This course introduces students to the study and appreciation of jazz dance through an examination of movement concepts, artistic principles, and the exploration of theory, history, and socio-cultural perspectives. Students will explore various styles of jazz such as Broadway, Street, and Contemporary. Emphasis will be placed on body isolations and rhythmic phrasing to help students develop an appreciation for jazz dance as an art form. Students will discover new capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and their comprehension of jazz dance in relation to music, space, time, and energy. Through practice and application, students will develop a physical appreciation of dance from the experience of movement and creative expression. Learning about jazz dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice, and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course.

This course is designed as an introduction to dance as a developmental, expressive, and creative art form. Students will learn how the artistic principles and movement concepts of: basic rhythms, dance technique, improvisation and beginning choreography; impact the creation and execution of modern dance. Students will discover new technical capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and their comprehension of modern dance in relation to music, space, time and energy. Through practice and application, students will understand the unique structure of their own bodies and expand their awareness of self and others. Theoretical aspects of dance related to historical and socio-cultural contexts will be explored. Learning about dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course. No previous dance experience is required.

This course is designed to explore cultures from around the world, emphasizing how dance is derived as an expression and reflection of each culture and people. Students will have the opportunity to actively experience, analyze, and participate in the study of world dance and culture. Students will experience a cross-cultural examination and analysis of dance traditions and movement through historical, critical, artistic, and socio-cultural contexts.