student is exposed to various performance techniques as well as learning specific choreography culminating in a dance concert. Prerequisite: DAN 146

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 201 DANCE HISTORY THRU EARLY 1800S 3 (3-0)

This course covers the history of dance as a cultural medium with specific attention to the development of dance from prehistoric cultures to the mid-1800's. Topics and dance forms covered include ancient dance and the roots of dance, dance in lineage-based societies, the functions and meaning of dance in early societies, and the beginnings of ballet with a focus on non-Western influences.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 202 DANCE HISTORY 1800 TO PRESENT 3 (3-0)

The history of dance as a cultural medium is explored with attention to the development of dance from the 1800's through recent years, along with a study concerning theories of movement. Later developments in ballet and modern dance are discussed along with vernacular dance forms and popular forms of dance in America from the mid-19th century to modern times.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 203 DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY & COMPOSTN 1 (0-2)

This course consists of dance choreography in practice and theory. Emphasis is on the student finding and creating original movement, creating a dance from that movement and teaching the dance to others in the class. Prerequisites: DAN 146 or DAN 147 or DAN 102 or DAN 104 or DAN 106

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 246 PERFORMANCE & APPL DANCE III 1 (0-3)

This course further emphasizes the development of dance performance skills. Within the structure of the course, the student is exposed to various performance techniques as well as learning specific choreography culminating in a dance concert. Prerequisite: DAN 147

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 247 PERFORMANCE & APPLIED DANCE IV 1 (0-3)

This course further emphasizes the development of dance performance skills. Within the structure of the course, the student is exposed to various performance techniques as well as learning specific choreography culminating in a dance concert. Prerequisite: DAN 246

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 271 SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT I 1 (1-0)

A special learning experience designed by one or more students with the cooperation and approval of a faculty member. Proposed study plans require departmental approval. Projects may be based on reading, research, community service, work experience, or other activities that advance the student's knowledge and competence in the field of dance or related areas. The student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 35-50 hours.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 272 SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT II 2 (2-0)

Similar to DAN 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 70-90 hours.

Prefix Number Title Hours
DAN 273 SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT III 3 (3-0)

Similar to DAN 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 105-135 hours.