Course Finder

• Advisory: DANCE 12.

This course builds on the fundamental techniques of hip hop dance forms at an advanced level. Attention is placed on dynamic movement qualities, choreography execution, and complex musicality with an emphasis on syncopation, isolations, strength, control, coordination and performance. Improvisation or “freestyling” is emphasized to further develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and current trends, along with hip hop dance’s cultural significance, history, and origins as an art form, are also emphasized.

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

This introductory course will explore the fundamental techniques, styles, kinesiological awareness, and history of jazz dance in America. Attention is placed on basic jazz dance steps and vocabulary, with emphasis on musicality, strength and flexibility, expression, coordination, and an appreciation of jazz dance as an art form. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression. The course introduces choreography retention and improvisation techniques for various jazz dance styles at a beginning level, as well as historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends.

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

• Advisory: DANCE 14 or equivalent experience.

This course is a continuation of Dance 14, building on the intermediate jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course introduces new skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, varied musicality, and improvisation. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an intermediate level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends will be included.

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

• Advisory: DANCE 15 or equivalent experience.

This course is a continuation of Dance 15, building on the advanced jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course focuses on advanced skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Longer combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, intricate musicality, improvisation, and performance quality. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an advanced level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

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

This course introduces a beginning level of tap dance technique and styles (including rhythm tap and Broadway tap), information about the cultural and historical origins of tap, and current trends and applications of tap in concert dance and musical theater. Emphasis will be on fundamental skills and rhythms, time steps, flash footwork, short combinations, and styling. Basic music theory, including notes, bars, phrases, time signatures and song structure, is also covered as it directly relates to tap dance. Historical studies on topics surrounding tap dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

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

• Advisory: DANCE 17 or equivalent experience.

This course builds on DANCE 17 and focuses on intermediate-level tap dance technique, styles (including rhythm tap and Broadway tap), the cultural and historical origins of tap, and current trends and applications of tap in concert dance and musical theater. Students will focus on more complex steps, intricate, syncopated rhythms, tonal clarity, and speed. Different musical styles will be introduced relating rhythms, time signatures, and musical structures to tap styles. Emphasis will be on refining technical skills and executing more complex choreography while exploring elements of improvisation. Historical studies on topics surrounding tap dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

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

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn various social dance forms. It is designed for students with no dance experience as well as experienced dance students seeking an introduction to social dance. Examples of dance forms that may be included are: Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha and Samba. The course will explore differences and similarities between styles and techniques while developing coordination and partnering skills. Study of the dance forms in their historical and cultural contexts and development of individual choreography will enhance the student’s knowledge of each form and encourage creativity.

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

Satisfies Global Citizenship

This course is a comparative and integrative study of world dance styles of the United States. Included is the study of Native American, European American, African American, Chicano/Latin American, and Asian American dance styles from their historical origins to the present. The study of dance traditions from both the technical and cultural perspective is presented in relation to social, theatrical and artistic dance. Observation and descriptive skills are learned through films, live performances and lectures.

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

Students will learn world dance styles and techniques. The study of the music, art, costumes, customs, and origins of each style is also included.

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

Formerly DANCE 21.

This course introduces students to the theatrical, social, and religious traditions of Asian/Pacific Dance in its cultural context. The movement techniques of Sundanese, Javanese, Hawaiian, and Tahitian dance will be studied as well as the relationship of the dances to music, myth, and character.

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

• Advisory: DANCE 21A.

This course offers an intermediate level of Asian/Pacific dance technique with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of movement vocabulary of Bali, Sumatra, Samoa, and Maori dances. Students will learn techniques of traditional Asian Pacific story-telling through dance with emphasis on use of the hands, body language, and facial expression. Instruction will also include study of history, lifestyle, family system/values, as well as the European and Western influences on both traditional and contemporary Asian Pacific dance, religion, cultural arts, and politics.

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

Formerly DANCE 22.

This course is a beginning Mexican dance class which introduces techniques and styles of traditional Mexican dances. Students learn authentic regional dances and study indigenous and outside influences, historical impact, costumes, and music. 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.

• 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.