Location

(M 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

Location

(R 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Yoga is defined as union, the uniting together of ourselves in all aspects- body, mind, heart, spirit. This class introduces the student to a hatha yoga method which integrates a dynamic and engaging approach to living through practicing on and off the mat. The goal of this class is to learn how to create a deeper, more enlivened relationship to ones self through honoring ones abilities and limitations, while growing ones skills and sensitivity in the supportive environment of the class community. Students will engage with principles of attitude, alignment and action in a full range of hatha yoga poses, breathing techniques, readings on yoga philosophy, reflection, journaling and discussion. Through this ongoing process, students of yoga are encouraged to cultivate a more expansive and clear perception of self and others. Attendance in selected workshops and performances are required.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

Body conditioning aimed to develop and strengthen specific musculature as it pertains to physical demands of dancers, athletes, martial artists, as well as those who wish to explore a mindful, physical and anatomically sound practice. Will introduce fundamental strength training based in Pilates, hands-on bodywork and basic movement sequences designed to help prevent injury as well as build core strength, endurance, coordination and overall physical mobility and stability.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

Development of basic skills, energy, strength, control, continuity, and rhythmic and bodily awareness through the teaching of rhythm tap dance. No previous tap dance experience is expected.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

Focus is on contemporary dance, a form that is an evolving exploration of expression through movement. It will blend the challenges of full-bodied, momentum-driven dancing with a sense of ones own self-awareness and discovery. Through rigorous dancing, move beyond not only physical, but also artistic boundaries and dimensions.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

From subtle intrinsic movement to whole body integration, students will have the opportunity to experience several somatic modalities and discover what it means to be fully alive in movement and stillness. Mindful Awareness provide the foundation for listening inwardly to ones immediate embodied experience. From this felt sense and the inherent wisdom of the body, students will be encouraged by various practitioners to explore Alexander Technique, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Body-Mind Centering, and Continuum Movement. This work can be powerful for dancers, and others who are inquisitive, in becoming more open, present, resilient and centered. Experiential practice, readings, discussion, and reflective writing will comprise the course. Participation in 2 labs throughout the semester may be required.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

An art form of self-defense with aerobic and dance elements that brings together a harmony of forces. Through history, movement and culture, students gain self-confidence, power, flexibility, endurance, and tools towards self-discovery. Open to all, Capoeira balances the body, mind, and soul and enables one to break through limits, revitalizing oneself for everyday life.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 6:30PM - 7:50PM)

Dynamic dance traditions of Guinea, West Africa. Accompanied by live music, students learn footwork and movements for several rhythms and acquire familiarity with the physical stance common to many styles of West African dance. Learn to execute movements together with the rhythmic foundation provided by our drummers and become familiar with the origins and cultural significance of each dance, and the songs that accompany them.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Originated in the boroughs of New York City, hip hop has grown to become a global phenomenon, influencing the lives of countless individuals with the core ideals of peace, unity, love and having fun. The class will provide a look into the historical origins and social importance of hip hop culture. The main focus will be on the original dance of hip hop culture - breaking, (also known as bboying). The class format is geared towards physical movement along with lectures, videos and opportunities to attend events in the community.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 103 (MW 8:00PM - 9:15PM)

This course will focus on the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems primarily in order to explore efficiency of movement, alignment, and body connectivity. Additionally, the class will explore topics that promote well-being such as: nutrition, hydration, rest, joint health, injury prevention, basic injury treatments, and fitness and strength practices that support the demands of dance. The class will include reading, discussion, research, creative approaches, writing, and kinesthetic practice. The course requires 4 workshops that will be scheduled with the class outside of regular class time.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

This course offers an introduction to Peacebuilding and Conflict Studies, while asking how dance and movement practices experienced both as participants and spectators can actively participate in creating a better world for individuals and communities. With perspectives drawn from diverse fields including psychology, anthropology, sociology, physiology, education and dance, students learn how conflict depletes individuals ability to interact with others and how dance practices can help replenish these capacities. Students also develop their leadership and facilitation skills through designing and implementing relevant movement activities for their peers.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

A study of Taijiquan, (also known as Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Chi?), a traditional Chinese martial art, and its intimate relationship to the cosmological, physiological, and philosophical conceptions found in the culture and thought from which it emerged. The course investigates both the traditional Chinese philosophy and movement aspects of Tai Chi in order to better understand the integration of human body, mind, and spirit. The Simplified 24-Step Taijiquan (Ershisi Shi Taijiquan) is learned, along with the foundation skills of the Eight Methods or Energies (Ba Fa), Reeling Silk (Chan Si Gong), Pushing Hands (Tui Shou), and Standing Pole meditation (Zhan Zhuang). Tai Chi is not only a valuable cross training exercise for the dancer, but also provides training for relaxed strength, whole body coordination, balance, centered alignment, timing, weight shifting and moving with fluid grace.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Qi Gong is a ancient Chinese internal art and an early forerunner of Tai Ji Quan. It is an Eastern Movement Discipline (EMD) which embodies a holism of Eastern martial arts and Eastern meditation. This course is a study of the philosophical roots, mindful practices and physical movements of Qi Gong in order to better understand and attain the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Topics will include traditional Chinese cultural concepts such as Yin-Yang theory, Five Element theory and Qi theory and their potential inclusion in modern Western culture. Qi Gong provides the dancer and athlete with healthy lifestyle practices and fitness training for better breathing, body awareness, focus and concentration, mental presence, imagery, and cultivating and expressing energy flow.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (F 10:00AM - 12:00PM)

This course is designed as an extension of previous ballet training, offering the opportunity to continue the study of classical ballet at the beginning/intermediate level. Students will engage in an exploration of the physical and aesthetic elements of classical ballet within a contemporary framework. Current practices and concepts regarding dance training (anatomy, somatics, etc.) will be explored while maintaining several traditional aspects of the training process. Students in this course can expect to learn in a supportive environment in which they can acquire a deeper appreciation of ballet as an art form, a greater understanding and command of ballet vocabulary in terms of function and expression, and an increased sense of self-awareness and the mind-body connection.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 8:40AM - 10:10AM)

To facilitate establishing a personal practice, attendance will be required at meditation labs on Fridays

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (F 9:00AM - 9:50AM)

This is an introductory design course aimed at giving students exposure to light as a medium, lighting design, lighting equipment, and visual story telling for performance through class discussion, and practical work. This is a 2 credit course which meets on Fridays 3:30pm-6:30pm. Students should also be prepared to have some flexibility in our effort to create/design dance videos during the semester.  More details to follow on the first day of class.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (F 12:30PM - 3:30PM)

Foundations and Principles of Dance/Movement Therapy examines the ways dance/movement therapy in the west has integrated Asian concepts, natural movement, formal elements of dance, creative processes, music, verbal expression, and constructs drawn from psychology and counseling to treat a wide range of populations. Students will compare and contrast the treatment of individuals seeking help for a range of concerns (e.g., psychosis, autism, anxiety, eating disorders, histories of abuse). Experientials, creative dance, and videotapes of actual sessions with a variety of populations highlight these concepts. Dress comfortably and be prepared to move.

Location

O'Brien Residence Hall Room 104 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

In this course, students practice contemporary dance forms and examine concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories. Classes explore patterns of total body organization and connectivity, efficiency of movement, weight sensing, and somatic practices. Students develop self-awareness and technical skills while addressing artistry and self-expression. The course looks at Contemporary Dances rich history and its influence on 21st century forms. In addition to movement practice, students participate in discussions, workshops and performances.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 11:50AM - 1:35PM)

This fall course provides a forum for dance majors, especially with a concentration in Dance Studies, to develop ideas for their interdisciplinary research projects. Juniors or Seniors taking this course will be introduced to various research methods, as well as viewing, reading about and experiencing existing interdisciplinary and collaborative work. Working under advisement of the instructor, students will identify a mentor within the Program of Dance and Movement, as well as an advisor from a partnering discipline when appropriate, who agrees to provide external feedback. In preparation for creating a Senior thesis, students engage in individualized research, concept planning, and drafting written and performative material. To support the research in this course, students may participate in internships, lab work, creative practice, service learning, and/or other community-based work.

Location

Todd Union Room 202F (TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

Continuing technical development and comprehension and integration of theory into practice is the focus in this course. Students will practice contemporary dance experientially through examining dance concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories and by exploring complex choreographic combinations. Classes will explore continuity and connectivity, patterns of total body organization, efficiency of movement, momentum, musculo-skeletal anatomy, strength, alignment, weight sensing, rhythm and somatic practices to develop and improve technical skills. We will also investigate subtlety and individual expression in performance. Experience in dance required. Having already taken DAN250 is helpful.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 11:50AM - 1:35PM)

Continuing technical development and comprehension and integration of theory into practice is the focus in this course. Students will practice contemporary dance experientially through examining dance concepts influenced by Laban/Bartenieff theories and by exploring complex choreographic combinations. Classes will explore continuity and connectivity, patterns of total body organization, efficiency of movement, momentum, musculo-skeletal anatomy, strength, alignment, weight sensing, rhythm and somatic practices to deepen the investigation and mastery of technical skills. We will also continue to work on deepening the understanding or artistry as it pertains to subtlety and individual expression in performance. Pre-requisite: DAN 266: Intermediate Contemporary Dance

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 11:50AM - 1:35PM)

Experiment with various methods of dance-making and focus on examining craft in the service of choreographic expression. You will be encouraged to curiously and playfully embody manipulations of movement material to better understand different points of view and to explore the elements of time, space, shape and effort to see how they affect quality and content. Drawing from dance, visual art, music, current events, writings and other sources, we will explore diverse approaches to creativity, experimentation and choreography.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 1:55PM - 3:15PM)

Dancer as Collaborator is a one-credit movement course engaging students as dancers for choreographic work generated from the DANC 278 Choreography class and/or the Program of Dance and Movements Fall Concert. DANC 279 students act as collaborators in that they embody and perform the choreographers concepts and vision and participate in creative process. Rehearsals will average twice weekly for the bulk of the semester. Pieces created in this course will be included in the Fall concert, the End of the Term Showings, and/or other Program approved performance opportunities throughout the semester. Enrollment is by permission of instructor. Please email requests to m.p.smith@rochester.edu.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Taught by a long-time member of Les Ballets Africains, the national ballet of Guinea, instructor Fana Bangoura will introduce students in this course to dynamic dance traditions of West Africa and will join with them the power of percussion. Students will also become familiar with the origins and cultural significance of each dance, and the songs that accompany them. By breaking down the drum parts alongside the traditional dance movements, students experience dancing and drumming in perfect unison. This opportunity is geared for both drummers and dancers and is highly recommended for all skill levels.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Sansifanyi offers experienced dancers the opportunity to study West African dance forms as well as studying cultural history and context from which and in which they are performed at a professional level. This course requires a high degree of student commitment. Dancers who enroll in Sansifanyi will learn choreographic techniques for West African dance and gain experience dancing as soloists. They will also focus on rhythmic timing, and on advanced skills such as how to combine movement with drumming. In addition to the time students spend in class, dancers in the ensemble are expected to spend several hours per week researching, reading, writing, viewing videos, text and article analysis, practicing, and choreographing various rhythms, songs, movements, and sequences. Dancers must also be available for performances both on and off campus throughout the semester.   Clusters: Improvisation and the Creative Process, Movement and Culture, Dance and Performance. Prerequisite: Audition on first day of class or for dancers, one of the following: DANC 181/182, DANC 283, DANC 253, DANC 285: For drummers one of the following: MUSC 168A, MUSC 168B, MUSC 146

Email kerfala.bangoura@rochester.edu with questions 

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 6:45PM - 8:15PM)

Within a choreographic process, students experience the creation of new work and/or repertory that will be adapted in order to draw on the unique artistry of each of the dancers. Experience a rehearsal process from beginning to end, addressing a variety of performance techniques and carrying out various production aspects of performance as well as performance itself in various public settings.

Location

Spurrier Gymnasium Room 104 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration.