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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.
58 Tufts Dance 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.
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.
65 The Art of Salsa
Salsa dance techniques and combinations in context of Latino/a
culture. Focus on dance proficiency, Afro-Latin roots, and
music/dance relationship. Primarily a studio course, some written
assignments as well as ethnographic practicum in the field.
.5 course credit.
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.
184 Viewing African-American Dance
(Cross-listed as American Studies 184) 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.
191/192 Advanced Dance Studies (Fall or Spring)
Guided independent work on papers, theses, and senior composition
projects, or advanced special special topics courses. Half or full
credit pending scope of each project or course. Please contact
department for specific details.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
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