BEGINNING DANCE 1
This course explores classic and contemporary jazz, Ballet, modern, musical theater and hip hop styles as incorporated in concert and commercial realm. Technique is strengthened with thorough warm ups emphasizing correct alignment, isolations, musicality and complex rhythmic patterns. Students explore personal expression through dance, incorporating various jazz and contemporary idioms. Beginning students are instilled with the fundamentals of dance protocols, core strength, correct alignment and a basic command of dance vocabulary of all styles.The beginning class will explore coordination, musicality and movement in small and large groups. Students will improve in confidence and self-expression through increasingly challenging technique. Students will study the introductory modern dance techniques of Graham and Dunham and focus on achieving sustained control, refinement and movement versatility. This will increase confidence and self expression through movement possibilities within this modern dance vocabulary. Students will be exposed to health and wellness for the dancer, the historical and cultural foundations of this modern dance form, and its influence on current dance culture.
This course may be taken more than once.
BEGINNING DANCE 2
Students build upon the foundation gained in Dance I to enhance their technical skills, personal artistry and performance capabilities. Across the floor progressions, detailed improvisation exercises, and choreography phrases are delivered at an intermediate pace. Students in Dance II engage with dance history literature, anatomy and injury prevention and perform in Spring Dance Concert.