Thomas Warfield Headshot

Thomas Warfield

Senior Lecturer

NTID Department for Performing Arts
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Director of Dance

Thomas Warfield

Senior Lecturer

NTID Department for Performing Arts
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Director of Dance

Education

BA, State University College at Purchase; MFA, University of Utah

Currently Teaching

PRFN-199
1 - 3 Credits
The description will be specified on each Independent Study Contract.
PRFN-218
1 - 3 Credits
This course applies technical, performing, script analysis, stage management, and other skills to an actual theatrical production. Students contract with a department mentor for responsibilities and the appropriate credit expectations. In addition to production responsibilities, students are expected to complete reading and writing assignments connected to the production. This course is repeatable for credit.
PRFN-246
3 Credits
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.
PRFN-250
3 Credits
This course focuses on the study and appreciation of dance and choreography through an exploration of theory, history, and social-cultural perspectives encompassing the elements related to designing movement. Students will explore various approaches of dance composition and the creative process from historical and cultural perspectives while examining the interactions of dance and movement found in society today. Attention will also be placed on the role of designing movement and space beyond the dance studio. Examples from live and recorded performances, as well as digitally produced creations such as animations in television, movies and video games, will be examined.
PRFN-289
1 - 3 Credits
The description will be specified in each Special Topic Documentation Form.
PRFN-340
3 Credits
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.
PRFN-350
3 Credits
This course focuses on applying the tools of choreography to storytelling, emotional representation, and abstract creation. Students will explore the use of costumes, music, props, and other elements in the creative process of choreography.

In the News

  • December 4, 2023

    a dancer on a stage, raised several feet in the air, with a long and wide skirt ballooned out and held by four other dancers.

    AstroDance II: Across the Universe

    The inaugural production in the newest building on the RIT campus, AstroDance II: Across the Universe, premiered Dec. 1 to 3 and featured a variety of dance, aerial and circus arts, and augmented reality. 

  • September 18, 2023

    college students wearing Hawaiian shirts standing on a stage in a theater in front of a full crowd.

    RIT’s second week at the 2023 Rochester Fringe Festival

    Hundreds of people attended a performance by an RIT-related act during the first week of the 12-day Rochester Fringe Festival, with students, faculty, and staff contributing music, dance, comedy, poetry, photojournalism, in downtown Rochester. And nearly 20 other RIT-related performances are scheduled later this week.