Dance (DANC)

The History and Appreciation of World Dance course is an introduction to dance as an art form, wherein students study the historical, cultural, social, and performative contexts of diverse dance forms. In this course, students examine what dance reveals about cultural, national, and ethnic identity, class and gender and the history of major dance forms/genres. Emphasis is on engaging in aesthetic, theoretical, and scholarly discourse aimed at illuminating how dance functions as a form of communication and personal, aesthetic expression. Students explore dance through seminar, lecture, field work (attending live performances), and lab (dance exercises) participation.

This studio course studies Ballet from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. A basic understanding of the fundamental principles of ballet technique, physical control, and the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form are the core curriculum.

This studio course introduces students to the history, evolution, music, steps, and various stylings of ballroom dancing. The three standard style dances: Tango/Swing, the Waltz, and the Foxtrot, and three Latin style dances: Rumba, Salsa, and Cha, Cha, Cha are explored.

This studio course introduces students to the origins of Jazz dance. The history and practice of Afro-Caribbean and American Vernacular Jazz Dance is designed to introduce students to the power and beauty of Jazz dance in America. Study emphasizes African and Caribbean, as well as street and ballroom influences. Basic skills of jazz movement, jazz music, and rhythmic awareness are included.

In this studio course, students are introduced to the foundational techniques of modern dance and the social, historical, and cultural changes of the twentieth century that made America ripe for new dance forms. Emphasis is on important figures in the dance world (turn of the 20th century to 1940) including their techniques, theories of movement, and compositional ideas. The goal is for students, through exposure and exploration, to synthesize the thought process behind the theories of movement, compositional ideas, and techniques to modern dance performance.

This course introduces students to the basic techniques and methodology for teaching dance to young children. Using the standards established by the State of Connecticut and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), appropriate dance content will be explored. Emphasis is placed on dance techniques, types of dance, movement activities, child development, and teaching strategies.

This studio course is an introduction to contemporary African dance. Students learn the fundamentals of African dance through instruction on basic movements and techniques (this may include African Diaspora and Afro-Caribbean) and participating in traditional African dance. The context for learning about African dance is explored using student research, videos, lectures, readings, dance studio, and class discussions.

This 6,000-year-old, ancient practice will teach the student the true meaning of union by combining physical, mental and spiritual states of wellness. The course is designed to provide the history of yoga, its theory and benefits, and afford the student an opportunity to experience this art firsthand.

Students in this course, examine the structure and function of the human body anatomical and mechanical. Emphasis is on the musculoskeletal system as a mechanism for motion and full body mechanical and anatomical principles are analyzed. While not required, students with a foundation in the performing arts, other organized physical activities, or regular body movement practices are the target audience for this course.

This studio course segues from American Vernacular Jazz Dance into concert jazz dance and Broadway dance. Emphasis is placed on the historical (1930s-2000s) and cultural perspectives of this American dance genre and the differentiating styles and techniques.

This course is an exploration of the basic techniques, styles, concepts and composition of theatrical dance and movement. Emphasis is placed on movement expression of emotion, intentions, gestures, and physical characterization. Music and theatrical texts used provide the foundation for course activities.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and techniques of modern dance and its relationship to human culture. Class work will introduce students to technical concepts involved in training the body to be an articulate expressive instrument. The course examines the basic elements of dance including stretch, strength, coordination, building confidence, body awareness, cardiovascular, and dance vocabulary, explores basic elements of composition and improvisation, and facilitates creative group presentations as a path to understanding dance as a form of historical cultural expression.

Ballet II is a continuation of DANC 1002. This studio course examines the art and technique of Ballet from the Classical to Contemporary periods and is designed to further the study of the technique of classical ballet and its history in the twentieth century.

This studio course is a continuation of DANC 1013, and encompasses the emerging techniques, theories and philosophies of movement as presented by America's second generation from Merce Cunningham to Alvin Ailey. The social and cultural changes that influenced this period's dance also will be explored. Exposure to this study will enable the student to integrate the thought behind the movement.

This studio course is designed to introduce students to the demands of working collaboratively and collectively in a dance ensemble. Modern, Jazz, or Ballet compositions by faculty or renowned choreographers will be taught, rehearsed and presented in concert. Performance skills of projection, clarity, staging, spacing and truth to choreographers'techniques will be practiced. Works for repertory may include Charles Weidman's Brahms Waltzes, Anna Sokolows Rooms, Balanchine's Tarantella, and Pilobolus Improvisational Techniques. Note: Additional rehearsals required.

Choreographic Principles/Ensemble I is designed for students to discover sources of movement and develop the tools for structuring movement in time and space. It includes assigned composition problems and structured movement improvisation. Students may find their own personal statement in movement and develop a solo dance, and/or they may focus on making a group work. Students develop creative decision-making in working with a group. Elements of performance-costume, decor, lighting, staging-will also be explored and executed in formal concert. The Ensemble is the performing arm of the College. Studio course. Note: Additional rehearsals required.

This studio course is a continuation of DANC 2021, and is designed to expand student's study of dance compositions by faculty and renowned choreographers who will teach their work. Works may be from the modern, jazz, or ballet genre. The studied works will be videotaped and then rehearsed by the instructor. Students, working as an ensemble, will present these works in formal or informal concert. Performance skills of projection, clarity, staging, spacing, and truth to choreographer intent and technique will be further practiced. Students will continue to develop and execute production skills related to production. Note: Additional rehearsals required, and participation in a Dance Concert is mandatory.

This studio course is a continuation of DANC 2022, and is designed for students to expand their knowledge of movement and dance and to continue to develop the tools for structuring movement in time and space. The course includes assigned compositional problems and structured movement improvisation. Students will continue to explore their own personal statement in movement and develop solos and/ or group work and will continue to develop and demonstrate creative decision-making in working with an ensemble, both choreographically and in production. Tools and vocabulary continue to be offered in an environment open to creative communication. Elements of performance (costume, decor, lighting, staging) and production (publicity, press releases, stage and house management, scheduling) will also be explored. Note: Additional rehearsals may be required, and participation in Dance Concert is mandatory.

This studio course is a continuation of DANC 2061 and is designed to expand student's understanding of the methods and skills necessary to perform Yoga. Relaxation techniques and flexibility are stressed.