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. Open to everyone.

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 School of Performing Arts, as well as the roles of the stage manager and other production leadership positions. 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. 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).

Beginning level course offers an immersive introduction to contemporary dance through an eclectic lens, drawing from a range of movement philosophies, practices and exploration of space, time and energy. Repeatable for credit.

DANC 210.  Ballet Technique 1   (2).

Beginning level ballet technique class is designed to introduce basic technique, positions, basic steps, body alignment, classroom structure, etiquette and ballet vocabulary. Repeatable for credit.

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 and Broadway Styles 1   (2).

This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of jazz dance technique, emphasizing body isolations, rhythmic patterns, directional movement, and basic steps. Designed for beginners, this course builds physical awareness and stylistic sensitivity essential for future performance work in jazz and musical theatre dance. 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. Prerequisite(s): DANC 180E or THEA 180E with a grade of C or better.

DANC 290.  Somatics 1   (1).

Introductory course. 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 movement modalities. Repeatable for credit.

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

Intermediate level course offers an immersive contemporary dance experience through an eclectic lens, drawing from a range of movement philosophies, practices and exploration of space, time and energy. Students work to refine technique and to incorporate various movement qualities. 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 304.  Dance Improvisation   (0.5-2).

Introduces the process of spontaneous movement discovery involving solo and group movement experiences. Improvisational exercises work to heighten the kinesthetic sense and develop a stronger awareness of pattern and dynamic variance within movement. Explorations support ongoing discovery into the creative process, deepening skills in problem-solving, personal aesthetics, and potential for new movement resources in performance and choreography. Repeatable up to 2 credit hours.

DANC 305.  Choreography 1   (2).

Introductory course in the craft and art of making dances using improvisation and compositional practices in various studies. Space, time and energy concepts are explored throughout the course to inform the student of the range of possibilities within dance making. Prerequisite(s): DANC 304 and (DANC 201 or DANC 301) with a grade of C or better.

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

Intermediate level. 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 335.  Jazz and Broadway Styles 2   (2).

This intermediate course focuses on the integration of Broadway-style choreography as a tool for exploring diverse musical theatre and jazz styles. Students refine technical skills while developing stylistic versatility and performance quality. Emphasis is placed on audition preparation, including analysis of individual approach and execution. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent, 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. Repeatable for credit. 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 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 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. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent.

DANC 365.  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): instructor's consent.

DANC 367.  Performance and Social Research Project   (1).

Cross-listed as THEA 367. Focuses on performance-based devised performing arts and embodied sociological research. A public performance is developed and inspired through collaborative devised art-making processes focused on contemporary social problems. Approaches may include the collaborative development of original scripts, movement, acting, dancing and the integration of other art forms. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): SOC 111, SOC 312, SOC 320 and (DANC 304, DANC 320 and DANC 301 all with a grade of C or better; or THEA 180D, THEA 241 and THEA 243 all with a grade of C or better).

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. 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 390.  Somatics 2   (1).

Focuses on the integrated relationship between mind and body through guided in-depth somatic movement experiences. Students further explore somatic principles and engage with a variety of movement modalities to cultivate self-awareness, embodiment and reflective inquiry. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning, personal insight and the development of a holistic understanding of movement as a tool for physical and emotional integration. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 290 with a grade of C or better and instructor's consent.

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

Continuation of DANC 301. Upper-intermediate level course offers an immersive contemporary dance experience through an eclectic lens, drawing from a range of movement philosophies, practices and exploration of space, time and energy. 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, the course also explores a more rigorous approach to movement with momentum, dynamic sequencing, and movement moving in and out of the floor. Improvisation is also explored in the class. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 301 with a grade of C or better and instructor's consent.

DANC 405.  Choreography 2   (2).

Focuses on crafting solo movement using improvisation and short assignments, which empower student explorations in movement invention and meaning-making and investigate concepts of shape, path, pattern and accompanying musical scores. Group collaboration and on-site composition further explore skills learned in Improvisation and Choreography 1. Prerequisite(s): DANC 304, DANC 305 and DANC 301 with a grade of C or better.

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

Upper-intermediate level ballet technique with emphasis 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 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 student choreographies of dances for more than one body. Utilizing assigned and developed choreographic scores, students explore group-focused movement invention and meaning-making. Explorations may include environmental, chance, theoretical and multi-disciplinary approaches where refinement and articulation of aesthetic vision and self-critique are prioritized. Prerequisite(s): DANC 304, DANC 305 and DANC 405 with a grade of C or better.

DANC 435.  Jazz and Broadway Styles 3   (2).

This advanced course builds upon the skills developed in DANC 335, challenging students with complex Broadway choreography and deeper stylistic interpretations of jazz dance. Emphasis is placed on refining jazz technique and honing stylistic nuances of musical theatre dance, while also preparing students for professional audition environments. By the end of the course, dancers demonstrate a confident, expressive approach to musical theatre and jazz performance. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 335.

DANC 441.  Contemporary Technique 4   (0.5-3).

Advanced level continuation of DANC 401. Course offers an immersive contemporary dance experience through an eclectic lens, drawing from a range of movement philosophies, practices and exploration of space, time and energy. Students work to master technique, incorporate various movement qualities, concepts and principles, and explore individual expression within phrase work while also enhancing artistry and performance. This course also explores a rigorous approach to movement with momentum, dynamic sequencing, and movement moving in and out of the floor. Improvisation is also explored in the class. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): DANC 401 with a grade of C or better and instructor's consent.

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.