Contemporary Dance II

2 units

This intermediate-level studio course builds on foundational contemporary dance principles, guiding students toward greater technical proficiency and artistic depth. Studio work focuses on refining and expanding movement vocabulary, deepening kinesthetic awareness, and cultivating a more nuanced physical and expressive range. Technique exercises challenge students to integrate proper alignment and efficient mechanics with dynamic movement quality, complex rhythmic structures, and sophisticated expressive phrasing. Conditioning work involves strengthening and flexibility exercises to reduce injury risk. Students are encouraged to develop their individual artistic voices through structured improvisation and compositional exploration. Related reading and video broaden students' understanding of contemporary dance history, aesthetics, and evolving practice. Contemporary Dance II is appropriate for dancers who have had at least a year of training in modern dance, contemporary dance, or a related genre, whether at Washington University or at a previous institution. 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.