DANCE

All dance majors are required to take Ballet Technique each year. Ballet curriculum is aimed at technical precision and style. Students are instilled with the fundamentals of ballet class protocol and expectations. Rubrics for Ballet Technique include attention to- Posture and Alignment: Proper posture, core engagement, and alignment of the body. Technique: Clean execution of basic ballet movements (e.g. pliés, tendus, pirouettes, jetés). Flexibility and Strength: Demonstrates range of motion and muscular control. Musicality: Ability to perform movements in sync with the music. And, Artistry: Grace and expression reflective of classical ballet style. Female identifying dancers are encouraged to develop and strengthen their ballet technique en pointe, while Male identifying dancers are supported to hone elements of jumping and turning. 

All dance majors are required to take Lester Horton Technique each year. Lester Horton Technique is an idiom of Modern Dance and is aimed at technical precision and expressiveness. Rubrics for Horton Technique include attention to- Technique: Mastery of foundational modern dance movements (fall and recovery, contraction, flat back). Creativity: Use of space, levels, and dynamic contrasts. Grounded Movement: Connection to the floor and fluid transitions. Interpretation: Emotional and thematic expression. And, Timing: Rhythmic accuracy and flow. 

This course explores both classic and contemporary jazz styles as found incorporated in the concert and commercial dance worlds. Technique is strengthened with Jazz warm ups that emphasize correct alignment, isolations, musicality and complex rhythmic patterns. The history of Jazz dance and it’s origins in African dance are highlighted throughout this course.

This course delves into the core of West African culture and traditions through the vibrant art of music and movement. The focus is on musicality, traditions, and diversity of dance styles of Africa and its diaspora, including but not limited to the dances of Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. Students develop the ability to execute polyrhythmic patterns and engage in call-and-response cues, both verbal and physical. The course also asks dancers to explore the use of weight, body isolations, and the dynamic connection between dancer and song.

This course focuses on the study of various Hip-Hop/Street Dance styles such as Funk, House, Breaking, and Freestyle. Rubrics for Hip Hop include attention to- Technique: Precision in isolations, footwork, and popping/locking movements. Energy and Attitude: High energy and confidence throughout the performance. Musicality: Strong connection to the beats and rhythm of the music. Versatility: Demonstrates a range of hip hop styles. Performance Quality: Stage presence and engagement. 

This course will include Pilates, Yoga, Gyro kinesis, and Floor Barre. Emphasis is placed on learning how to take care of the dancing body through injury prevention, strength training, and general wellness. 

All dance majors are required to take Ballet Technique each year. Ballet curriculum is aimed at technical precision and style. Students are instilled with the fundamentals of ballet class protocol and expectations. Rubrics for Ballet Technique include attention to- Posture and Alignment: Proper posture, core engagement, and alignment of the body. Technique: Clean execution of basic ballet movements (e.g. pliés, tendus, pirouettes, jetés). Flexibility and Strength: Demonstrates range of motion and muscular control. Musicality: Ability to perform movements in sync with the music. And, Artistry: Grace and expression reflective of classical ballet style. Female identifying dancers are encouraged to develop and strengthen their ballet technique en pointe, while Male identifying dancers are supported to hone elements of jumping and turning. 

All dance majors are required to take Lester Horton Technique each year. Lester Horton Technique is an idiom of Modern Dance and is aimed at technical precision and expressiveness. Rubrics for Horton Technique include attention to- Technique: Mastery of foundational modern dance movements (fall and recovery, contraction, flat back). Creativity: Use of space, levels, and dynamic contrasts. Grounded Movement: Connection to the floor and fluid transitions. Interpretation: Emotional and thematic expression. And, Timing: Rhythmic accuracy and flow. 

This course places an emphasis on the modern dance idiom of the Katherine Dunham Technique. With origins in African and Modern dance, students will focus on honing intense technical physicality, rhythmic exercises, and self-expression. Students will learn about Ms. Dunham and the historical importance of her impact on the world of dance. 

This course will include Pilates, Yoga, Gyro kinesis, and Floor Barre. Emphasis is placed on learning how to take care of the dancing body through injury prevention, strength training, and general wellness. 

Advanced Horton Technique, Improvisation, Hip Hop, West African, Tap 

All dance majors are required to take Ballet Technique each year. Ballet curriculum is aimed at technical precision and style. Students are instilled with the fundamentals of ballet class protocol and expectations. Rubrics for Ballet Technique include attention to- Posture and Alignment: Proper posture, core engagement, and alignment of the body. Technique: Clean execution of basic ballet movements (e.g. pliés, tendus, pirouettes, jetés). Flexibility and Strength: Demonstrates range of motion and muscular control. Musicality: Ability to perform movements in sync with the music. And, Artistry: Grace and expression reflective of classical ballet style. Female identifying dancers are encouraged to develop and strengthen their ballet technique en pointe, while Male identifying dancers are supported to hone elements of jumping and turning. 

This course is for juniors. With a focus in Graham technique, this class will emphasize correct alignment for efficiency of movement, increased confidence, artistic self-expression and exposure to historical foundations of this form. Students will be challenged with movement that incorporates more complex musicality, emphasizing the unique use of weight, spiral, contraction, center of gravity, line and space. Students will be exposed to the historical and diverse cultural foundations of this modern dance form and its impact in current dance culture. 

This class will emphasize Graham’s principles of contraction and release, suspension, arrest, stillness, shift of weight, spiral, and the use of theatricality. As within the ethos of Martha Graham, artistic dramatic self-expression is encouraged and developed. Students will learn the historical and cultural foundations of Martha Graham’s iconic modern dance technique through movement and extensive floor work. 

Third year, Junior dancers will be given the opportunity to explore their own diverse artistic voices by way of dance composition. This includes the exploration of movement with a focus on creative expression, personal choice, and cultural diversity. Students will be guided to explore conservatory-style choreographic practices, as well as, will develop their own solos and group choreographies throughout the year, culminating with the sharing of their works in the Spring Junior Composition Concert. 

Advanced Horton Technique, Improvisation, Hip Hop, West African, Tap 

All dance majors are required to take Ballet Technique each year. Ballet curriculum is aimed at technical precision and style. Students are instilled with the fundamentals of ballet class protocol and expectations. Rubrics for Ballet Technique include attention to- Posture and Alignment: Proper posture, core engagement, and alignment of the body. Technique: Clean execution of basic ballet movements (e.g. pliés, tendus, pirouettes, jetés). Flexibility and Strength: Demonstrates range of motion and muscular control. Musicality: Ability to perform movements in sync with the music. And, Artistry: Grace and expression reflective of classical ballet style. Female identifying dancers are encouraged to develop and strengthen their ballet technique en pointe, while Male identifying dancers are supported to hone elements of jumping and turning. 

idiom of Modern Dance and is aimed at technical precision and expressiveness. Rubrics for Horton Technique include attention to- Technique: Mastery of foundational modern dance movements (fall and recovery, contraction, flat back). Creativity: Use of space, levels, and dynamic contrasts. Grounded Movement: Connection to the floor and fluid transitions. Interpretation: Emotional and thematic expression. And, Timing: Rhythmic accuracy and flow. 

This class will emphasize Graham’s principles of contraction and release, suspension, arrest, stillness, shift of weight, spiral, and the use of theatricality. As within the ethos of Martha Graham, artistic dramatic self-expression is encouraged and developed. Students will learn the historical and cultural foundations of Martha Graham’s iconic modern dance technique through movement and extensive floor work. 

Fourth year, Senior dancers will continue to explore their own diverse artistic voices by way of dance composition. This includes the exploration of movement with a focus on creative expression, personal choice, and cultural diversity. Students will be guided to explore conservatory-style choreographic practices, as well as, will develop their own solos and group choreographies throughout the year, culminating with the sharing of their works in the Spring Senior Composition Concert. 

Advanced Horton Technique, Improvisation, Hip Hop, West African, Tap