DAN 251 -- Looking at Dance

Dancing the Tango-or, how not to Dance with the Stars [link]

Expanded course description

Dance is an ever- changing art form that exists as a physical expression of the current age. Through observation, writing, discussion and kinesthetic experience the student will have an in depth introduction to the often misunderstood art form of dance. The course begins with the diverse experiences of dance in different cultures, and seeks parallels and contrasts with general socio-cultural beliefs about dance and its place in the contemporary life of a typical University of Oregon student. The evolution of concert dance performance is then traced in the western European classical tradition. The artistic rebellions of the twentieth century are then followed from the emergence of modernism, through the anarchistic experiments of the post- modernists to current trends in dance performance. Students are required to attend live dance performances and respond to them in written form as well as viewing and discussing taped performances in the classroom. Experiential movement sessions are a key portion of the course; they are designed to introduce students physically to elements of dance that can be experienced by anyone. They include basic experiences with world dance forms such as African Dance, court and baroque dance and basics of ballet. The primary focus of the labs is an introduction to contemporary movement ideas such as weight- sharing, space/time/energy, and chance procedures. There is a culminating group creative project in which students are asked to problem solve in movement terms.

Group: A&L

Offered 200701.

Syllabus

Although syllabi can change from term to term, a syllabus may provide further information about typical instances of this course.