DANC 130.  Varieties of Dance   (1-2).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 130A, 130B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.

DANC 130A.  Ballroom/Swing   (1-2).

Introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary, social and competitive ballroom dancing. Students learn the basics and variations in the East Coast Swing, triple and single rhythms, cha cha, salsa, waltz or any of the other popular ballroom dances the students wish to accomplish and time permits. Attention is given to building confidence, rhythmic understanding, leading and following, and a basic understanding of the origins of the dances and their cultural roots. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 130V.  Hip Hop I   (1-3).

Introduces hip hop dance technique emphasizing work in body isolations, rhythmic patterns and directions/weight changes, basic steps, and combinations similar to those found in the dance industry today. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 140.  Dance Appreciation   (3).

General education fine arts course. An exploration overview of dance. Emphasizes lecture, discussion, reading materials, dance videos and films. Occasional physical application in the dance studio. Physical application is optional. Open to everyone. Not counted toward a dance major.

DANC 150.  Dance Workshop   (1-4).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 150A, 150B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.

DANC 150A.  Ballroom-Latin   (1-2).

Introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary, social and competitive ballroom dancing. Students learn the basics and variations in the tango, rumba, cha cha, salsa, waltz or any of the other popular ballroom dances the students wish to accomplish and time permits. Attention is given to building confidence, rhythmic understanding, leading and following, and a basic understanding of the origins of the dances and their cultural roots. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 150R.  Production Processes   (1).

Cross-listed as THEA 150R. An introduction to the nonperformance areas of theatrical production (management, design and technical fields). Through lectures and related projects, the course provides an overview of design and production processes in the performing arts, as well as in the role of the stage manager and other department leadership roles. Material is geared towards BFA and BA majors in the School of Performing Arts.

DANC 180E.  Performing Arts Seminar   (1).

Cross-listed as THEA 180E. Interdisciplinary introduction to the School of Performing Arts. Students study performance, design and production of theatre, music theatre and dance. First semester students in the School of Performing Arts interact and collaborate with each other for a greater understanding of performing arts. Students crew one show on the season calendar. Students also break out into individual program areas of department-specific modules when appropriate. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 201.  Contemporary Technique 1   (2).

Introduces study of basic positions, body alignment, stretches and strengthening exercises; emphasizes simple movement phrases to develop understanding of direction, rhythm and dynamics. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 210.  Ballet Technique 1   (2).

Introduces basic technique, positions, basic steps, proper body alignment, classroom structure, etiquette and ballet vocabulary. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 215.  Dance Improvisation   (0.5).

Introduces the process of spontaneous movement discovery involving solo and group movement experiences. Improvisational exercises work to heighten the personal intuitive processes, the kinesthetic sense, and spatial and temporal awareness, allowing for individual ongoing discovery of potential movement resources for performance and choreography. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): School of Performing Arts major or instructor's consent.

DANC 225.  Dance History: Ancient Civilization to Early 1900s   (3).

General education fine arts course. Overview of dance history emphasizing the Western tradition in social, cultural and concert dance forms from ancient civilizations to early 1900s, dance in the Americas, and the origins and development of ballet.

DANC 227.  Mime/Physical Theatre 1   (2).

Introductory course in crafting nonverbal theatre to create conceptual statements, short plays and abstract movement art. Student experiences gesture, isolations, flexibility, strength, emotional expression, genuine acting and fundamental mime theatre skills to see the range and possibilities in communicating nonverbally. Enhances both acting and dancing skills.

DANC 235.  Jazz Technique 1   (2).

Introduces jazz technique, emphasizing work in body isolations, rhythmic patterns and directions, basic steps, and history and development of jazz dance in America. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 240.  Tap 1   (2).

Introduces the principles of tap dance including rhythm, clarity of sound, syncopation and weight shift. Repeatable once for credit.

DANC 280.  Inclusion in Performing Arts   (1).

Cross-listed as THEA 280. Provides effective tools to identify, create and maintain an inclusive space that promotes safe communication and encourages and supports creative freedom and expression. Students discover the common thread that connects seemly divisive approaches to the performing arts space while developing skills that can help redefine the spaces they enter. These spaces include, but are not limited to, rehearsal settings, learning environments and common areas. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): DANC 180E or THEA 180E.

DANC 301.  Contemporary Technique 2   (1-3).

Continuation of DANC 201 emphasizing movement phrases. Intermediate level. The class includes Lester Horton Technique, technique based on the principles of Jose Limon and Merce Cunningham, inversion work, somatics and the instructors’ own eclectic approach to contemporary modern dance. Students work to refine technique and to incorporate various movement qualities. Moving beyond Contemporary Technique 1, this intermediate course also begins to explore movement with momentum and movement moving in and out of the floor. Basic concepts of improvisation are incorporated into the class. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 305.  Choreography 1   (2).

Introductory course in the craft and art of making dances using improvisation and small assignments as the means for investigating movement concepts. Space, time and force factors, sound and musical forms, drama and literature, emotions, shape and path, solo, small and large group, and other concepts are experienced to inform the student of the range of possibilities in making dances. Prerequisite(s): DANC 215 and level two (intermediate) proficiency in modern dance, ballet and jazz techniques.

DANC 310.  Ballet Technique 2   (1-3).

Continuation of DANC 210. Intermediate level. Ballet 2 is an intermediate level eclectic style ballet technique class designed for the progressing dancer. Emphasis is placed on phrasing, musicality and complex neuromuscular patterning leading to a further understanding of ballet as a discipline of dance. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 320.  Dance Repertoire   (1).

For undergraduate students participating in the process of working with a choreographer. Students enrolled in performance must be cast in a work as a performer or understudy. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 325.  Dance History: 20th and 21st Centuries   (3).

General education fine arts course. Focuses on the development of modern and contemporary dance of the 20th and 21st centuries in the Western theatrical tradition. Topics include: early modern forerunners and pioneers, the evolution of contemporary ballet, postmodern dance, new dance, and the impact of technology and fusion dance forms.

DANC 332.  Music Theatre Dance 1   (2).

Focuses on three major aspects: executing specific period dances used in musical theatre shows, introducing original Broadway choreography that is level appropriate, and dissecting how to successfully audition at a professional dance call. Emphasizes proper dance technique and physical fitness. Mock auditions occur on a regular basis to improve dance-auditioning skills. Videotaping students occurs on a regular basis. Prerequisite(s): DANC 235.

DANC 335.  Jazz Technique 2   (1-2).

Continuation of DANC 235 at intermediate level. Jazz 2 is an intermediate jazz technique class designed for the skilled dance student. Emphasis is placed on the vocabulary, skills, rhythm and artistry of jazz dance technique in various styles including Giordano-based, Horton-based and eclectic. Standing center floor exercises, across the floor technical progressions and center floor combinations are practiced to increase body strength, flexibility, kinesthetic awareness, joint isolation, complex coordination as well as developing the artistry inherit in movement. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 340.  Tap 2   (2).

Continuation of DANC 240. Advanced intermediate-level course emphasizing appropriate technique of intermediate tap skills and the continued development of intricate rhythms, musicality, weight distribution and variation of style. Repeatable once for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 240 and/or instructor's consent.

DANC 350.  Workshops in Dance   (1-4).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 350A, 350B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course. Dance majors only.

DANC 350C.  Dance Technique Workshop   (0.5).

A dance course that explores a variety of intermediate to advanced dance forms/techniques. Classes are offered in a range of forms including contemporary, modern, ballet, hip hop, somatics, improvisation, jazz and other cultural forms/techniques from a variety of faculty and guest artists. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): dance major or instructor's consent.

DANC 350P.  Production Assistant - Dance   (1).

Participation course for exceptional dance students to spend a semester in an appropriate dance course setting assisting a faculty, guest director and/or mentor on production of a program project. Production elements of a project may include but are not limited to: dance film, live performance and motion capture performance for VR and video games. Meets in conjunction with scheduled rehearsal and production times. Dance majors only. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent.

DANC 350R.  Rehearsal Assistant - Dance   (1).

Participation course for exceptional dance students to spend a semester in an appropriate dance rehearsal setting assisting a faculty or guest choreographer. Meets in conjunction with scheduled rehearsal times. Course includes diversity content. Dance majors only. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent.

DANC 350T.  Teaching Assistant - Dance   (1).

Participation course for exceptional dance students to spend a semester in an appropriate dance course setting assisting a faculty instructor to hone their teaching skills. Meets in conjunction with assigned course. Course includes diversity content. Dance majors only. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent.

DANC 368.  Collaborative Community Project   (1).

Cross-listed as THEA 368. Provides an applied, collaborative learning experience in performing arts through interdisciplinary projects and experiential learning. Students explore personal, community and societal transformation through self-reflection, creative response and community collaborative projects. This engaged learning course focuses on how the performing arts can impact change in communities and be an agent for empowerment and change. This course is for BFA and BA in the performing arts candidates in their third year of study. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.

DANC 370.  Professional Practices for the Performing Artist   (2).

Cross-listed as THEA 370. For all performing arts majors. Focuses on business practices in performing arts. Discussions and assignments focus on resumes, websites, reels, marketing, business plans, unions, contracts, portfolios, interviews, taxes, etc. Individual concentration areas are also covered in break-out sessions throughout the course.

DANC 380.  Dance Conditioning   (1).

Introduces and addresses the physical needs of dancers: increasing strength and endurance, improving balance, preventing and treating injuries, and providing a basic understanding of correct dance alignments. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 381.  Dance Somatics   (1).

Emphasizes the unity of mind and body, and an integrated experience from within, through conscious guided movement and opportunities for increased self-awareness. Introduces students to an understanding of general somatic principles and somatic modalities through studies in both Bartenieff and/or Irene Dowd practices. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 401.  Contemporary Technique 3   (1-3).

Continuation of DANC 301. Upper-intermediate level. The class includes Lester Horton Technique, technique based on the principles of Jose Limon and Merce Cunningham, inversion work, somatics and the instructors’ own eclectic approaches to contemporary modern dance. Students work to refine technique and to incorporate various movement qualities, concepts and principles while also enhancing artistry and performance. Moving beyond Contemporary Technique 2, this advanced course also explores a more rigorous approach to movement with momentum and movement moving in and out of the floor. Improvisation is also explored in the class. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 405.  Choreography 2   (2).

Further work in improvisation and composition. Studies form in composition. Culminates in a performance of solo works, duets and small groups for an invited audience. Prerequisite(s): DANC 305. Corequisite(s): appropriate level modern dance or ballet technique class.

DANC 410.  Ballet Technique 3   (1-3).

Continuation of DANC 310. Upper-intermediate level. Ballet 3 is an intermediate/advanced and advanced level eclectic style ballet technique class designed for the serious and skilled dancer. Emphasis is placed on phrasing, musicality and complex neuromuscular patterning leading to a further and advanced/preprofessional understanding of ballet as a discipline of dance. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 415.  Dance Kinesiology   (3).

Introduces principles of kinesiology for dance. Includes anatomy, physiology, and beginning concepts in body therapies and movement analysis. Stresses structural and neuro-muscular analysis of the human body as it responds to the demands of dance.

DANC 432.  Music Theatre Dance 2   (2).

Developing proper dance technique is reinforced and expanded upon. Focuses on learning advanced original Broadway choreography from world-renowned choreographers and current choreographers working on Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. Equal focus is also on further developing dance auditioning skills and performance quality. Videotaping occurs on a regular basis. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 332 and/or instructor’s consent.

DANC 435.  Jazz Technique 3   (1-2).

Continuation of DANC 335 at a higher level of technical skill. Includes advanced kinetic memory, flexibility, isolation, sophisticated syncopation and reflex. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 481.  Cooperative Education Internship   (1-3).

Complements and enhances the student's academic program by providing an opportunity to apply and acquire knowledge in a professional environment. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

DANC 481I.  Noncredit Internship   (0).

Complements and enhances the student's academic program by providing an opportunity to apply and acquire knowledge in a workplace environment as an intern. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

DANC 490.  Dance Audition Techniques   (0.5).

Develops techniques and audition repertory dancers need to gain professional employment and/or successfully complete for placement in advanced training programs. Covers the research skills necessary to form a professional career, and brings students into contact with professional guest artists who can provide additional insight and contacts. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): BFA or BA major in performing arts with dance concentration.

DANC 501.  Senior Contemporary Technique 4   (0.5-3).

Advanced level continuation of DANC 401. Emphasizes professional technique and performance quality. Undergraduate senior standing dance majors only. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 505.  Choreography 3   (2).

Focuses on the choreographic process. Students create choreographic studies for more than one dancer using elements studied in Choreography 1 and 2 and exploring different choreographic approaches. Further exploration may include environmental, chance and collaborative choreographies and multimedia approaches. For undergraduate credit only. Prerequisite(s): DANC 405. Corequisite(s): appropriate level modern dance or ballet technique class.

DANC 510.  Ballet Technique 4   (0.5-3).

Advanced level continuation of DANC 410. Emphasizes professional technique and performance quality. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 515.  Dance Improvisation 2: Creative Movement Practice   (2).

Designed to serve as a laboratory for broadening and diversifying the creative processes of improvisational dance making and performance. Rooted in physical research, this course also examines improvisational and compositional practices through readings, journaling and written work to fortify a foundation for individual choice making, movement creation and articulation of idiosyncrasies. For undergraduate credit only. Pre- or corequisite(s): DANC 215, DANC 305, DANC 405.

DANC 535.  Jazz Dance 4   (3).

Advanced level. Continuation of DANC 435. Emphasizes professional technique and performance quality. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent or by audition.

DANC 545.  Methods of Teaching Dance   (2).

Develops teaching skills for elementary schools, high schools, recreation centers, private and professional schools, and universities through lesson planning and in-class teaching practice. Prerequisite(s): DANC 301 or DANC 310.

DANC 570.  Research Methods in the Performing Arts   (2).

Focuses on understanding basic research modalities, methodologies and writing skills for the performing arts. Approaches include quantitative, qualitative, arts-based, action and embodied research approaches. The course includes applied learning in research with group-based inquiry in preparation for capstone project research/foundations. For undergraduate credit only. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 and ENGL 102; junior or senior standing.

DANC 580.  Capstone Project   (1-2).

Capstone of a dance major's educational experience. Focuses on the process of creating a final project for the completion of the dance major under the supervision of a dance faculty mentor. The course comprises a final project and research paper that demonstrates skill in self-evaluative writing, and knowledge of principles learned in the dance degree curriculum, culminating in a concert or presentation, and oral review with the dance faculty. May be taken concurrently with DANC 505 with instructor's consent. Repeatable for credit. For undergraduate credit only. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent. Corequisite(s): appropriate level technique class, senior standing.

DANC 645.  Practicum in Teaching Dance   (1).

Applies and implements teaching skills for elementary schools, high schools, recreation centers, private and professional schools, and universities through WSU dance studio assistantship, lesson planning and syllabus development, guest teaching, and additional assigned in-practice tasks. Prerequisite(s): DANC 545.

DANC 675.  Directed Study   (1-3).

Individual study or projects. Repeatable for credit with departmental consent. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

DANC 690.  Special Topics in Dance   (1-6).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 690A, 690B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.

DANC 750.  Dance Workshop   (1-4).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 750A, 750B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.