Allegheny College: Dance and Movement Studies Catalogue

Dance and Movement Studies provides an experiential program that explores the relationship of movement to self, culture, and environment. The program is multi-dimensional and offers students the opportunity to enhance technical skill and personal presence, to promote wellness and self-discovery, to investigate performance values, and to build community. It enriches applications to education through expanding how students think about the learning process, acknowledging that an individual’s kinesthetic experience can be a tool for learning, providing possibilities for internship practicums, and informing the knowledge base of prospective educators regarding how humans learn through movement. Practices are designed to develop ease of movement, flexibility, power, and expressiveness. In addition students are guided in expanding their awareness of and their experience with the diverse and dynamic language of movement. Dance and movement can be used as metaphors for finding personal meaning and appreciating individual, social, and environmental differences.

In the studio, the critical analysis practice involves asking questions, making observations, reflecting on possibilities, and articulating choices. The program draws on resources that include somatic experience, community interaction, scholarly writings, film and video, and contemporary critical reviews. By considering the implications of dance and movement as cultural signifiers, the program fosters activity that integrates the individual with society and the world. Students pursuing a minor in Dance and Movement Studies fulfill requirements in the Humanities Division. Flexibility in course study is permitted to meet a student’s individual interests and needs.

The Minor

The minor in Dance and Movement Studies consists of a common core of twelve credits:

DMS 100 - Principles of Movement (2 credits)
DMS 200 - Landscapes of the Body (2 credits)
DMS 370 - Creative Processes (4 credits)
FS DMS 201 - Dance: Ritual of Experience (4 credits)

INTDS 312 - The Neuroscience of Dance and Movement
PHIL 375 - Cultural Studies of the Body
DMS 470 - History of Contemporary Dance

In addition students take at least ten credits of practice courses for a total of 26 semester credits. All courses are to be graded.

Participation is required in at least one presentation or performance sponsored by the Allegheny Dance and Movement Studies Program. Students are encouraged to seek advice from Dance and Movement Studies faculty in selecting practice courses that suit their interests and goals.

The study and practice of basic principles of movement. Readings and guided practices provide an understanding of anatomical and kinesiological issues that surround balanced, fluid and efficienthuman movement. Credit: Two semester hours."

A basic approach to modern dance as an applied study of movement coordinations. Practical explorations focus on correct body alignment and efficient movement in relation to gravity, and directing energies in the body toward enhanced expressiveness. Elemental analysis of space, time, dynamics, form, sensation, image and intention are introduced. Designed sequences and improvisations develop presence, balance, flexi- bility, strength, and endurance. Theoretical investigations include discussions of the interweaving of dance and culture. Credit: Two semester hours."

A study of the origins of the 19th-century European dance form explored within the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. Emphasis is on the relationship of movement to music; the architect- ure of the body moving through time and space; andthe relationship of this artistic form not only tothe cultural values of its time but to the emergence of 20th-century American ballet as well.Credit: Two semester hours.

A study of fundamental dance movement that focuseson the broken line, undulating form, & syncopated rhythms of the American Jazz idiom. The utilization of and commitment to the safe and fulluse of the body is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to ways in which jazz dance mirrors the social history of the American people,reflecting ethnic influences, historical events, and cultural changes. Credit: Two semester hours."

A study that combines the earthy African influenceof hoofing and the light percussive footwork of clog dancing with the rhythmic syncopations of thejazz idiom. Emphasis is on physical balance, precision of touch, ankle articulations and an investigation of the origins and contemporary evolution of tap dance. Credit: Two semester hours."

The experiential learning and theoretical investigation of the origins and implications of basic cultural dance forms such as American SquareDance, Israeli Folk Dance, Clogging, Native American Dances, Belly Dancing, Greek Folk DancingButoh and others. Comparison will be made betweendifferent cultural dance forms in terms of specific geographies, ceremonies, and other functions. Credit: Two semester hours."

The experiental learning of basic ballroom dance forms; waltz, foxtrot, swing, tango, cha-cha, rumba and polka. In addition, these dance forms and their music are explored as mirrors of the culture in which they exit--reflecting past, present, and intercultural exchange. Lectures, film, discussion and papers illustrating the formsand culture of ballroom dancing are required. Credit: Two semester hours."

A balanced investigation of the theory and practice of classic and contemporary Yoga principles. Focusing on the theme of personal wellness, emphasis is placed on: practicing physical postures, exploring the breath, and developing an energetic of sound. These practicesnourish the body, focus the mind, and sharpen the intellect. Experiences include individual and group work. Credit: Two semester hours."

A physical and intellectual examination of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a Chinese system of exercise, a form of moving meditation and a martial art. Students learn a basic form or series of postures.We examine the cultural, historical, religious, and psychophysical underpinnings of this art through reading and discussion. Credit: Two semester hours."

Students attend a weekly 2 1/2 hour community dance on campus with live music. A series of particular dance steps are taught to focus on the development of body movement, coordination, and aerobic endurance. Two lecture/discussion sessions examine: 1) the historical development of this dance form (from 18th century America to the present day) and 2) the music form that accompanies this type of dance. A mandatory fieldtrip to a regional dance is required towards the end of the semeter. Credit: One semester hour."

Physical training in and intellectual exploration of Chinese martial arts. Students learn basic movements of Chinese martial arts, various routines for both internal and external boxing styles, and traditional Gongfu fan movements. Explorations include the historical, cultural, andphilosophical bases of Chinese martial arts through reading and discussion. Credits: two semester hours."

A study of meditation techniques with a focus on the theory and practice of mindfulness as it evolved in the classic traditions of Yoga and Buddhism. Alignment, posture, health, and mental focus are explored in the context of classical and contemporary writings. Credit: Two semester hours."

A study of the structures that support meditation.Traditions of meditation in non-dual points of view are explored along with the practices of stillness, contemplative movement, chanting, japa,and mantra repetition. Readings and discussion articulate theories underlying contemplative experience. The practice focuses on individual meditation as well as meditation with partners andin groups. Credit: Two semester hours."

Special topics, primarily for first-year students and sophomores, offered only once."

A mindful process-oriented exploration of experiential human physiology and anatomy. The study relates basic principles of human movement to dynamic body systems. The impact of movement on the body-mind as well as the converse is examined. Emphasis is placed on applications to somatic practices and includes a developmental movement perspective. Investigations include readings, drawing, research, writing, and improvisation. Credit: Two semester hours."

A continued exploration of the body-mind connection as expressed and experienced through modern dance. Refinement of movement skills and understanding of elemental analyses are developed through challenging movement sequences and improvisations. Emphasis is placed on the poetry of movement phrasing. One's dancing self is cultivated through the individual as well as the ensemble movement process. Relevant readings, written reflections, rehearsals, and performance projects augment and enhance the technical growth. Credit: Two semester hours."

A more advanced study of the technique of ballet. Development of skill in the tradition of balletic forms is encouraged with an emphasis on alignment and expressiveness. Focus is on ease of motion while increasing physical understanding of ballet vocabulary. In addition to physical practice, theexamination of ballet includes reading, observing performances, and writing. Credit: Two semester hours."

Instruction in the use of the dynamic physics in the human body while moving in contact with other people, in duet and larger groups. Contact Inprovisation draws upon the daily experience of ordinary movement, the kinetics of gymnastics, andthe partnering techniques of modern dance. Add- itionally, the cultural relevance of this gender neutral social dance form that emerged out of the sixties avant-garde and counter culture in Americais explored. Credit: Two semester hours. Prerequisite: Dance Studies 100 or permission of instructor."

A further exploration of cultural, creative, educational, and technical aspects of American Jazz Dance. Particular attention is paid to similarities and differences in Jazz Dance styles and origins."

A direct extension of Tap Dance I. This course helps students develop a more complete understand-ing of tap history, terminology and techniques. Students also examine the styles of significant Tap Dance choreographers and begin to learn basic Tap Dance notation. Credit: Two semester hours."

An in-depth exploration of three Latin Dance forms--mambo, samba and cha-cha--as well as an intro- duction to Argentine tango. Through practice, text and film this inquiry extends the explorationof the Latin social dance forms begun in Ballroom Dance I. Lectures, film, discussion and papers illustrating the forms and culture of ballroom dancing are required for this course. Credit: Two semester hours."

An in-depth experience in one or more previously introduced dance form extends the exploration of social dance begun in Ballroom Dance I. Origins and evolutions of at least one form are investi- gated through text, film, discussion, and writing.Prime candiates for this examination are swing dancing. American tango, foxtrot and waltz. Credit: Two semester hours."

An exploration of the history of liturgical dance as well as its current role in Western religious practice. Text and experientially based discussioninforms the development of movement & choreographyto scripture, music and silence. Credit: Two semester hours."

An investigation of the principles of classic and contemporary Yoga as applied to the individual's personal practice. The underlying theme is that of transformation. Sequencing of classical postures for the practitioner is highlighted. Thedevelopment of ease in stillness prepares the student for prolonged concentration, contemplationand meditation. Additional explorations focus on enhancing skill in relationship. Credit: Two semester hours."

Continued practice in the development of movement skills for the dancer's expressive voice. Emphasisis placed on more challenging individual and ensemble movement phrases. Credit: One semester hour.

Continued skill building in the expressivity and technical proficiency of the ballet from. Emphasisis placed on the individual's practice of ballet barre and across the floor sequences. Credit: One semester hour.

Continued study of the techniques of American Jazz Dance. Focus is placed on the development of technical proficiency in the various styles of jazz. Credit: One semester hour.

Continued practice in the various styles of Tap Dance. The development of skills introduced in previous courses is encouraged. Credit: One semester hour.

An advanced course designed to develop timing, technique, styling and phrasing of the Latin/Rhythm dance forms. Emphasis is placed on the development of movement continuity and advanced techniques characteristic of the Latin styles of mambo, samba, cha-cha, and the Rhythm forms of hustle and swing. Historical context for at least one of the Latin styles or Rhythm forms is examined. Amalgamation of the movements,technique, footwork, and style into choregraphy is expected at this level. Credit: Two semester hours. Prerequisite: Dance and Movement Studies 107 and 207."

An advanced course designed to develop timing, technique, styling and phrasing of the Smooth Ballroom dance forms. Emphasis is placed on the development of movement continuity and advanced techniques characteristic of the Smooth style. Historical context for at least one of the Smooth Ballroom forms is examined. Amalgamation of the movements, technique, footwork, and style into choreography is expected at this level. Credit: Two semester hours. Prerequisite: Dance and Movement Studies 107 and 208."

Continued study in the sequencing of classical postures and the development of breathing practices to sustain concentrated states of meditation and contemplation. Credit: One semester hour.

An investigation of the conception, selection and organization required for making dances. Readings,viewings, critiques, discussions, performances and papers are required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor"

Creative Process II: Exploring the use of CostumesProps, and Scenic Element. An analysis of the relationship of costume, prop, and scenic elements to the process of dance making. Emphasis is on the distinction between first (elemental) and second (narrative) functional intention of dances from the perspect- ive of both artist and audience. Requirements include active participation in movement improvis-ations, choreographies, class discussions, assigned texts, peer reviews, written critical reflections, and a final synthesis paper."

An analysis of the relationship of music to the 13ocess of dance making. Emphasis is on the imaginative synthesis of music and dance forms. Requirements include active participation in move-ment improvisations, personal choreographies, class discussion, peer reviews, attendance at performances, assigned texts, and written criticalreflections."

An investigation of the philosophical ground in the practice of yoga, which was codified by Patanjali some 2500 years ago and remains a livingtradition. Through classic and contemporary sources students learn how yoga is at once an art,science, and vision of the human body, mind, and soul."

An examination of modern and postmodern dance. Ofparticular interest are the political, social, andartistic environments that have formed and contin-ue to reform genres of dance. The study includes global influences on the nature of dance. Credit: Four semester hours. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor."

Intensive work in one or more of the following dance studies educational outreach programs: Creating Landscapes for Children and Teens; Aesthetic Education Symposia for Teachers; Middle School Arts Exploration and Immersion Programs; High School Programs for the Gifted and Self Identified Talented. Interns collaborate in planning, administering and evaluating programs. In addition, they share in the development of exhibitions, performances, and publications of student generated work. Discussions and written reflections, which synthesize experiences of doing and researching, are grounded in seminal arts education texts. Credit: Two to four semesterhours. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor."

Dance and Movement Studies

The Minor

Theoretical Investigations