Commercial Dance

This course builds on the fundamental techniques of hip hop dance at an intermediate level. Attention is placed on syncopation, isolations and rhythms with an emphasis on musicality, strength, flexibility and coordination. Improvisation or "freestyling" is emphasized to further develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and hip hop street dance, along with its cultural significance, history and origins as an art form are also emphasized. Written assignments and attendance at Dance Department concerts are required.

This course builds on the fundamental techniques of hip hop dance forms at an advanced level. Attention is placed on dynamic movement qualities, choreography execution, and complex musicality with an emphasis on syncopation, isolations, strength, control, coordination and performance. Improvisation or "freestyling" is emphasized to further develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and current trends, along with hip hop dance’s cultural significance, history, and origins as an art form, are also emphasized.

This course builds on DANCE 17 and focuses on intermediate-level tap dance technique, styles (including rhythm tap and Broadway tap), the cultural and historical origins of tap, and current trends and applications of tap in concert dance and musical theater. Students will focus on more complex steps, intricate, syncopated rhythms, tonal clarity, and speed. Different musical styles will be introduced relating rhythms, time signatures, and musical structures to tap styles. Emphasis will be on refining technical skills and executing more complex choreography while exploring elements of improvisation. Historical studies on topics surrounding tap dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

Students will learn world dance styles and techniques. The study of the music, art, costumes, customs, and origins of each style is also included.

This course offers an intermediate level of Asian/Pacific dance technique with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of movement vocabulary of Bali, Sumatra, Samoa, and Maori dances. Students will learn techniques of traditional Asian Pacific story-telling through dance with emphasis on use of the hands, body language, and facial expression. Instruction will also include study of history, lifestyle, family system/values, as well as the European and Western influences on both traditional and contemporary Asian Pacific dance, religion, cultural arts, and politics.

This course is an intermediate level of Mexican dance with an emphasis on traditional dance styles not covered in Dance 22 (Beginning Mexican Dance). Students will learn intermediate level body placement, footwork, rhythm patterns, and choreography. The course also provides historical context, including European and African cultural influences on Mexican dance, as well as the influence of religion, music, art, and popular styles on traditional Mexican dance forms. Dance techniques learned may serve as preparation for the World Dance Performance Courses (Dance 57A and 57B).

This course offers an intermediate level of Flamenco dance with emphasis on aesthetic concepts and principles of traditional and contemporary Flamenco dance movement along with an understanding of Flamenco rhythms, accents, and nuances. Course content will include in-depth study of Gypsy dance movement and culture, “cante” (singing), the Andalusian aesthetic, Bulerias, Tangos, Sevillanas, and several other “Palos” (Flamenco genres defined by their melody, rhythm, and point of origin). Correct body alignment and placement will be stressed with the goal of mastering intermediate level steps, footwork, and rhythmic patterns. Students will critically analyze this global dance form in relation to current and historical contexts.

This course is an intermediate level of West African dance with an emphasis on techniques of Guinea, Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast. The class will introduce both traditional and contemporary styles of West African dance and offer lectures in historical/cultural practices at an intermediate level.

This Intermediate Salsa Dance course immerses students in the movement and music of Latin American social dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. Intermediate levels of dance techniques, musical structure, and terminology are studied along with elements of body placement, style, and characteristics of the form including turning techniques, solo work and partnering. Additionally, intermediate levels of Bachata and Cha-cha-cha dance forms will also be studied in this course.

This course is a continuation of Dance 14, building on the intermediate jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course introduces new skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, varied musicality, and improvisation. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an intermediate level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends will be included.

This course is a continuation of Dance 15, building on the advanced jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course focuses on advanced skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Longer combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, intricate musicality, improvisation, and performance quality. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an advanced level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.