MTSU Courses

DANC 1000

Dance Appreciation

In this course we will explore dance in its past and present forms, understanding its impact on society and the individual. It will focus on dance as a cultural phenomenon, an educational endeavor and a concert art form. This course will provide the fundamental skills needed to interpret the social, political and narrative content communicated by dance. Greater attention will be paid to specific works to increase the studentπs understanding. This course will allow students to experience the possibilities of dance through different learning modes.

 

DANC 1010

Modern I

This course will provide you with opportunities to develop the technical skills and knowledge required at the beginning level. In class exercises are focused on alignment, flexibility, strength and coordination through the application of modern dance vocabulary. Additionally, we will explore basic improvisation and choreographic skills. Emphasis will be placed on the detailing of movement in terms of direction changes, weight shift and propulsion, phrasing quality and musicality.

 

DANC 2000

Introduction to Dance Studies

This course is a gateway into dance study and practice at Middle Tennessee

State University. Students accumulate an overview of the contemporary dance scene and its recent history in aesthetics, scholarship, and in the marketplace. Instruction includes contemporary readings and class discussions; observation of master classes, live performances, viewing of dance videos and other art works; and interaction with dance practitioners and allied professionals. Students will have the opportunity to respond to their discoveries in written, oral, and kinesthetic formats.

 

DANC 3010

Modern Dance Technique III

This is an intermediate and advanced level dance class, which continues training in modern dance through technique, choreographed sequences, dance improvisation, and structured creative assignments. Emphasis will be placed on developing and improving the bodyπs strength, flexibility, alignment, coordination, balance, and biomechanical, sound movement practices. This course integrates various modern dance styles as well as the influences of the Alexander Technique, Body-Mind Centering, Bartenieff Fundamentals and yoga. Students will explore the expressive, aesthetic, and creative qualities unique to modern dance, and will further their understanding of the history, evolution, and social function of modern dance.

 

DANC 4600

Theory and Practice

In this course we will understand, practice and apply a variety of somatic based disciplines to dance training. Through lectures, discussions, readings, experiential-based movement explorations and hands on guidance, we will explore anatomy, dance kinesiology, a variety of mind/body based techniques and somatic therapies. You will gain a deeper understanding of proper use and function of the body in daily activities, as well as more complex activities such as dancing and acting. Some of the techniques that we will be exploring are yoga, Bartenieff fundamentals, Alexander Technique, and developmental movement

 

DANC 4800

History of Ballet and Modern Dance

This course introduces major dance movements, choreographers and performers who have shaped and developed concert dance forms in western culture in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. We will emphasize the culture and identity of the dance makers and performers by observing the climate of ideas, the scale of values and the socio-political conditions, which influenced the development of western dance. Through some of the historical readings, and through assignments, student will be immersed in the contexts that led to the creation of particular works; and through films, students will experience the thrill of actual performances.