Courses Offered
Courses In Dance: Performance Focus
A list of regularly offered courses follows. The indication of when a course will be offered is based on the best projection of the department and can be subject to change.
Please note the key for the following abbreviations: (A) Arts; (H) Humanities; (S) Social Sciences; (N) Natural Sciences with Laboratory; (LS) Language Studies requirement; (NSP) Natural Science in Perspective; (NW) Non-Western Cultures requirement; (W) Writing requirement.
116. Introduction to Modern Dance. (A) Every Fall
The practice of modern dance technique, integrating movement experience with study of the philosophies and theories that have shaped the art and its practice. Staff
117. Introduction to Ballet. (A) Spring 2013
Basic technique and theory of ballet including the anatomical laws governing ballet movement and investigation of the style and aesthetic of ballet technique. Brooks
200 – 201 and 300 – 301. Dance Production Ensemble I and II. (A) Every Semester
Credit for work undertaken toward performance in at least two College productions. Students are cast in choreographies by audition. They study techniques, theory and history appropriate to mastery of the work in progress. Class/rehearsal and performance participation are mandatory. For TDF 200 and 300, students receive no credit, but a full credit is awarded for the completion of TDF 201 and TDF 301. Prerequisites: audition and permission of the instructor. Brooks, Vail
218. Intermediate Modern Dance Technique and Composition. (A) Every Spring
A continuation of modern dance technique study, with further development of flexibility, strength and efficiency in movement. Fundamentals of dance composition are also studied. Ways that dance can communicate meaning are explored through reading, writing and movement assignments. Prerequisite: TDF 116 or permission of the instructor. Vail
219 and 319. Flamenco Dance I and II. (A) Fall 2012
Technique, rhythms and history of Flamenco dance in a studio format. TDF 319 has a prerequisite of TDF 219 or permission of the instructor. Hevia y Vaca
227. Intermediate Ballet. (A) Fall 2013
Continued study of ballet technique and theory. Class includes kinesiological applications as well as historical and compositional investigations. The course emphasizes not only the practice of dancing but also of writing, thinking and speaking critically and clearly about ballet. Prerequisite: TDF 117 or permission of the instructor. Vail
260. Compositional Improvisation. (A) Spring 2014
The practice of improvisation not only as a tool for choreography, but also as an art and performance form in itself, offering profound experiences and discoveries. Students learn how to be fully present, both in body and in mind, making conscious choices and composing in the moment. Reading, writing and movement assignments support in-class practice. Prerequisite: TDF 116. Vail
317. Advanced Modern Dance, Technique and Performance. (A) Fall 2012
A continuation of modern dance technique study, with further development of flexibility, strength and efficiency in movement. Investigating individual dynamism and nuance in movement — aspects of performance — is an essential aspect of coursework. Strategies that enhance, deepen and develop this practice are explored through reading and writing assignments and studio work. Prerequisite: TDF 218 or permission of instructor. Vail
330. Choreography and the Creative Process. (A) 2013 – 2014
Investigation of choreographic problems and complex questions of artistry, based on reading, writing, discussion, feedback, movement exploration and performance. Questions asked include: What is creativity? How do we foster it for ourselves? Vail
490. Independent Study. (A) Every Semester
Independent study directed by the Theatre, Dance and Film staff. Permission of chairperson.
495. Senior Seminar. (A) Every Semester
See description under TDF Core Courses.
COURSES IN DANCE: ANALYTICAL FOCUS
220. Introduction to Movement Analysis. (A) 2013 – 2014
Introduction to concepts of movement analysis, including theoretical and practical investigations of effort, shape, space and the body in motion. Motif-writing, movement fundamentals, observational techniques and history of movement analysis are introduced through lecture, discussion and movement exploration. Brooks
238. Dance on the American Musical Stage. (A) 2013 – 2014
A lecture-survey, supplemented by studio experiences, of musical stage dancing in America from the colonial period to the present. Dance styles covered include acrobatic, ballet, ballroom, melodrama, exotic, folk, jazz, modern and tap. Same as AMS 238. Brooks
308. Writing Dance. (A) Fall 2013
Exploration of dance writing through literature (fiction and poetry), libretti and scenarios, dance journalism including criticism and dance and notation. In addition to writing about dance, students will realize, through movement, their own dance poetry and scenarios. Prerequisite: TDF 116 or permission of instructor. Brooks
320. Kinesiology for Dance. (A) Spring 2013
Study of the science of movement as it relates to dance, including basic anatomy and physiology, the physics involved in dancing and the mind-body connection responsible for producing and controlling movement. Lectures, discussions and movement focus on understanding how the body moves and on increasing movement efficiency to enhance performance and prevent injury.
330. Choreography and the Creative Process. (A)
See text above, under Performance courses.
331. History of Western Theatre Dance. (A)
Survey of the forces that have shaped and influenced stage dancing in much of Western Europe and the Americas beginning with the renaissance and moving through the baroque, romantic, classical, modern and contemporary periods. Class formats include lecture, discussions and studio sessions. Staff
370. Videodance. (A) 2013 – 2014
An intensive workshop investigating the relatively young art form of video dance. In addition to reading and writing assignments, coursework will entail analysis of existing dance films and creation of original works. Students will collaborate in all aspects of the creative process, which includes directing, choreography, filming, and editing. Students who have not had a previous video production workshop at F&M must also enroll in the half-credit course TDF162, “Introduction to Video Production.” Vail
380. Dance Notation and Repertory. (A) 2013 – 2014
Study of basic concepts and skills for reading and writing Labanotation, a system for recording movement in symbolic form. Studio work emphasizes recreating and performing dances from written scores. Staff
490. Independent Study. (A) Every Semester
Independent study directed by the Theatre, Dance and Film staff. Permission of chairperson.
