Dance Courses 1999-2000

100-Languages of Performance. This course examines the various "languages" that are used in performance arts, the peculiarity and specificity of their syntax, and how they convey meaning to an audience. The course concentrates upon the institutional, sociological, semiotic, and psychological parameters of performance in general and the questions that performance generates for a society. This course will first look at the established conventions of music, drama, and dance performance as they occur in the West, and subsequently draw comparisons with performances as they occur in the non-European cultures. (Also listed as Drama 101.) 1 unit - Berg, Department.

101-Introduction to Modern Dance. An introduction to the historical, sociological and aesthetic underpinnings of the revolution in dance called "modern dance," and an exploration of the creative and technical aspects of the art form through studio work. (Course does not count toward the Dance major.) 1 unit - Berg.

102-Chinese Meditative Arts. This course unites theory and practice of several of the Chinese meditative art forms, including various martial art forms, tai chi, Chinese calligraphy, painting, and carving. Breathing, calm mental focus, strength, coordination, and flexibility are skills developed through these meditations, enhancing body-mind integrity and capacity for creative work. (Also listed as PA 103.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit - Chow, Xu.

110-Fundamentals of Technical Theatre. Basic technical theatre - its vocabulary, theory, and application - and its relationship to sets, lights, and costumes. Computer use for technical theatre, safety parameters, and basic board operation. Laboratory requirement: participation in one stage production. Limited to 14 students. (Also listed as Drama 108.) 1 unit - Arnink.

209, 210-Dance Studio. Designed for the student who wishes to do supervised work in a particular field of dance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1/4 unit - Department.

211-Social History of Dance: African, Asian, and European Dance Traditions. A survey of dance from primitive times to the beginning of the modern dance movement: emphasis on dance in classical Greece and Rome, dance in the Middle Ages, the dance of Renaissance cultures, and the development of ballet to the beginning of modern dance. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: A requirement when no more than two blocks intervene between 211 and 212, taken in the same academic year.) (Offered alternate years.) 1 unit - Berg.

212-Social History of Dance: Dance of the 20^th Century. A study of the contributions of Diaghelev, Duncan, St. Denis, Wigman, etc., to new dance forms, the elaborations of the "second generation" of modern dance (Humphrey, Tamiris, Graham, Holm, etc.), and the innovations of contemporary choreographers (Cunningham, Taylor, Ailey, Nikolais, etc.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: A requirement when no more than two blocks intervene between 211 and 212, taken in the same academic year.) (Offered alternate years.) 1 unit - Wang.

220-Movement Analysis. An introductory study of the notational system created by Rudolf Von Laban to record human movement, and the movement analysis system known as "Effort/Shape." Effort/Shape is currently used by psychologists, sociologists, physiologists, etc., as a way to analyze movement for greater understanding of the non-verbal world. 1 unit - Wang.

221-Beginning Choreographic Forms: Theory and Practice. Study of the choreographic form through problems dealing with aspects of space, time and motion. Required: Concurrent enrollment in modern dance technique. (1/4 unit of Beginning Modern Dance or Dance Improvisation or prior dance experience is recommended.) 1 unit - Wang.

223, 224-Improvisation. Practical work in dance improvisation, frequently in collaboration with musicians and artists, to evolve an expanding vocabulary of movement, voice and performance possibilities. Limited to 20. 1 unit - Berg.

225-The Body in Motion: Anatomy and Kinesiology. The course takes a mechanical look at the body, analyzing each joint in terms of bone, muscle, and ligament makeup, starting from the feet and working up through the torso. Anatomical composition determines how any movement occurs, and the course will analyze such movement from a physiological perspective. The course will also consider a variety of movement problems and injuries, the causes of these problems, and develop a regimen of exercises to attack dance-related disabilities. (Offered alternate years.) 1 unit - Wang.

321-Advanced Choreographic Forms: Theory and Practice. Further study in choreographic technique. Projects in choreography with emphasis on both solo and ensemble work. Prerequisite: 221. Required: Concurrent enrollment in modern dance technique. Taught as needed. 1 unit - Berg.

322-Music and Dance. A study of the structural and artistic relationship between music and dance forms. Course work will include theoretical and practical experience designed to develop a better understanding of rhythm as a unifying element in movement and music. 1 unit - Berg.

325-Projects in Dance. Work in dance appropriate to the needs or interests of qualified students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1 unit - Department.

        Block 7:          Body, Mind, Creativity. The course examines, from both an experiential and theoretical point of view, ways that certain physical and mental states either block or promote creativity. Authentic movement, improvisation, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing will be utilized to develop states of response and clear perceptivity. Also incccluded will be the somatic self and its relationship to artistic creation. 1 unit - Berg.

331-Colorado College Touring Dance Troupe. Students in this course will have the opportunity to develop numerous performance, production, and arts management skills through the presentation of both faculty and student-choreographed works at local schools and organizations. The troupe seeks to actively promote the appreciation of dance and to foster a sense of discipline, artistic integrity, and community outreach among its student members. Extended Format, Blocks 1-8. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1 unit - Department.

410-Senior Seminar. Advanced study of topics related to theory, criticism, literature, and history of the theatre and dance. Required of all dance majors. (A year-long extended format course.) Limited to majors or with consent of instructor. 1 unit - Lindblade.

425-Repertory. Development of performance and rehearsal techniques through choreographic forms. Repertory works from faculty, labanotation scores, or guest choreographers will be set on students for performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1 unit - Wang, Mejia, Robards.  

105, 106, 107, 108-Beginning Modern Dance. 1/4 unit - Department.

205, 206, 207, 208-Intermediate Modern Dance. 1/4 unit - Department.

305, 306, 307, 308-Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance. 1/4 unit - Department.

405, 406, 407, 408-Advanced Modern Dance. 1/4 unit - Department.

113, 114, 115, 116-Beginning Ballet. 1/4 unit - Department.

213, 214, 215, 216-Intermediate Ballet. 1/4 unit - Department.

313, 314, 315, 316-Intermediate/Advanced Ballet. 1/4 unit - Department.

413, 414, 415, 416-Advanced Ballet. 1/4 unit - Department.

130, 131, 132, 133-Beginning Modern Jazz. 1/4 unit - Department.

230, 231, 232, 233-Intermediate Modern Jazz. 1/4 unit - Department.

330, 331, 332, 333-Intermediate/Advanced Modern Jazz. 1/4 unit - Department.

430, 431, 432, 433-Advanced Modern Jazz. 1/4 unit - Department.

  (Note on dance technique classes: Dance technique classes at Colorado College are developed to satisfy a wide range of student interest and expertise.)

Students who have never danced before will find that the Beginning Modern class is an appropriate level for them. This class will provide an introduction to various dance styles, improvisation, and expression in movement, while simultaneously developing an awareness and appreciation for anatomically correct movement technique.

Beginning Ballet classes are recommended for students who have danced before and would like to continue in Ballet, and for students who are taking more than one semester in dance.

Improvisation classes are useful for students wishing to do work in choreography, or for students who are curious about spontaneous process. (Improvisation is also open to music students who would like to work with improvisational forms. Tai Chi classes are open to all students, and are particularly useful for athletes who need to develop strength, flexibility and mental concentration. 

Jazz classes are recommended for students who are interested in broadening their understanding of indigenous dance styles.

Since students often come to Colorado College with more than a few years of dance training, we advise students to register for the class that they think is most appropriate to their level, with the understanding that the teacher may advise the student to change to a different class once the course is begun.