41 courses with the subject DANCE, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
DANCE 100Introduction to Dance1.00
This introduction to dance course allows students to broadly experience dance. Students explore dance from the following perspectives: historical, cultural and social, creative and expressive, performing, critical and aesthetic, and kinesthetic. The intention of the course is to broaden students' perceptions about dance. Lectures, student presentations, experiential movement labs, and viewing of both live and recorded dance performances are all components of the course. No dance experience required. Ticket/transportation fee required. Offered annually in the fall semester. OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
Ballroom classes are taught from a social and aesthetic perspective. In this course, students learn fundamental steps, rhythms, and styling in foxtrot, slow waltz, east coast swing, and cha cha. May be repeated with permission of instructor. P/N only. Offered each semester. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
Students explore dance genres that embody a strong rhythmic foundation. They experience rhythmic pattern as an organizing principle for the human body, an expressive capacity, and a social connector. Students investigate the cultural and social milieu from which dance genres emerge. Dance genres could include, hip hop, West African, Asian, and Caribbean dance forms, tap dance, or jazz dance. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered each semester. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
International dance classes emphasize dance in its varied cultural contexts. This course surveys vernacular/community dance from around the world with emphasis on European and Near Eastern forms. May be repeated. P/N only. Ticket/transportation fee required. Offered annually. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course introduces modern dance as a style of dance and a dance aesthetic. It explores at a beginning level a range of movement vocabulary, body awareness, and creative process. Teaching faculty bring their individual movement backgrounds to the class content. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered each semester. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course explores the dance techniques of Party Dances, which began being termed "Hip Hop" dance in the 1980s. As a transformation of styles with Africanist parentage, this course focuses on the rhythm and groove embedded by the New York beginnings of proper Hip Hop. The course exposes students to the influence of Hip Hop on various cultures through the study of Party Dances and urban styles from New York to California, 1980s to now. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered each semester. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course provides students with an introduction to ballet technique, vocabulary, proper body alignment, and body awareness. Outside work includes practicing, reading, writing, and concert attendance. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered annually. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
An introduction to world dance traditions, this course examines dance forms, functions, contexts, and differing aesthetics found in selected cultures of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the South Pacific, and the Americas. The course includes lectures, discussion, video-viewing, and required field-trips to dance events, in addition to studio experiences where students learn dances from the cultures studied. No previous dance experience required. Ticket/transportation fee required. Offered alternate years during January Term. OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies.
Students learn special topics in dance in a movement intensive environment. Students study the historical, social, and cultural context in which the dance topic emerged and currently functions and the physical and expressive capacities that distinguish it from other forms. Dance topics could include somatics, Gaga, contact improvisation, yoga, partnering, or aerial dance. Topics may vary from year to year. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered each semester. No prerequisite. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
DANCE 150Movement, the Camera, and the Creative Process
Students learn, embody, and integrate elements of dance and film by engaging in the creative practice of making dance for the screen. Each student gains experience as a director, performer, videographer, editor, and critic in this collaborative learning community. Students discuss and analyze live movement studies, screen dances by peers and professionals, and relevant texts. Other technologies, such as 3D character animation and reactive/interactive technology, may be introduced. The class culminates with an evening public showing. Offered alternate years in the spring semester. OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
Veselica International Dance Ensemble introduces student performers and audiences to dance as a global art, expanding their awareness of the spectrum of dance forms and contexts in the world. Student performers develop skills by performing a variety of dance forms and experience the process of working together in an ensemble to create quality performances. Interested students can choreograph or stage international dance works, and members of the ensemble may also work with guest choreographers. The ensemble is open by audition to all students. P/N only. May be repeated.
This course provides instruction in basic steps, rhythms, and styling for quickstep, samba, tango, and west coast swing. Students also learn advanced patterns in slow waltz, building on material learned in DANCE 106. Ticket/transportation fee required. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered alternate years, usually in the spring semester. Prerequisite: DANCE 106 or permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course focuses on social dance forms performed in pairs. Students work on developing the skills necessary for success with such forms, including communicating non-verbally with a partner, particularly in lead/follow situations; giving weight and counter-balancing with a partner; rotating as a pair while progressing around the floor, etc. Repertoire for the class includes a range of social/vernacular dance forms such as Viennese waltz, salsa rueda, rumba, schottische, and hambo, among others. May be repeated. Offered alternate years, usually in the spring semester. Prerequisite: DANCE 106 or DANCE 108 or DANCE 109 or DANCE 206 or permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
Students focus intensively on the dance forms and styles of selected cultures chosen by the instructor in consultation with the students. Ticket/transportation fee required. May be repeated. P/N only. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: DANCE 108 or DANCE 109 or DANCE 124 or permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
Students expand their understanding of modern dance by building on the components of DANCE 111, adding attention to movement qualities, elements of space, dance vocabulary, and of technique with an emphasis on phrasing and sequencing movement. Some sections may also include a focus on performing skills. Open to majors and other students with instructor's permission. May require ticket/transportation fee. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: DANCE 111 and permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
Students expand their understanding of modern dance by building on the components of DANCE 111, adding attention to movement qualities, elements of space, dance vocabulary, and of technique with an emphasis on phrasing and sequencing movement. Some sections may also include a focus on performing skills. Open to majors and other students with instructor's permission. May require ticket/transportation fee. May be repeated. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: DANCE 111 and permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course offers an expansion of ballet vocabulary and technique with an emphasis on movement quality, clarity, and efficiency. Outside work includes practicing, reading, writing, and concert attendance. Open to majors and other students with instructor's permission. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: two terms of DANCE 121 or DANCE 130 or DANCE 131 or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course offers an expansion of ballet vocabulary and technique with an emphasis on movement quality, clarity, and efficiency. Outside work includes practicing, reading, writing, and concert attendance. Open to majors and other students with instructor's permission. May be repeated. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: two terms of DANCE 121 or DANCE 130 or DANCE 131 or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
DANCE 231Fundamentals of Choreography and Improvisation1.00
A basic course in principles and methods for creating dances, this course focuses on the elements of dance composition and improvisation, the relationship of form and content, and the relationship of the dancer and the dance. It is appropriate for students interested in any or all forms of dance and for those interested in other forms of composition (music, visual art, etc.). Offered annually in the fall semester. OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
Students trace and integrate the African American and European American dance traditions of the late 19th century, 20th century, and early 21st century. The course focuses on the theatrical dance genres of: ballet, modern, and jazz (includes tap and some musical theater dance) and also examines social dance as the predecessor of some theatrical dance genres. The course also attends to the economic, religious, political, and social forces that have affected the development of dance in the United States, particularly race, ethnicity, and gender and the intersection with other forms of structured inequality. Video examples supplement reading, live dance viewing, physical exploration, class lecture, mid-term and final exams, writing assignments, and discussion. No dance experience required. Ticket/transportation fee required. Offered annually in the spring semester. OLE Core Requirement: Power and Race; Writing Across the Curriculum.
DANCE 249Dance NOW/NY January Term Experience (study away)
This course provides intensive exposure to New York City, one of the major dance capitals of the world. Students attend dance classes (students choose what forms of dance they want to take), performances, visit historical sites and museums, meet and interview working dance artists and alumni, and write extensively about dance. Students develop a greater understanding of and reflect upon their interests within and connected to the dance world. May be repeated. Offered alternate years during January term. Apply through Smith Center for Global Engagement. Prerequisite: At least 2 movement intensive dance courses at St Olaf, sophomore status and above, and either DANCE 170: Veselica International Dance Ensemble or DANCE 180: Companydance. Completion of one of the following courses is highly recommended but not required: DANCE 100, DANCE 246 or DANCE 124. OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice; Active Body.
This course explores the Hip Hop dance canon through Party Dance technique, and styles under the umbrella of Hip Hop. Beginning where DANCE 113 Hip Hop I ends, it focuses on rhythm, groove, and extends into complex footwork. As an intermediate-level course, these foci are explored intricately and in-depth, with expectations that students work toward intellectual and clear kinesthetic comprehension exhibited in the body through performance. Students investigate the influence of Hip Hop as a genre on various cultures through the study of street dance technique. Prerequisite: DANCE 113 or permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course explores the Hip Hop dance canon through Party Dance technique, and styles under the umbrella of Hip Hop. Beginning where DANCE 113 Hip Hop I ends, it focuses on rhythm, groove, and extends into complex footwork. As an intermediate-level course, these foci are explored intricately and in-depth, with expectations that students work toward intellectual and clear kinesthetic comprehension exhibited in the body through performance. Students investigate the influence of Hip Hop as a genre on various cultures through the study of street dance technique. May be repeated. Prerequisite: DANCE 113 or permission of instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
Students study musculoskeletal anatomy (structure) and kinesiology (science of human motion) from the perspective of dance training and performance. Students learn anatomical terminology, identify select bones (major features, articulations) and muscles (locations, actions), and analyze their influence during coordinated movement patterns. Students learn joint structure and mechanics, alignment and imbalances, movement behavior, conditioning needs, and injury prevention. Students learn to notice, measure, experience, sense, and reflect upon the impact of anatomical characteristics and anomalies. Offered annually during fall semester. Prerequisite: students taking this course should have previous experience in a movement intensive practice similar to dance, athletics, or kinesiology. OLE Core Requirement: Natural Science.
For some "community dance" encompasses the dances that are part of a community's social life. For others it refers specifically to a movement with the motto "dance is for everyone" that has sought to bring participation in dance to all, particularly underserved communities. This class addresses both. The class is open to all, both students with no experience and those with who are interested in potentially using community dance in future endeavors. OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice; Active Body.
For some "community dance" encompasses the dances that are part of a community's social life. For others it refers specifically to a movement with the motto "dance is for everyone" that has sought to bring participation in dance to all, particularly underserved communities. This class addresses both. The class is open to all, both students with no experience and those with who are interested in potentially using community dance in future endeavors. OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice; Active Body.
Students investigate a specific topic in dance through lecture, readings, class discussions, the viewing of live and recorded dance, physical practice, and group projects. Potential topics could include dance and social justice, politics and the performing arts, dance and gender, dance and anthropology, dance aesthetics, dance/movement therapy, and ethics. Topics vary from term to term. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: No required prerequisites but it is recommended that students taking this course have previous experience in a dance language intensive course.
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment. Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 2 relevant courses for 298 (IS); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
This course builds on the concepts and components of DANCE 111 Modern Dance I and DANCE 210 Modern Dance II and DANCE 211 Modern Dance II. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: DANCE 210 or DANCE 211 for at least two terms with two different instructors or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course builds on the concepts and components of DANCE 111 Modern Dance I and DANCE 210 Modern Dance II and DANCE 211 Modern Dance II. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: DANCE 210 or DANCE 211 for at least two terms with two different instructors or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course offers a further exploration of ballet vocabulary and technique for the advanced dancer with an emphasis on clarity, intention, and musicality. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: DANCE 220 or DANCE 221 or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
This course offers a further exploration of ballet vocabulary and technique for the advanced dancer with an emphasis on clarity, intention, and musicality. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: DANCE 220 or DANCE 221 or permission of the instructor. OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
In this advanced analysis of principles and methods for creating dances, students survey current trends in dance performance as well as choreograph new works. Offered annually in the spring semester. Prerequisite: DANCE 231. OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to their research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course. Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment. Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 5 relevant courses for 398 (IR); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
In this culminating dance major course, students develop and execute their final senior projects in their individual areas of specialty, including planning for and promoting the presentation of their projects. Students prepare for dance and other career options by developing professional correspondence documents, learning and practicing interviewing skills, creating video samples of their work, and leading discussions on dance-related topics relevant to the individual student. Offered annually in the fall semester. Prerequisite: senior dance major.
