Studies in Dance (DANC)
Professor: Mary Easter
Adjunct Instructors: Marcia Keegan, Jane Shockley
Dance activities are designed to give students of all levels opportunities for active participation in three basic areas: technique, choreography and analysis, and performance. The broadest goal of these offerings is to increase understanding of the art of dance as a contribution to a liberal arts education. Among more specific goals are the development of a trained, articulate body, increased choreographic skill and more finely-honed performance. Though there is no major program, dance activities take place in an appreciative atmosphere marked by high enthusiasm for the art.
Technique Classes:
Classes in Modern Dance Technique and Ballet are offered on at least two levels during all terms. Other technique classes offered yearly are jazz, tap, moving anatomy and contact improvisation. All courses may be taken any number of terms at the appropriate level. A maximum of 24 credits from dance technique classes may be counted toward graduation.
Beginning Level Courses offered for physical education credit only, see Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation for registration information and course descriptions:
Ballet I (PE 107)
Modern Dance I--Technique and Theory (PE 148)
Tap (PE 180)
Upper Level Technique Classes offered for either physical education credit or academic credit:
DANC 138. Jazz An introduction to basic styles and dynamics of jazz dance. Prerequisite: At least one term of ballet or modern dance. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—J. Shockley
DANC 147. Moving Anatomy This course seeks to provide an underlying awareness of body structure and function. Using movement to expand knowledge of our anatomy will encourage participants to integrate information with experience. Heightened body awareness and class studies are designed to activate the general learning process. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter—J. Shockley
DANC 150. Contact Improvisation This is a course in techniques of spontaneous dancing shared by two or more people through a common point of physical contact. Basic skills such as support, counterbalance, rolling, falling and flying will be taught and developed in an environment of mutual creativity. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—J. Shockley
DANC 200. Modern Dance II: Technique and Theory A continuation of Level I with more emphasis on the development of technique and expressive qualities. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Easter, J. Shockley
DANC 208. Ballet II For the student with previous ballet experience. This course emphasizes articulation of technique and development of ballet vocabulary. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Keegan
DANC 300. Modern Dance III: Technique and Theory Intensive work on technical, theoretical, and expressive problems for the experienced dancer. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Easter, J. Shockley
DANC 301. Contemporary Styles and Techniques A physical exploration of the technical, theoretical and stylistic bases of different approaches to modern dance movement chosen yearly from such techniques as: Body Mind Centering; Limon; Cunningham; Graham; African-Caribbean. Prerequisite: some previous dance experience. 2 credits cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—Staff
DANC 309. Ballet III 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Spring—M. Easter
Choreography Courses
DANC 114. Black Dance: An Historical Survey Through Movement, Composition, Readings and Guest Lecture-Performa Cross-listed with AFAM 114. A general survey of the dance modes of Black Americans and a tracing of the unique movement attitudes and their continuing significance in Black life from their African origins to the concert stage of the twentieth century. 6 credits cr., AL,RAD, Not offered in 2000-2001.
DANC 180. Movement, Words, Meaning This introductory course in choreography explores sources for understanding and releasing creativity through the physical acts of moving and speaking. Guided movement and vocal improvisations will provide a means of developing body image and awareness and uncovering personal and universal voices. Concentrating on the craft of choreography in theme, design, motivation and text, participants will create short original compositions and longer individual projects. Readings on creative process; discussion, analysis and feedback on the works of the class as they develop; and choreographic journals will complete the course activities. 6 credits cr., AL, Winter—M. Easter
DANC 204. Fall Dance Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—M. Easter
DANC 205. Winter Dance Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter—Staff
DANC 206. Spring Dance Rehearsal and full concert performance of student dance works created during the year and completed in the spring term. Open to all levels. Audition required. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Spring—Staff
DANC 214. Fall Dance, Student Choreography For students enrolled in Dance 204, supervised student choreography with two public showings. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—M. Easter
DANC 215. Winter Dance, Student Choreography For students enrolled in Dance 205, supervised student choreography with two public showings. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter—Staff
DANC 250. Movement for the Performer Cross-listed with THEA 250. This course investigates the structure and function of the body through movement. Applying a variety of somatic techniques (feldenkrais, yoga, improvisation, body-mind centering). The emphasis will be to discover effortless movement, balance in the body and an integration of self in moving. Selected readings from The Knowing Body The Artist as Storyteller in Contemporary Performance by Louise Steinman. 3 credits cr., AL, Fall—J. Shockley
DANC 350. Semaphore Repertory Dance Company This company provides advanced dance students with an intensive opportunity to develop as performers in professional level dances. Among the skills to be honed are: the dancer as "tool" and contributor to the process of art-making; defining individual technical and expressive gifts; working in a variety of new technical and philosophical dance frameworks. In addition to regular training during the academic terms, participation in a "pre-season" rehearsal period before fall term is required. A few pieces of student choreography will be accepted for repertory. The group produces an annual concert, performs in the Twin Cities and makes dance exchanges with other college groups. Audition required. 1 credit cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—M. Easter, Staff