DNCE 331: High-Intermediate Contemporary Dance (TQ)
Credit Hours: (2)
Instructional Method: Three to Four-and-a-half hours technique.
Prerequisite: DNCE 231
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course. May be taken multiple times for credit.
Intensive study of contemporary dance technique for preprofessional levels emphasizing
correctness of execution and expressiveness.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1. Warm-up
a. Work sitting and lying on the floor that stresses increase in flexibility and in
abdominal strength, use of the body's center to initiate movement, development of
strength in the deep muscles of the body.
b. Work standing in the center that concentrates on proper body alignment, axial movement
around the center of the torso, balance, strength, and pliancy of the joints.
2. Traveling sequences
a. Movement combinations that incorporate walks, runs, duplets, and triplets in combination
with piques, releves, skips, leaps, and turns.
b. Addition of movement vocabulary such as prances, sissonnes, and complicated jumps
and turns.
3. Combinations
a. Short compositions created by the instructor that integrate elements of technique
emphasized in the preceding parts of class.
b. Extended compositions developed by the instructor as examples of dances using the
wide range of modern dance movement vocabulary and requiring both technical and expressive
execution by the student.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The format of the course will follow the traditional organization of a dance technique course. The instructor will, by verbal and visual means, demonstrate the warm-up exercises and movement compositions. Students will improve and practice their skills by means of execution, correction, and repetition.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, the student will:
1. Demonstrate technical competency leading to an advanced level of work.
2. Be able to analyze principles of dance technique verbally or in written form.
Assessment Measures
The student may be evaluated through a variety of means including direct observation by the instructor, digital/video taping for analysis, practical and written exams, and class attendance.
Other Course Information
At the instructor's discretion, the normal skill building routine of a dance class may be enriched and supplemented by such aids as viewing videos of contemporary dance works, attending live dance performances, keeping learning logs, and class discussion of topics that arise as a result of viewings and writings.
Review and Approval
Newly Approved Course Spring, 1987
March 24, 1998 Review Margaret Devaney, Chair
Last Date of Revision: Fall 2001
September 12, 2001 Review Margaret Devaney, Chair
July 14, 2005 Review Margaret Devaney, Chair
June 20, 2015
Revised June 2023