Contemporary Dance I

2 units

This course introduces students to contemporary dance. Studio work involves investigating the expressive potential of human movement and developing individual rhythmic and kinesthetic awareness, coordination, and breadth of movement vocabulary. Technique exercises emphasize proper alignment, efficient mechanics, movement quality, and expressive phrasing. Conditioning work involves strengthening and flexibility exercises to reduce injury risk. Related reading and video expand on theory embodied in the class work. Attendance at 2 dance performances is required. Contemporary Dance I is appropriate for beginning-level dancers. It is open both to students new to dance altogether as well as students who have training in other genres (ballet, jazz, etc) but who have not taken a modern or contemporary dance course. Incoming first-years and transfer students are encouraged to take the Dance placement class during Orientation Week, in which dance faculty members will recommend appropriate level .