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. Prerequisite(s): THEA 180E or DANC 180E with a grade of C or better.

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 year students in the School of Performing Arts interact and collaborate with each other for a greater understanding of performing arts. Students also break out into individual program areas of department-specific modules when appropriate.

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   (0.5-2).

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 up to 2 credit hours.

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 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 with a grade of C or better.

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).

Fast paced introductory course focusing on the execution of musical theatre dance styles. The use of level appropriate original Broadway choreography is studied, discussed and used as a tool for learning the techniques of different styles found in musical theatre dance. Emphasis is also placed on dissecting students' approach to professional dance auditions. Repeatable for up to 4 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): DANC 235, DANC 201 and DANC 210 with a grade of C or better.

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 345.  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 346.  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 345 with a grade of C or better.

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. 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. 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 Arts   (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. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.

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 420.  Directed Study   (1-3).

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

DANC 425.  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. Prerequisite(s): DANC 215, DANC 305 and DANC 405 with a grade of C or better.

DANC 432.  Music Theatre Dance 2   (2).

Fast paced intermediate course focusing on the execution of musical theatre dance styles. The use of intermediate/advanced Broadway choreography is studied, discussed and used as a tool for learning the techniques of different styles found in musical theatre dance. Intermediate level emphasis is placed on dissecting students' approach to professional dance auditions. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 235, DANC 201, DANC 210 and DANC 332 with a grade of C or better.

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 441.  Contemporary Technique 4   (0.5-3).

Advanced level continuation of DANC 401. Emphasizes professional technique and performance quality. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 301 and DANC 401 with a grade of C or better.

DANC 469.  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. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 with a grade of C or better.

DANC 481.  Cooperative Education   (1-3).

Academic program that expands a student's learning experiences through paid employment in a supervised educational work setting related to the student's major field of study or career focus. 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 499.  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. Repeatable for credit. Capstone course. Prerequisite(s): DANC 469 with a grade of C or better.

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.