Dance Courses at UMM

DNCE 1321 - Introduction to Modern Dance and Ballet (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; S-N only, fall, every year)
Practice in the fundamental movement vocabulary and steps of dance with an emphasis on traditional ballet techniques and modern dance interpretations. Exploration of body awareness through improvisational exercises and compositional studies. Discussion of the cultural origins of style in dance and the role of dance in contemporary life.

DNCE 1322 - Introduction to Jazz and Modern Dance (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; S-N only, spring, every year)
Fundamental movement vocabulary and steps of dance from the unique perspective of American Jazz combined with modern dance. Explores body awareness through improvisational exercises and composed studies. Discussion of dance in contemporary life, individual style, and the cultural origins of jazz music and movement.

DNCE 1323 - Introduction to Tap Dance (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; S-N only, fall, every year)
Practice in footwork and introduction to vocabulary that forms the basis of the percussive dance form. Discussion of origins of the dance form, different styles and relationship to musical structures. Practice in improvisational tap skills.

DNCE 1331 - Ballet I (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1321 or #; fall, spring, every year)
A basic study of ballet including its vocabulary, technique, and history. Appropriate for beginning-level students or students who have completed Dnce 1321 or 1322.

DNCE 1332 - Jazz Dance I (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1322 or #; spring, every year)
A basic study of jazz dance including its technique, history, and applications. Appropriate for beginning-level students or students who have completed Dnce 1321 or 1322.

DNCE 1333 - Modern Dance I (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1321 or 1322 or #; spring, every year)
A basic study of modern dance including alignment, technique, and history. Appropriate for beginning-level students or students who have completed Dnce 1321 or 1322.

DNCE 1334 - Tap Dance I (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1323 or #; tap shoes are required; spring, every year)
Practice in footwork and advanced beginning vocabulary of this percussive dance form, including opportunities for improvisation. Learn about the origins of the dance form, different styles and how they evolved, and the dance form's relationship to musical structures. Learn and compose tap dance choreography.
Effective: Spring 2009

DNCE 2011 - Dance in Society (HDIV)
(4.0 cr; fall, odd years)
Through a broad, cross-cultural survey of the different ways in which dance functions in the modern world, students gain an appreciation of the way this art form reflects social and historical experiences. Includes lectures, readings, and opportunities to see dance through videos, observations, and live performances.

DNCE 2301 - Practicum in Dance (ART/P)
(1.0 cr; Prereq-#; fall, spring, every year)
Directed projects in performance and production aspects of dance for the stage. Projects can be focused on either choreography or technical theatre for dance.

DNCE 2311 - Dance Composition (ART/P)
(4.0 cr; fall, offered when feasible)
Introduction to the basic elements of choreography, including the use of space, time, energy, abstraction, motif and development, and the selection of music. Using improvisation and assigned movement problems to learn the process of crafting solo and group choreography. [Continuihg Education course]

DNCE 2331 - Ballet II (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1331 or #; ballet slippers required; fall, every year)
A low intermediate-level study of classical ballet. Emphasis on advancing technical skill through conditioning and performance of ballet steps and combinations.

DNCE 2332 - Jazz Dance II (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1332 or #; spring, every year)
Builds upon basic dance vocabulary with emphasis on the movement vocabulary of jazz dance. Emphasis on African dance roots and stylistic variations in contemporary jazz dance forms. Includes a performance experience.

DNCE 2333 - Modern Dance II (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-1333 or #; fall, every year)
Builds upon basic dance vocabulary with movement exercises drawn from traditional schools of modern dance technique (Wigman/Holm, Graham, Humphrey/Limon, Horton, Cunningham). Emphasis is on advancing technical skills through conditioning, improvisation, and movement combinations. Includes a performance experience.

DNCE 2993 - Directed Study
(1.0 - 5.0 cr [max 10.0 cr]; Prereq-approved directed study form; fall, spring, summer, every year)
A learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum such as dance history, choreography and directing, dance education for children.

DNCE 3031 - Ballet III (ART/P)
(1.0 cr [max 3.0 cr]; Prereq-2331 or #; ballet slippers required; spring, every year)
Advanced level study of ballet technique with focus on the fine tuning of physical and performing skills. Appropriate for upper level students. [Continuing Education course]

DNCE 3993 - Directed Study
(1.0 - 5.0 cr [max 10.0 cr]; Prereq-approved directed study form; fall, spring, summer, every year)
A learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum such as dance history, choreography and directing, dance education for children.

DNCE 4993 - Directed Study
(1.0 - 5.0 cr [max 10.0 cr]; Prereq-approved directed study form; fall, spring, summer, every year)
A learning experience individually arranged between a student and a faculty member for academic credit in areas not covered in the regular curriculum such as dance history, choreography and directing, dance education for children.