DA 101 Ballet
3 Credits, Fall
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 102 Ballet:
3 Credits, Spring
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 104 Ballet: Beginning for Non-Major
2 Credits, Rotating Terms
Introduction to ballet technique for non-dance majors. Students learn the basic ballet vocabulary, sound postural alignment, and coordination.Open to all majors.
DA 111 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Fall
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 112 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Spring
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 114 Modern Dance: Beginning/Non-Majors
2 Credits, Rotating Terms
Beginning modern dance technique for non-dance majors, emphasizing alignment, postural support and movement through space.
>Open to all majors.
DA 115 Movement Foundations
1 Credit, Fall
Experiential anatomy, conditioning techniques, and the Feldenkrais Method are integrated to create a foundation of conceptual understanding and physical awareness that enhances students’ work in technique courses. The courses focus on dynamic stabilization and mobility as technical and artistic goals.
DA 116 Movement Foundations
1 Credit, Spring
Experiential anatomy, conditioning techniques, and the Feldenkrais Method are integrated to create a foundation of conceptual understanding and physical awareness that enhances students’ work in technique courses. The courses focus on dynamic stabilization and mobility as technical and artistic goals.
DA 125 Jazz Dance: Beginning/Non-Majors
2 Credits, Rotating Terms
Introduction to jazz dance technique for non-dance majors. Students learn basic jazz dance vocabulary, strength, and coordination.
Open to all majors.
DA 126 Hip Hop Dance
2 Credits, Rotating Terms
Introduction to the Hip Hop dance technique, emphasizing movement vocabulary, rhythm, and qualitative accuracy.
Previous dance experience required.
DA 128 African Dance: Beginning
2 Credits, Spring
Introduction to African Dance, focusing on the traditional roots of dance and drum to understand the language of movement and rhythms.
Open to all majors.
DA 131 Lighting Design for Dance
2 Credits, Fall
Students learn the basic concepts and practices of dance lighting design and dance technical production. Class projects include designing lights for the New Moves Concert and designing a repertory dance plot. Students also serve as crew members for one department production.
DA 132 Technical Production for Dance
2 Credits, Spring
Students learn the basic concepts and practices of dance lighting design and dance technical production. Students participate in a variety of crew positions for department productions, developing the broad technical skills required for planning and executing the technical needs of a dance production. Open to non-majors with instructor’s permission.
DA 133 Rhythmic Fundamentals
2 Credits, Fall
Basic music notation, analysis and drumming provide a foundation for understanding musical elements such as meter, rhythm, phrasing, and form. Students develop expanded listening skills, rhythmic awareness, and an understanding of musical forms as they relate to dance.
DA 134 Listening to Music
2 Credits, Spring
In-depth listening and musical analysis provide strategies for students to communicate ideas about music and dance. Specific musical terminology about a broad range of musical literature will be covered to increase listening awareness and enhance choreography.
Prereq: DA 133
DA 150 Creative Foundations
1 Credit, Fall
This course introduces students to composition and improvisation through movement, writing and discussion. Students develop a foundation of conceptual understanding and experience that facilitates deeper work in the creative process curriculum.
DA 152 Compositional Practices 1
2 Credits, Spring
This course introduces and develops improvisation as a process for exploring creative impulses and creating new movement material. Students learn to create seed phrases and are introduced to choreographic crafting devices.
Prereq: DA 150
DA The Art of Yoga
2 Credits, Fall/Spring
The class provides centering, breathing, and relaxation techniques.
Open to all majors.
DA 201 Ballet
3 Credits, Fall
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 202 Ballet: Intermediate
3 Credits, Spring
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 205 Dance History
3 Credits, Fall
A survey of the history of Western theatrical dance that provides an aesthetic context for contemporary work and a basis for critical analysis of dance as an art form. Students expand their perspectives and develop an appreciation of their dance heritage.
NOTE: This course can satisfy Arts Elective requirements or H&S Elective requirements for non-Dance students. Open to all majors.
DA 206 Dance History
3 Credits, Spring
A survey of the history of Western theatrical dance that provides an aesthetic context for contemporary work and a basis for critical analysis of dance as an art form. Students expand their perspectives and develop an appreciation of their dance heritage.
NOTE: This course can satisfy Arts Elective requirements or H&S Elective requirements for non-Dance students. Open to all majors.
Prereq: DA 205
DA 207 Pointe Technique
1 Credit, Fall
Beginning intermediate pointe work for the female dancer with emphasis on stability through correct alignment, strength, control and accuracy. Minimum two years of prior pointe training required.
DA 208 Pointe Technique
1 Credit, Spring
Beginning intermediate pointe work for the female dancer with emphasis on stability through correct alignment, strength, control and accuracy. Minimum two years of prior pointe training required.
DA 211 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Fall
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 212 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Spring
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 219 Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
3 Credits, Fall
Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology of movement, emphasizing application to dance technique. The course emphasizes performance enhancement and injury prevention, providing students with tools for self-care and professional longevity.
NOTE: This course will satisfy H&S Science requirements for Dance students. For non-Dance students, it can satisfy Arts Elective requirements or H&S Science or Elective requirements.
DA 220 Kinesiology
2 Credits, Spring
Strategies for performance enhancement and injury prevention that provide students with tools for self-care and professional longevity.
Prereq: DA 219
DA 221 Repertory
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
New or existing works taught from a broad range of repertoire in solo or group choreography. Strengthens technique and performance skills by exploring movement material in depth and developing an individual voice within the choreography.
DA 223 Vocal Performance for Dance
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
Students learn and practice singing, acting and public speaking for use in musical theater, contemporary dance performance and choreography, and teaching. Basic vocal and acting techniques are introduced and combined with movement through solo and group works. Includes preparation for vocal and acting auditions.
DA 224 Tap: Introduction
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
Introduction to the rhythm tap dance technique, focusing on basic tap vocabulary and rhythm.
Open to all majors
DA 225 Jazz Dance: Intermediate
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
Intermediate level of Jazz Dance technique, emphasizing jazz vocabulary and style, rhythmic and dynamic phrasing.
DA 227 Special Techniques
1 Credit, Fall/Spring
Courses in world dance forms, martial arts, somatic movement techniques, and conditioning techniques offered on a rotating basis. Previous courses have included Pilates, Conditioning, Feldenkrais, Alexander, Skinner Releasing, Tai Chi, Salsa, Tango, and Balkan Folk Dance.
DA 229 Special Techniques
2 Credits, Rotating Terms
Dance technique courses in world dance forms, martial arts, somatic movement techniques, and conditioning techniques, offered on a rotating basis.
DA 231 Digital Dance Directed Studies
2 Credits, Fall
Students explore and develop digital dance projects independently, receiving feedback and guidance on composition and technology from peers and the instructor. The course addresses elements of dance composition for film including line of focus, spatial composition and framing.
DA 251 Compositional Practices 2
2 Credits, Fall
Students deepen their exploration of choreographic process and concept development, focusing on investigating solo material from diverse conceptual and structural sources. Students are introduced to musically derived forms and compositional elements of space, time and energy.
Prereq: DA 152
DA 252 Movement Analysis
2 Credits, Spring
This course addresses body articulation, expressive dynamics, spatiality, intention and style; and the implications of movement within artistic, social and cultural contexts. Students learn foundational theory, principles, vocabulary, and philosophy of Laban Movement Analysis through kinesthetic, written, and verbal experience.
Prereq: DA 251
DA Yoga II
2 Credits, Fall/Spring
This class will build upon the foundations learned and acquired in DA/TH Yoga. The class will integrate a more intense level of asana and vinyasa (flow yoga) at the same time it will encourage each student to practice at a level that serves their well-being. There will be a book and in-class discussions as part of the practice.Open to all majors.
DA 301 Ballet
3 Credits, Fall
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 302 Ballet
3 Credits, Spring
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 305 Modern Partnering
1 Credit, Spring
Contemporary partnering techniques of lifting and receiving weight are explored through contact improvisation and other approaches.
Prereq: DA 101, 102, 111 or 112
DA 306 Ballet Partnering Technique
1 Credit, Fall
Ballet partnering technique at intermediate/advanced level.
Prerequisite for female students: intermediate level Pointe Technique. Prerequisite for male students: competence in Male Technique.
DA 307 Pointe Technique
1 Credit, Fall
Intermediate/advanced pointe work for the female dancer, with emphasis on strength, speed, and control.
DA 308 Pointe Technique
1 Credit, Spring
Intermediate/advanced pointe work for the female dancer, with emphasis on strength, speed, and control.
DA 309 Male Technique
1 Credit, Fall
Practical work with ballet vocabulary traditionally required of a male ballet dancer.
DA 310 Male Technique
1 Credit, Spring
Practical work with ballet vocabulary traditionally required of a male ballet dancer.
DA 311 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Fall
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 312 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Spring
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 321 Spanish Dance
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
Concentrated study of Spanish dances.
DA 325 Jazz Dance: Advanced
1 Credit, Rotating Terms
Advanced level of jazz dance technique, emphasizing jazz vocabulary and style, rhythmic and dynamic phrasing.
Prereq: DA 101, 102, 111 or 112
DA 351 Compositional Practices 3
2 Credits, Fall
Students explore choreographic craft, conceptual ideas and personal movement vocabulary to create fully developed dances with more sophisticated use of choreographic and improvisational elements. Rehearsal time outside of class meetings is required.
Prereq: DA 252
DA 352 Advanced Choreography
3 Credits, Rotating Terms
Students employ sophisticated structural forms, conceptual ideas and personal movement vocabulary to deepen their choreographic development and expand their personal creative research in group choreography, site specific work, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Rehearsal time outside of class meetings is required.
Fulfills Advanced Dance Studies requirement. Prereq: DA 351
DA 354 Advanced Improvisation
3 Credits, Rotating Terms
Students deepen their creative research in the practice and performance of improvisation. The course models professional settings in which improvisation is the main modality for creation and performance, and includes the creation of scores and improvisational performance events. Possible projects include site specific work and interdisciplinary collaborations.
DA 361 Cornish Dance Theater
1 to 2 Credits, Fall
Faculty and visiting professional choreographers select students to rehearse in a professional company atmosphere. The company presents two major seasons per year, featuring a broad range of repertoire. Credits assigned vary depending on casting.
DA 362 Cornish Dance Theater
1 to 2 Credits, Spring
Faculty and visiting professional choreographers select students to rehearse in a professional company atmosphere. The company presents two major seasons per year, featuring a broad range of repertoire. Credits assigned vary depending on casting.
DA 393 Choreography/Performance: New Moves
1 Credit, Spring
Participation in annual New Moves student choreography concert as choreographer and/or performer. Student choreographers are advised and critiqued by faculty.
DA 394 Reh./Performance Senior Project
1 to 2 Credits, Spring
Participation in Dance BFA Concerts as a performer. May be taken for either 1 or 2 credits.
DA 396–399 Independent Study
1 to 4 Credits
Focuses on a special project of the student’s choice and design that is unavailable within the regular curriculum. Junior standing and permission from Department Chair required.
DA 401 Ballet
3 Credits, Fall
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 402 Ballet
3 Credits, Spring
All ballet courses focus on anatomically sound technique with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize knowledge of the classical vocabulary, sound alignment, deep muscular core support, and efficient movement mechanics, as well as movement quality and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 411 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Fall
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 412 Modern Dance
3 Credits, Spring
All modern courses focus on anatomically sound technique, with respect for individual physical limitations. Courses emphasize sound alignment, deep muscular core support, efficient movement mechanics, and use of weight, as well as qualitative and expressive phrasing. Class assignment is based on previous experience and progress.
DA 435 Contemporary Issues in Dance
2 Credits, Fall
Graduating seniors prepare for professional careers by researching career options and defining personal and artistic goals. Students learn to perform administrative tasks expected of dance professionals such as concert production, fundraising, production of resumes, and grant proposals.
DA 436 Contemporary Issues in Dance
2 Credits, Spring
Graduating seniors prepare for professional careers by researching career options and defining personal and artistic goals. Students learn to perform administrative tasks expected of dance professionals such as concert production, fundraising, production of resumes, and grant proposals.
Prereq: DA 435
DA 467 Senior Project
3 Credits, Fall/Spring
Advanced independent work in choreography, performance, production, teaching, aesthetic foundations, or other areas related to dance that culminates in a performance or significant project.
DA 469 Dance Internship
1 to 3 Credits, Fall/Spring
Participation in a professional dance setting as a performer, choreographer, teacher, arts administrator, or other dance-related position. For seniors only, with approval of department chair. Internships can be taken for up to 3 credits.
DA 481 Teaching Methods
2 Credits, Fall/Spring
A conceptual and practical exploration of approaches to teaching dance technique. Topics include learning styles, methods of feedback, and working with musicians. Focus will be on general class content and structure and the development of students’ personal teaching philosophy.
DA 482 Teaching Creative Movement
3 Credits, Rotating Terms
An overview and analysis of approaches and methods of teaching concept-based creative movement, providing students with a conceptual foundation for teaching and practical experience in the K-12 school system. Fulfills Advanced Dance Studies requirement. Offered alternating years.
DA 496–499 Independent Study
1 to 4 Credits
Focuses on a special project of the student’s choice and design that is unavailable within the regular curriculum. Senior standing and permission from Department Chair required.
