This course focuses on developing an individual practice and approach based on their interests and questions. This course emphasizes the creative process, how our choreographic practice happens in relation to technology and ways to expand our notions of dance making. We engage in interdisciplinary practices involving new media and look closely at different artists and their processes. Students will expand their ideas of choreography through participating in compositional exercises, discussions and critical feedback sessions while creating choreography of their own. Students share bi-weekly regarding their practices and a final performance for the public is required.
- Teacher: Jungeun Kim
Bethany Formica Bender uses her multi-company performance experience and eclectic skill base in a class designed to build up ideas and break down contemporary/modern dance technique. One need not be afraid to sweat, laugh, or fall over. This introductory dance class is accessible and aerobic, so humor and high energy are all that are required. Contemporary Modern I is designed to put participants in touch with their bodies, help them focus, connect, and collaborate, while allowing every individual’s voice to be heard. This course encourages a sense of playful humanism, evoking new ways of thinking and moving, problem-solving and multitasking. The dance playing field is leveled, and the value of play and laughter enlivens the body in completely unexpected ways. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance and two short reflection papers are required.
- Teacher: Beth Bender
Course Objective: African Dance I introduces students to movement concepts and
vocabulary from African Diaspora Dance and Drum Traditions. Students will gain a
beginning understanding of how to embody African dance and aesthetic principles implicit
in African Derived movement and music. In a contemporary context, we will practice African dance traditions found on the continent and in the diaspora. We will focus on two dance traditions. Lamban, a dance and rhythm of the Jaili (Griot) from the Mende people of Mali; Kpanlogo, a contemporary recreational/social dance and rhythm rooted in the traditional rhythms of the Ga People of Ghana during African Independence. In keeping with the cultural traditions, students will dance, sing and drum.
Course Goals
▪ To honor the body as a profound way of knowing and learning.
▪ To embrace ideas of presence and expressiveness inside of one’s dancing, singing and playing.
▪ To increase the student’s general knowledge, skills and execution of the Lamban and Kpanlogo techniques
with particular emphasis on body alignment, rhythmic accuracy, energy, flow, coordination, flexibility, and
strength
▪ To gain an understanding and execution of groundedness and other aesthetic core qualities in African dance
forms.
▪ To introduce the students to traditions specific to Mende and Ga dance and drum techniques
vocabulary from African Diaspora Dance and Drum Traditions. Students will gain a
beginning understanding of how to embody African dance and aesthetic principles implicit
in African Derived movement and music. In a contemporary context, we will practice African dance traditions found on the continent and in the diaspora. We will focus on two dance traditions. Lamban, a dance and rhythm of the Jaili (Griot) from the Mende people of Mali; Kpanlogo, a contemporary recreational/social dance and rhythm rooted in the traditional rhythms of the Ga People of Ghana during African Independence. In keeping with the cultural traditions, students will dance, sing and drum.
Course Goals
▪ To honor the body as a profound way of knowing and learning.
▪ To embrace ideas of presence and expressiveness inside of one’s dancing, singing and playing.
▪ To increase the student’s general knowledge, skills and execution of the Lamban and Kpanlogo techniques
with particular emphasis on body alignment, rhythmic accuracy, energy, flow, coordination, flexibility, and
strength
▪ To gain an understanding and execution of groundedness and other aesthetic core qualities in African dance
forms.
▪ To introduce the students to traditions specific to Mende and Ga dance and drum techniques
- Teacher: Jeannine Osayande
DANC 060. Dance Technique: Contemporary Modern III
Bethany Formica Bender uses her multi-company performance experience and eclectic skill base in a class designed to build up ideas and break down contemporary/modern dance technique. One need not be afraid to sweat, laugh, or fall over. This class is accessible and aerobic; humor and high energy are important. This advanced level contemporary dance course builds on skills developed in Modern I & II. Additional vocabulary and increased floor work including inversions will be introduced with a focus on building stamina, increasing technical proficiency, and beginning to work on performance quality. We will also be viewing a variety of contemporary dance artists to deepen and discuss our relationship with dance. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance and two short reflection papers are required.
Can't wait to share the room with you.
Bethany Formica Bender uses her multi-company performance experience and eclectic skill base in a class designed to build up ideas and break down contemporary/modern dance technique. One need not be afraid to sweat, laugh, or fall over. This class is accessible and aerobic; humor and high energy are important. This advanced level contemporary dance course builds on skills developed in Modern I & II. Additional vocabulary and increased floor work including inversions will be introduced with a focus on building stamina, increasing technical proficiency, and beginning to work on performance quality. We will also be viewing a variety of contemporary dance artists to deepen and discuss our relationship with dance. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance and two short reflection papers are required.
Can't wait to share the room with you.
- Teacher: Beth Bender