DANCE

DANC-101  Movement Integration

3 Credits

Floor and standing work to develop upper/lower connectivity, increased rotation, reduced tension, efficient movement patterns, integrated muscular control and coordination and proper support for dance movement. Variety of methods for movement observation and analysis, process of perception, body organization, spatial investigation and anatomical principles. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-103  Dance History Through Criticism

3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities
Core)

In this course, dance history is approached through the writings of dance critics and historians. The challenge to the student is to develop an analytical and critical evaluation of the art of dance. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-104  Hip-Hop Dance

1 Credit

This course will introduce students to contemporary hip-hop dance technique. Students will demonstrate hip-hop dance skills through warm-ups and choreographed routines. This class will also explore the culture and music of hip-hop and other related styles of dance such as African dance, jazz, and pop/culture dance. (2 hours weekly)

DANC-106, 107, 206, 207  Practicum in Choreography, Performance or Production

1 Credit

Self-directed study of a creative project designed to focus on a specialized area of dance for presentation in a Dance Department production. Dance majors may opt to participate in production in either stage managing, costume, set, or lighting design capacities. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-110  Ballroom and Latin Dance

1 Credit

This course will focus on training students to understand and perform basic ballroom and Latin steps, turns, and partnering. Students will also learn the rhythms, history, and culture of each style. Students will demonstrate mastery of these styles through choreographed and non-choreographed class performances. (2 hours weekly)

DANC-115  Musical Theatre Dance

2 Credits

This course will focus on training performers in the various dance styles used in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals. The students will demonstrate these dance skills by performing pieces of choreography created by well-known musical choreographers such as Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Agnes de Mille, and Bob Fosse. The students will then apply this knowledge towards a final performance of several contrasting pieces. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-150  Dance Improvisation

3 Credits

This course will introduce spontaneous movement to the students’ creative process. Students will gain knowledge of basic Laban and Bartenieff movement vocabulary and understand their own physical habits and individual responses to improvisation exercises. All students will work together to explore themes and abstract movement which will be incorporated into class performances of group work. This course will also focus on dancers’ interpretive skills in facial and body expression. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: DANC-181 or DANC-186 or DANC-192. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-181  Ballet I

2 Credits

An introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique with emphasis on placement and alignment of the body, and other preparatory work necessary for the establishment of a basic technical foundation. Introduction to ballet history and terminology—includes barre work. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-182  Ballet II

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-181, Ballet I, at a higher level of proficiency. A reinforcement of the fundamentals of classical ballet with emphasis on placement and alignment of the body, and other preparatory work necessary for the establishment of a sound technical foundation. A continued study of ballet history, technique and theory. Prerequisite: DANC-181. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-186  Modern Dance I

2 Credits

An introduction to the basic principles of modern dance. Study of level change, floor work, weight shift, dynamic alignment, and expression. Introduction to modern dance theories and history. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-187  Modern Dance II

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-186, Modern Dance I, at a higher level of proficiency. An expanded study in the basic principles of modern dance. Emphasis on greater expression, heightened kinesthetic, spatial and musical awareness. Course work continues study of various modern dance theories and history. Prerequisite: DANC-186. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-188  African Dance

2 Credits

An exploration of dance movements from primitive African and Caribbean as well as contemporary jazz dance with the physiological benefit of aerobic exercise. Students will become aware of the ancient origin of all movements performed. Course work will include stretching to improve flexibility, body alignment to foster good posture, sustained movement to increase cardiovascular fitness. Much of class time will be spent in developing stamina, flexibility and in learning and performing choreography. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-190 Dance Appreciation

3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities
Core)

An introductory survey of dance as a performing art which will prepare the student for greater enjoyment and appreciation of various dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and diverse ethnic/folk dances. Through discussion, lecture demonstrations and especially through live and filmed dance performances, students will develop an ability to evaluate and appreciate the various types of dance—as dynamic art forms. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-192  Jazz Dance I

2 Credits

An introduction to the principles of jazz dance technique on a beginning level. Student will learn the foundation of jazz dance technique and understand the various world, as well as social dance influences on jazz dance. Course will trace jazz dance history from it’s African roots to Broadway show styles. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-193  Jazz Dance II

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-192, Jazz Dance I, at a higher level of proficiency. A continuation of jazz dance technique from the Broadway show styles to the present day. Includes study of contemporary jazz technique with emphasis on rock, funky, lyric and percussive movement. Continued study of jazz dance history from the Broadway show styles to current jazz dance influences. Prerequisite: DANC-192. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-194  Tap Dance I

2 Credits

An introduction to the principles of tap dance technique on a beginning level. Student will learn the fundamental steps of tap dance. Includes basic one and two sound movements performed at the barre and simple rhythmic combinations in center. Course will trace tap dance history. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-195  Tap Dance II

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-194, Tap Dance I, at a higher level of proficiency. A continuation of tap dance technique including complex rhythms, tempi, barre and center work. New movements include wings, pull-backs, multiple-sound steps and advanced turns. Course will continue tap dance history, style techniques, and choreographic approaches. Prerequisite: DANC-194. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-197  Pilates

1 Credit

Study and application of the Pilates Mat Program as a method of body conditioning, posing questions for anatomical self-evaluation based on applied instruction, lecture/discussion, required readings, and observation. (2 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as LFIT-197.

DANC-198  Alexander Technique

1 Credit

This course is an examination of the Alexander Technique as a method to investigate the issues of mind/body disciplines and alleviate excessive tension, and habitual holding patterns which produce inefficient use of the body. Principles of the Alexander Technique will be explored through anatomical self-evaluation based on applied instruction, lecture/discussion, required readings, and observation. (2 hours weekly)

DANC-199 Intermediate Pilates

1 Credit

This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to perform Intermediate Mat Pilates exercises. The student will be able to perform a basic postural assessment and explain exercise modifications based on the assessment. This course will incorporate the use of Pilates Fitness circle and Stability ball to challenge exercise intensity. Prerequisite: DANC-197/LFIT-197. (2 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as LFIT-199.

DANC-204 Intermediate Hip-Hop Dance

1 Credit

This course will serve as a continuation of material covered in Hip-hop Dance (DANC-104). Students will receive training on advanced hiphop technique and jazz dance. Students will demonstrate these advanced hip-hop dance skills through warm-ups and choreographed routines. This class will also continue to explore the culture and music of hip-hop and other related styles of dance such as African dance and pop/culture dance. Prerequisite: DANC-104. (2 hours weekly)

DANC-210  Dance Portfolio/Jury

1 Credit

Course is designed to prepare advanced dance majors for the portfolio review at transfer institutions. Must be taken during student’s last semester at Howard Community College. Dance majors will choreograph a solo work for auditions at 4-year institutions under the guidance of Dance Department faculty. Prerequisite: DANC-101, DANC-102, DANC-206, DANC-281, and DANC-286. (1 hour weekly)

DANC-220 Intermediate Ballroom and Latin Dance

1 Credit

This course will serve as a continuation of the material covered in Ballroom and Latin Dance (DANC-110). This course will focus on trainng students to understand and perform complex ballroom and Latin steps, turns, and partnering. Students will also continue to learn the rhythms, history, and culture of each style. Students will demonstrate mastery of these styles through choreographed and non-choreographed class performances. Prerequisite: DANC-110. (2 hours weekly)

DANC-250  Dance Composition

3 Credits

This course serves as an introduction to the creative process through improvisation, self-exploration, group interaction, relating musical tone and character to the development of thematic and abstract movement invention. Students explore compositional devices and develop small group works. Students will present group and solo choreography for a public performance. Prerequisite: DANC-150 (3 hours weekly)

DANC-281  Ballet III

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-182, Ballet II, at a higher level of proficiency. A continued study of classical ballet technique with emphasis on the progression of technical complexities, contemporary ballet stylization and musicality. Basics of pointe work and partnering technique for total comprehension to the performance of classical ballet. Prerequisite: DANC-182. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-282  Ballet IV

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-281, Ballet III, at a higher level of proficiency. A continued study of classical ballet technique with emphasis on the progression of technical complexities, contemporary ballet stylization and musicality. Continuation of pointe work and partnering technique for total comprehension to the performance of classical ballet. Prerequisite: DANC-281. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-286  Modern Dance III

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-187, Modern Dance II, at a higher level of proficiency. A continued study of modern dance technique on an intermediate level with emphasis on expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity– kinesthetically, spatially and musically. Course work continues study of various modern dance theories, history and improvisation. Prerequisite: DANC-187. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-287  Modern Dance IV

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-286, Modern Dance III, at a higher level of proficiency. A continued study of modern dance technique on an intermediate/advanced level with emphasis on expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity—kinesthetically, spatially and musically. Focus on interpretation and performances. Prerequisite: DANC-286. (3 hours weekly)

DANC-292  Jazz Dance III

2 Credits

This course is a continuation of DANC-193, Jazz Dance II, at a higher level of proficiency. A continuation of jazz dance technique with emphasis on performance of styles used on the concert stage, television and motion pictures. Expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity. Course will introduce choreographic explorations of jazz dance for the concert stage. Prerequisite: DANC-193. (3 hours weekly)

DANC 298 Intermediate Alexander Technique

1 Credit

This course follows DANC-198 (The Alexander Technique) and continues the study and practice of Alexander’s work with the Self as a mind/body unity. Recognizing the spiral nature of this type of learning, whereby we revisit the same activities and principles but at a deeper level, this course contains the same daily activities as the fi rst course such as sitting, standing, walking, breathing and constructive rest. There is emphasis on the particular performance or everyday activity of most interest to the student, whether that be in music, dance, drama, athletics, public speaking, computer work or anything involving complex co-ordination. Prerequisite: DANC-198 or LFIT-198. (2 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as LFIT-298.