Dance Program: Course Descriptions

11 Introduction to Physical Theater--NOT OFFERED F12 (DNC 11 or DR 11)
Collaborations and creative projects in sound and movement, translations from other media, mask, and development of eccentric characters. Work placed in theatrical context through readings, viewings, and writing to create expanded views of performance for novice and experienced performers. 1 course credit.

51 Dance Movement and Creative Process
Vigorous non-level movement, group processes, and creative problem solving culminating in ensemble jamming. Unconventional warm-ups; the sourcing and arranging of new movement ideas; and the beginnings of partnering. In addition, we probe the nature of creativity and performance and offer reactions to new materials viewed on video and in class through brief reflective writings. Whether you are a novice male or a long-term student of ballet, this class is for you and anyone in between. No prerequisite. .5 or 1 course 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. Creative applications of ballet techniques in introductory compositional problems. 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. 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
Development of a performance work through faculty direction or ensemble collaboration led by a faculty member. Creation, performance, video documentation, and analysis of form and content in aesthetic context. May be repeated. .5 course credit.

59 Beginning Hip Hop Fusion
Hip hop dance techniques influenced by pop jazz with considerations of cultural, aesthetic, or historical context. For beginners and those with limited experience. .5 course credit.

60 Intermediate Hip Hop Fusion
Hip hop techniques with pop jazz influences and locking and popping. Cultural, aesthetic, or historical context included. For those with intermediate dance experience or Dance 59. .5 course credit.

63 North Indian Dance: Kathak
Introduction to this classical dancetheatre 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. May be taken before or after Dnc 64 .5 course credit.

64 Kathak Dance-Theatre
Practice of the ancient Indian tradition of dramatic storytelling through the skills of facial expression (abhinaya), hand gestures (mudras), song (sangeet), rhythm (tal), with footwork. Students dance traditional stories from the Ramayana and end the course by applying their skills to contemporary stories, poems, and/or songs. Cultural context of the form included. Appropriate for beginners. May be taken before or after Dnc 63. .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.

66 Intermediate Salsa
The practice and ethnology of salsa through an Afro-Cuban lens in interaction with Latin/o culture. Dances taught include antecedent sacred dances, rumba, cha cha cha, and contemporary rueda de casino. Physical understanding of salsa through body movement, vocabulary, and styling as reinforced through the Afro-Cuban roots of salsa. .5 course credit.

68 West African Dances of Identity
Dances of Senegal, Mali, and Guinea involving the performing of personal identity. Themes include male and female roles, the wedding ceremony, and family formation. Movements range from the highly aerobic to lilting to those with challenging coordinations of the body. Cultural context is a significant element of the course. All levels; no pre-requisite. .5 course credit.

69 West African Dances of Community
Dances of Senegal, Mali and Guinea involving domestic, agricultural, and hunting activities. The transcending of family identities in the development of community. Movements range from the highly aerobic to lilting to those with challenging coordination of the body. Cultural context is a significant element of the course. All levels; no pre-requisite. .5 course credit.

91, 92 Special Topics
Guided independent study of an approved topic or for a new course in not yet in the curriculum. Credit as arranged. Please see departmental website for specific details. .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 or 1 course credit.

184 Viewing African-American Dance--NOT OFFERED S12
(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, senior composition projects, or advanced special special topics courses. Half or full credit pending scope of each project or course. Contact the Dance Program for specific details. Prerequisites: as listed with each semester's offering.