Dance Course Descriptions

DANCE 101

Elementary Modern Dance I

3 humanities credits OR

Designed to develop students’ awareness of the basic concepts and vocabulary of modern dance as a basis for the appreciation of modern dance, for aesthetic satisfaction, for physical well-being, and for performance. During the course, students learn basic locomotive and non-locomotive steps and combinations. They also become familiar with the philosophical and artistic contributions of the forerunners and pioneers of modern dance. There are some written, reading, and dance assignments. Students learn and perform a short modern dance with other members of the class. Class hrs. 4. Offered fall and spring semesters, day and evening sections.
 

DANCE 102

Elementary Modern Dance II

3 humanities credits OR

A continuation of Elementary Modern Dance I. Basic concepts and movement vocabulary are reviewed, and students then continue to strengthen technique and aesthetic awareness by introduction of new and more demanding movement patterns, improvisations, and movement assignments paced and geared to the Elementary II level. There are some writing, reading, and dance assignments. Elementary II students study the philosophical and artistic combinations of the second generation and the avant-garde. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite: DANCE 101 Elementary Modern Dance I or the equivalent or permission of the instructor. Offered fall and spring semesters, evenings only.
 

DANCE 105, PEH 176

Dance & Movement Education

1 humanities credit OR
1 physical education

Focuses on dance and movement as tools for group activities within educational, therapeutic or recreational situations. In a creative way, students explore the applied use of the elements of movement and dance in order to enhance individual growth and group cohesiveness through non-threatening, non-technical, and playful experiences. Students learn and perform a short portion of class work. Offered fall semester.
 

DANCE 107

Elementary Ballet

3 humanities credits OR

Movement experiences presenting the fundamentals of classical ballet in order to develop understanding of and skills in the basic ballet vocabulary. Includes an overview of ballet history and a written and/or dance assignment. Students learn and perform a short ballet dance with other members of the class. Offered fall semester.
 

DANCE 112, PEH 123

Intro to Merengue and Salsa

1 humanities credit OR

DANCE 120

Jazz/Music Theatre Dance

1 humanities credit OR

This course provides dance experiences for students interested in dance and/or theatre by developing the students’ awareness of basic principles of movement, beginning jazz dance technique, and the jazz idiom as part of musical theatre productions. The course includes a brief outline of the history of jazz dance and its role in musical theatre and film. Students learn and perform a jazz dance. Grading is based on attendance, skills, effort, progress, assignments, and exams. Class hrs. 2. Offered spring and fall semesters and Summer Session I.
 

PEH 146

Jazz Aerobics

1 physical education

Exercise course which includes warm-up and stretches leading to a non-impact aerobic workout in the jazz dance style followed by a cool-down and relaxation period. Students learn and apply the principles of aerobic exercise. They learn and demonstrate a short portion of the class work. Offered fall semester.
 

DANCE 121

Elementary Jazz Dance

3 humanities credits OR

Provides many dance experiences to develop students’ awareness of basic principles of movement and to teach beginning skills in the jazz idiom. Also includes an overview of jazz dance history and some writing, reading and dance assignments. The class learns and performs a jazz dance. Class hrs. 4. Offered fall and spring semesters.
 

DANCE 131

Jazz Dance Workshop

1 physical education

A continuation of Elementary Jazz Dance I. Basic principles of movement and jazz techniques and steps are reviewed. Students then continue to strengthen their techniques and aesthetic awareness by introduction of many new and more demanding combinations and movement assignments geared to an advanced beginning level. There are some written, reading, and dance assignments. The class learns and performs a jazz dance. Prerequisite: DANCE 121 Elementary Jazz Dance I or previous formal training in dance, modern jazz or ballet. Offered spring semester.
 

DANCE 205

Choreography and Dance Performance

3 humanities credits OR
2 humanities credits and

Provides training in basic choreographic skills. Working in both traditional and non-traditional ways, students concentrate on the development of original forms and structures and learn the art of making their own dances. Class hrs. 4. Students must have previous technical training in dance. Offered spring semester.
 

DANCE 207

Independent Study in Dance Performance

3 humanities credits OR
2 humanities credits and

Students rehearse and perform a minimum of two dances as part of DanceWorks, the college dance company, and attend company classes. Involves a yearlong commitment to rehearsals, Saturday classes, and all performances. Open by audition, permission of the company director and dance faculty consultant, as well as enrollment in or successful completion of Westchester Community College dance courses at appropriate level. Registration may be in fall or spring, but work must span both semesters.