Course Finder

• Advisory: DANCE 22A

Formerly DANCE 23.

This course is an intermediate level of Mexican dance with an emphasis on traditional dance styles not covered in Dance 22 (Beginning Mexican Dance). Students will learn intermediate level body placement, footwork, rhythm patterns, and choreography. The course also provides historical context, including European and African cultural influences on Mexican dance, as well as the influence of religion, music, art, and popular styles on traditional Mexican dance forms. Dance techniques learned may serve as preparation for the World Dance Performance Courses (Dance 57A and 57B).

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course introduces students to the movement and music of Flamenco Dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. Dance techniques are studied in relationship to Cantos or Flamenco song, and compared to Spanish classical and folk dance.

Dance 24 serves as preparation for Dance 57A, the Global Motion performance class. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 24.

This course offers an intermediate level of Flamenco dance with emphasis on aesthetic concepts and principles of traditional and contemporary Flamenco dance movement along with an understanding of Flamenco rhythms, accents, and nuances. Course content will include in-depth study of Gypsy dance movement and culture, “cante” (singing), the Andalusian aesthetic, Bulerias, Tangos, Sevillanas, and several other “Palos” (Flamenco genres defined by their melody, rhythm, and point of origin). Correct body alignment and placement will be stressed with the goal of mastering intermediate level steps, footwork, and rhythmic patterns. Students will critically analyze this global dance form in relation to current and historical contexts.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course is an introduction to the study of African dance with an emphasis on West African traditional and contemporary dances. Emphasis is on techniques of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Dunham Technique.

Dance 25 serves as preparation for Dance 57A, the Global Motion performance class. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 25.

This course is an intermediate level of West African dance with an emphasis on techniques of Guinea, Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast. The class will introduce both traditional and contemporary styles of West African dance and offer lectures in historical/cultural practices at an intermediate level.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course introduces students to the movement and music of Salsa Dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. The basic dance technique, musical structure, and terminology is studied along with elements of body placement, style, and characteristics of the form including turning techniques and partnering. Additionally, bachata and cha-cha-cha dance forms will also be studied in this course.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 26A.

This Intermediate Salsa Dance course immerses students in the movement and music of Latin American social dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. Intermediate levels of dance techniques, musical structure, and terminology are studied along with elements of body placement, style, and characteristics of the form including turning techniques, solo work and partnering. Additionally, intermediate levels of Bachata and Cha-cha-cha dance forms will also be studied in this course.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course surveys Brazilian dance with an emphasis on Afro-Brazilian technique and styles. Course content will include dances of the Candomble Orixas, folkloric forms such as Maculele and Maracatu, Samba, and contemporary Brazilian choreographies. Instruction will also include lectures on the vital relationship between dance, drumming, song, costume, and legends of these living traditions. The impact of these dance forms on Brazilian society will also be presented in both lecture and movement technique.

Dance 27 serves as preparation for Dance 57A, the Global Motion performance class. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 27 or equivalent experience.

This course offers an intermediate level of Brazilian dance with an emphasis on further developing aesthetic concepts and principles of traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance movement. Course content will include in-depth study of orixa dance movement, introduction to the Silvestre Technique, folkloric dances from the Northeastern region of Brazil, contemporary Afro-Bahian dances and further development of these living dance genres in performance. Correct body alignment and placement will be stressed with the goal of mastering new steps, more advanced footwork, rhythmic patterns and critical analysis of this global dance form.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course introduces students to the movement, music, and costumes of Middle Eastern/North African Dance. In this course students will examine historic culture and modern developments in this dance genre. Students will study the origins of Middle Eastern/North African dance techniques, rhythms, and terminology.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

Formerly DANCE 31.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on body alignment/placement. The class focuses on foundational level ballet technique and musicality, progressing from barre to center work. Basic movement vocabulary is introduced to implement strength, coordination, and flexibility. This course is intended to prepare students for 31B.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 31A.

This course develops beginning level concepts and principles of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on body alignment/placement. The class focuses on building consistency in the fundamental concepts of ballet technique and musicality, progressing from barre to center work at the beginning level. Movement vocabulary and phrases further develop strength, coordination, and flexibility. This course is a continuation of Dance 31A, preparing for Dance 32A.

• Advisory: DANCE 31B or equivalent experience.

Formerly DANCE 32.

This course offers a beginning/low-intermediate level of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of classical ballet form. Class focuses on improving alignment/placement through barre and center combinations, enhancing coordination and musicality. Movement vocabulary and phrases are designed to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance at a beginning/low-intermediate level. This course prepares students for 32B.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 32A or equivalent experience.

This course offers a low-intermediate level of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on refining aesthetic concepts and principles of classical ballet form. The class focuses on maintaining alignment/placement through barre and center combinations, with the goal of performing more intricate steps and movement vocabulary. Course progresses through low-intermediate level ballet steps and phrases designed to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, and musicality. This course is a continuation of 32A.

• Advisory: DANCE 32 or equivalent experience.

Formerly DANCE 33.

This course is designed to introduce the concepts and principles of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level. Dance 33A is taught in the classically accepted manner of learning ballet technique. Exercises at the barre and centre will incorporate combinations of movements practiced to various musical rhythms and dynamics. This course facilitates students learning of other dance styles, and prepares the dancer for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 33A or equivalent experience.

Formerly DANCE 34.

This course is designed for students to continue to master concepts and principles of intermediate ballet technique with an emphasis on the development of improving technical ability. Exercises at the barre and the centre will continue to incorporate combinations of movements practiced to various musical rhythms and dynamics. This course will introduce concepts of dance kinesiology and injury prevention as well as prepare the dancer for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 33B or equivalent experience.

Formerly DANCE 35.

This course is designed for the students with a sound understanding and mastery of ballet technique at an intermediate/advanced level of ability. Extensive ballet terminology, complex combinations of movements, diverse musical rhythms and dynamics will be introduced throughout the semester. This course will emphasize strengthening the student’s technical ability and preparing the student for study at the advanced level of ballet technique. Study of kinesiology and injury prevention will be included as well as preparation for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Advisory: DANCE 34A or equivalent experience.

Formerly DANCE 36.

This course is designed for the student at the advanced level of ballet technique. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the advanced level of technique the dancer has achieved. Extensive ballet terminology, intricate movement combinations, diverse musical rhythms and dynamics will be centered both at barre and centre. This course will prepare students for auditions and stage performance experience in professional fields, as well as guide the student to devise the movement combinations for the class in anticipation of future teaching responsibilities. Study of kinesiology and injury prevention will continue to be included. Students majoring in dance should prepare audition for transfer. This class is intended for dance majors.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Prerequisite: Instructor approval required.
• Advisory: DANCE 34B or equivalent experience.

This course introduces the advanced ballet student to the basics of beginning pointe work. Topics covered include placement and strength-building exercises, selection of proper footwear, and barre and center work in soft shoes and en pointe.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

• Prerequisite: Instructor approval required.
• Advisory: DANCE 37 or equivalent experience.

This course introduces advanced ballet students to the intermediate level of pointe work. Students work on placement, body alignment and barre and center work en pointe at the intermediate level. Students will learn selected classical variations necessary for transfer and professional auditions. This class is intended for dance majors.

Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.