Dance Program: Course Descriptions
11 Introduction to Physical Theater (DNC 11 or DR 11)Techniques developed for the creation of non-text based theatre. Neutral mask, translations from other media, voice and movement, and development of eccentric characters. This studio class also includes reading and videos on these topics, as well as journals and short projects required. One course.
1 Credit.
51 Dance Movement and Creative Process
Put JAZZ in your body. Vigorous non-level movement, group processes,
and creative problem solving culminating in ensemble jamming using jazz-like
processes. World Dance videos provide a context for non-stylized materials.
No prerequisite.
1 Credit.
53 Beginning Modern Dance
For students who have little to no formal dance training.
Vocabulary, discipline, and appreciation of modern dance as an art form. Development of flexibility, strength,
balance, and coordination through warm-ups and and combinations. Collaborative creative work.
No prerequisite.
.5 course
credit.
54 Beginning Ballet with Creative Work
Introduction to basic ballet vocabulary through the practice of traditional barre
and center work. Contextualization of ballet with brief
assignments involving history or aesthetics. Creative
applications of ballet techniques in introductory compositional
problems.
.5 course credit.
55 Intermediate Modern Dance
Modern dance technique adapted for those with basic training in a movement
discipline such as ballet, jazz or another cultural form. Explores performance
qualities such as rhythm, musicality, partnering, and group dynamics.
Creative opportunities and appreciation of performance. Two repeats
by permission.
.5 course credit.
56 Intermediate Ballet with Creative Work
For students with prior ballet training, continuing with traditional barre and center work on an intermediate level. Contextualization of ballet with brief assignments involving history or aesthetics. Creative applications of ballet techniques in varied compositional problems.
.5 course credit.
57 Advanced Dance Technique
For students with substantial dance training in modern and/or ballet.
Modern-oriented technique, combinations, and creative studies. Aesthetic
context addressed in additional assignments. May be repeated.
.5
course credit.
61 West African Ewe Dances
Traditional dances of the Ewe people of West Africa (Ghana). The movement
style ranges from dances with vigorous torso movements to those with
graceful arching gestures of the arms. Songs and drumming included. The
class will culminate in a performance with the Tufts African Music
Ensemble (Kiniwe).
.5 course credit.
62 West African Dagomba Dances
Traditional dances of the Dagomba people of West Africa (Ghana). Styles
range from Dances with graceful twirling to those with vigorous hip
shimmying. Costumes from Africa provided. Songs and drumming included.
Ending performance with the African Music Ensemble under the performing
name "Kiniwe." Spring.
.5 course credit.
63 Introduction to Kathak Dance
Introduction to this classical dance-theatre of North India. Basic movements,
footwork patterns, spins, rhythms, and abhinaya (story-telling). Cultural
context and historical background interwoven. For complete novices and
those with some experience.
.5 course credit.
68 Advanced Performance Ensemble
For students
with significant dance technique experience. Creative collaboration with
a Boston-based professional choreographer on a work to be performed in
the Arena Theater. Warm-ups included. Aesthetic context of the work
developed through several short assignments. May be repeated for credit.
.5 course credit.
68 Tufts Dance Ensemble
There is no description at this time.
(Cross-listed as American Studies 184 and Environmental Studies 13.)
Introduction to African-American concert dance, history, creative process, and critical response. Choreographers and companies include Dunham, Ailey, Jones, Dance Theater of Harlem; the influence on them from African, Caribbean, and European cultures. Influence of biological determinism, race, and racism on the critical response to African-American dance. Critical thinking methods from science and art as tools for student responses to choreography.
1.0 course credit.
70 Viewing African-American Dance
91, 92 Varied Studio Forms
Check with
department for descriptions. Prerequisite; consent.
.5 course credit.
117 Studies in Dance Composition
Completion of varied composition assignments representing twentieth-century
methods. Includes aesthetic context, weekly lab work, and analysis.
Culminates in performance. Prerequisite: Dance 51 or consent. One-half
or one course credit. (Every other year).
.5-1 course credit.
191 Advanced Dance Studio (Fall)
There is no description at this time.
192 Advanced Dance
Studies (Spring)
There is no description at this time.