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Dance Courses
113 Modern Dance I 2 cr Introductory study of modern dance techniques. Topics include kinesthetic perception, efficient alignment, strength, flexibility, movement qualities, exploring new vocabularies and phrasing styles, and individual embodiment of movement material. Also taught at Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 114 Modern Dance II 2 cr A continuation of Modern Dance 113. Also taught at Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 120 Ballet I 2 cr Introductory study of the principles and vocabularies of classical ballet. Emphasis on correct alignment, whole body movement, musicality, and embodiment of performance style. Pointe work included as appropriate. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 121 Ballet II 2 cr A continuation of Ballet 120. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 130 Jazz Dance I 2 cr Introductory jazz technique, including body isolations, syncopation, specific jazz dance traditions, and movement analysis. Emphasis on musical rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity, and performance style. Also taught at Smith. 131 Jazz Dance II 2 cr A continuation of Jazz Dance 130. Also taught at Smith. 151 Elementary Composition Introductory elements of dance composition, including space, energy, rhythm, and personal imagery. Emphasis on improvisation and development of personal voice. Also taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 171 Dance in the 20th Century (AT) An overview of dance as a performing art in the 20th century, focusing especially on major American stylistic traditions and artists. Readings, videos, research projects, and discussions explore principles, historical and cultural contexts. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 195R Seminar: Classical Indian Dance I (both sem) An introduction to Classical Indian Dance Technique. Readings and discussions include cultural context. Students have the opportunity to perform in several concerts during the year. Location rotates among the Five Colleges. 197D Seminar: Comparative Caribbean Dance Flexibility, strength, and endurance training within Caribbean dance styles including Haitian, Cuban, and Brazilian traditional dances. Cultural contexts of secular and religious dance forms also emphasized. This course is taught on one or two campuses each semester. Location rotates among the Five Colleges. 205 Beginning Dance Group 1 cr Performance and back stage experience for Dance majors. Not taught on other campuses. 206 Intermediate Dance Group 1 cr Performance and back stage experience for Dance majors. Not taught on other campuses. 215 Modern Dance III 2 cr Intermediate study of modern dance technique. Topics include kinesthetic perception, efficient alignment, strength, flexibility, movement qualities, exploring new vocabularies and phrasing styles, and individual embodiment of movement material. Also taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 216 Modern Dance IV 2 cr A continuation of DANCE 215. Also taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 222 Ballet III 2 cr Intermediate study of the principles and vocabularies of classical ballet. Emphasis on correct alignment, whole body movement, musicality, and embodiment of performance style. Pointe work included as appropriate. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 223 Ballet IV 2 cr A continuation of Ballet 222. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 232 Jazz Dance III 2 cr Intermediate jazz techniques, including body isolations, syncopation, specific jazz dance traditions, and movement analysis. Emphasis on musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity, and performance style. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 233 Jazz Dance IV 2 cr A continuation of Jazz Dance 232. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 241 Scientific Foundations of Dance An introduction to selected scientific aspects of dance, including anatomical identification and terminology, physiological principles, and conditioning/strengthening methodology. Also taught at Mount Holyoke. 252 Intermediate Composition Intermediate elements of dance composition including phrasing, musical forms, character development, and personal imagery. Emphasis on organizing and designing movement creatively and meaningfully in solo, duet, and group forms. Also taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 273 Issues in Dance History: Baroque and Renaissance Dance Overview of dance in the Baroque and Renaissance through lectures, discussions, readings, research, and learning selected dances. Emphasis on principles and traditions with special attention to historical and cultural contexts. Not taught on other campuses. 287 Rhythmic Analysis from a Dancer's Perspective An overview of rhythm, harmony, and various musical styles as they relate to teaching dance, choreographing, and performing. Also taught at Mount Holyoke and Smith. 292S Seminar: Teaching Methods Overview of dance pedagogy. Lectures, readings, discussions, and teaching pro-jects explore the various ways of teaching dance. Focus on teaching in a dance studio or university setting. Not offered on other campuses. 295R Seminar: Classical Indian Dance II A continuation of Classical Indian Dance 195R. Not taught on other campuses. 307 Concert Dance Group 1 cr Performance and back stage experience for Dance majors. 308 University Dancers 1-4 cr Performing ensemble. Open by audition. 317 Modern Dance V 2 cr Advanced study of modern dance technique. Topics include kinesthetic perception, efficient alignment, strength, flexibility, movement qualities, exploring new vocabularies and phrasing styles, and individual embodiment of movement material. Taught on two campuses each semester. Location rotates among Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 318 Modern Dance VI 2 cr A continuation of Modern Dance 317. Taught on two campuses each semester. Location rotates among Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 324 Ballet V 2 cr Advanced study of the principles and vocabularies of classical ballet. Emphasis on correct alignment, whole body movement, musicality, and embodiment of performance style. Pointe work included as appropriate. Taught on two campuses each semester. Location rotates among Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 325 Ballet VI 2 cr A continuation of Ballet 324. Taught on two campuses each semester. Location rotates among Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 334 Jazz Dance V 2 cr Advanced jazz technique, including body isolations, syncopation, specific jazz dance traditions, and movement analysis. Emphasis on musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity, and performance style. Taught on one campus each semester. Location alternates between the University and Smith. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 335 Jazz VI 2 cr A continuation of DANCE 334. Taught on one campus each semester. Location alternates between the University and Smith. Placement in the course is by Five College audition. 342 Scientific Foundations of Dance II A continuation of Scientific Foundations of DANCE 241. Not taught on other campuses. 353 Advanced Composition Advanced elements of dance composition using various devices and approaches, e.g., motif and development, theme and variation, text and spoken language, collage, structured improvisation, and others. Also taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. 365 Dance Production Overview of dance production. Lectures, readings, projects, and discussions focus on the costumes, make-up, lighting, stage management, touring, sound, and publicity. Not taught on other campuses. 495 Seminar: Required of all Dance majors during the senior year. Students demonstrate excellence in choreography, performance, and written expression. Requirements include a written thesis, a solo, and a creative process paper. Not taught on other campuses. Other Courses Available Through the Five College Dance Department Anthropology of Dance Ballet Pedagogy Contact Improvisation Dance and Culture Dance as an Art Form Embodiment and Interpretation Floor Barre Introduction to Dance Laban Movement Analysis Tap Technique Courses in Various World Dance Forms Dance
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