Dance
Department Overview
The mission of the Dance Department is to link critical thinking, historical perspective, and creative discovery with the distinct skills derived from physically-sound studio practice, performance, and research. Skidmore provides a rigorous four-year experience that enables students to pursue the major or minor in a way that effectively supports their personal goals and ambitions.
Students Pursue the Major Through One of Two Tracks
- Performance/Choreography
- Dance Research
Both tracks represent a combined course of study that includes intensive dance technique, history/criticism, research skills, improvisation, and composition classes. Both tracks lead to a Bachelor of Science degree, preparing students for a career in the fields of performance, choreography, dance education, dance therapies, arts administration, dance criticism, and research.
Over 70% of students in the department are double majors and many dancers design senior thesis projects that successfully and meaningfully align their double majors, demonstrating a commitment to both artistic excellence and interdisciplinary studies in dance. Recent graduates have earned degrees in both dance and exercise science, art history, English, theater, computer science, psychology, government, neuroscience, and biology (pre-med). Regardless of whether you major or minor, classes and performances are open to everyone. The department is rooted in the belief that dance is an inclusive art, available for all bodies to practice.
Guest Artists
In addition to our exceptional faculty and staff, students are regularly exposed to an impressive roster of guest artists and choreographers who represent a broad spectrum of the dance world. The Dance Department hosts annual workshops, master classes, guest lectures, and artist residencies where students learn from the work of historic and internationally acclaimed artists as well as contemporary innovators who are currently defining the professional field.
Chair of the Department of Dance: Sarah DiPasquale
Associate Chair of the Department of Dance: Jason Ohlberg
Associate Professors: Sarah DiPasquale, Jason Ohlberg
Visiting Associate Professor: Brian Lawson
Assistant Professor: Kieron Sargeant
Visiting Artist in Residence: Chia-Ying Kao
Senior Lecturer: Erika Pujič
Lecturers: David Otto, André Robles, Christiane Santos, Francesca Soldevere, Christy Williams
Music Director: Carl Landa
Accompanists: Carol Ann Elze-Sussdorff, Patricia Hadfield
Technical Director, Lighting Designer, Theater Manager: Travis Richardson
Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager: Samantha Garwood
Dance Department Administrative Assistant: Ellen Grandy
Faculty Emeriti: Mary DiSanto-Rose, Debra J. Fernandez, Mary Harney, Denise Warner Limoli
On This Page
Dance B.S.
Dance Research Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technique and/or Performance Workshop | ||
| Select 21 credit hours of technique and/or Performance Workshop | 21 | |
| Theory | ||
| Select 20 credit hours of theory to include: | 20 | |
| Improvisation I | ||
| Choreography I | ||
| Dance and Society I | ||
| Music for Dancers/Choreographers | ||
| Dancing Toward Success: Arts Education for Public Schools | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Recommended Course | ||
| DA 376 | Senior Coda in Dance (required for Honors) 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 44 | |
- 1
Does not count as theory credit toward the Dance Research track.
Performance/Choreography
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technique and/or Performance Workshop | ||
| Select 21 credit hours of technique and/or Performance Workshop | 21 | |
| Theory | ||
| Select 20 credit hours of theory to include: | 20 | |
| Hip Hop & Urban Dance I | ||
| Improvisation I | ||
| Choreography I | ||
| Dance and Society I | ||
| Dancing Toward Success: Arts Education for Public Schools | ||
| Dance Production | ||
| Music for Dancers/Choreographers | ||
| Hip Hop & Urban Dance II | ||
| Choreography II | ||
| Dance & Society II | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Recommended Course | ||
| DA 376 | Senior Coda in Dance (required for honors) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 44 | |
Writing Requirement in the Dance Major
In addition to their studio and performance studies, all dance majors must successfully complete courses that complement and enhance students’ understanding of dance as a diverse and evolving art form. In these courses, students have the opportunity to practice the three styles of writing in dance that have been identified by the dance faculty as required for the dance major:
- Description of observed dance
- Expression of the creative experience of dance itself
- Critical and analytical research
Students will satisfy the writing requirement in the dance major by successfully completing the following four courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Writing | ||
| DA 227 & DA 228 | Improvisation I and Choreography I | 5 |
| Intermediate Writing | ||
| DA 230 | Dance and Society I | 3 |
| or DA 335 | Dance & Society II | |
| Advanced Writing | ||
| DA 375 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| or DA 371 | Independent Study in Dance | |
| Total Hours | 11 | |
Dance Minor
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | ||
| DA 230 | Dance and Society I (Required) | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Select 17 additional credit hours of technique, theory, or workshop/production course 1 | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 20 | |
- 1
Two of the required courses in dance must be at the 300 level.
Students should declare their minors by fall semester of the junior year.
Honors
Departmental honors for senior dance majors are recommended on the basis of a distinguished academic career documented by a department GPA of 3.6 or higher in the major, faculty recommendation, and a high level of accomplishment on a department approved senior capstone project.
Course Listing
Dance Courses
DA 101 - The Dance Experience
Credits: 2
Introduction to dance as a performing art. A combination of movement, lectures, and viewings from multiple traditions expands the student’s knowledge and appreciation of dance as a performing art.
Note(s): Does not count toward major or minor in Dance. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement. Not for liberal arts credit.
DA 105 - Dance Conditioning
Credits: 1
Instruction in the fundamental cross-training techniques essential to a healthy dance career. Students will learn evidence-based, integrative conditioning methods with an emphasis on mindfulness, placement, and injury prevention.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit.
DA 205 - Anatomy and Kinesiology for Dancers
Credits: 4
An experiential introduction to the field of dance science. Students will increase their understanding about the human body, injury prevention, and dance performance. Emphasis will be placed on learning the basic anatomy essential for safe and effective dance practice (structure and function), movement analysis, and conditioning for dancers through lectures, lab sessions/reports, and group discussions.
Note(s): Not open to students who have taken HP 115. Fulfills Scientific Inquiry requirement.
DA 209 - Bridges to Skidmore: The Dance Experience
Credits: 1
A collaborative course between the students of Skidmore College and the clients of Saratoga Bridges, a local organization providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. Skidmore students will be matched with a small cohort of individuals from Saratoga Bridges to participate in a biweekly introductory dance class. Skidmore students will dance alongside the members of their group, assisting as needed to meet their individual learning and/or mobility needs and learning from one another in the process.
DA 210I - Tap
Credits: 1
DA 212 - Jazz Dance I
Credits: 1-2
An introduction to jazz technique and vocabulary. This class will be comprised of warm-ups, isolations, stretching, across-the-floor progressions, and introductory turns and leaps. Further emphasis will be placed on dance combinations designed to put a series of movements to music.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 213 - Tap I
Credits: 1-2
An introduction to tap technique and terminology. Students learn about rhythm, footwork, and coordination as they gain control and build confidence.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 214 - Classical Dance of India I
Credits: 1-2
An introduction to one of the designated Classical Indian Dance forms, such as Kathak (story-telling dance of Northern India), Bharata Natyam (temple dance of Southern India), or Odissi (temple dance of Eastern India). Students learn traditional movement, vocabulary, musical accompaniment, and basic historical background.
Note(s): May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 215 - Character Dance I
Credits: 1-2
An introduction to stylized theatrical folk dance. Students learn representative movements, music, and rhythms from various national dances, such as the Hungarian Czardas, Polish Mazurka, and Italian Tarantella.
Note(s): May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 217 - Dance Special
Credits: 1-2
Technical or performance training at the low intermediate level.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 218 - Pilates I
Credits: 1-2
Pilates mat work covering the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students focus on the principles of the Pilates method and technical goals of each exercise with an emphasis on working at one’s own pace. The “Magic Circle” and arm weights are often incorporated into the workout. No previous Pilates experience is necessary.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit.
DA 221 - Hip Hop & Urban Dance I
Credits: 2
Students will focus on fundamental principles, vocabulary, and practices common to Hip Hop, Urban, and Street Jazz styles of dance. We will look at the history and cultures that these styles originated from while looking at the global expansion of hip hop and how the movement itself has shaped the society we all live in. Beginner/Intermediate levels welcome.
Note(s): Fulfills Artistic Inquiry; may be repeated for credit.
DA 222 - African Caribbean Dance I
Credits: 2
This is an introductory course to African Caribbean Dance with an emphasis on movement, ritual, performance, and music. In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of African Caribbean Dances from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados etc., and the musical instruments used to accompany these dances. In addition to practical dance training, this course will provide a theoretical basis for understanding the geographical, historical, and the cultural contexts in which the dances originated.
Note(s): Fulfills Artistic Inquiry and Global Cultural Perspectives requirement. Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit.
DA 227 - Improvisation I
Credits: 2
Introduction to the art of dance improvisation. Improvisation teaches students to explore movement for a variety of outcomes without predetermined actions and invites students to discover and develop their own movement potential as they relate and respond to others. Students learn the spontaneous use of movement derived from movement concepts, imagery, props, and media sources.
Note(s): This course partially fulfills the writing requirement in Dance. Not for liberal arts credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 228 - Choreography I
Credits: 3
Beginning choreographers develop a personal movement vocabulary by adopting various investigative methods and applying them to class assignments. Rigorous exercises touch on design, dynamics, rhythm training, phrase development, and other compositional tools. Through solo and group work, the choreographer will develop a sense of craft as it applies to the art of making dances. Final projects will be shown in the Dance Theater at semester's end.
Prerequisites: DA 227 or permission of instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit.
DA 230 - Dance and Society I
Credits: 3
A survey course covering topics in various histories of dance from cultural, theatrical, and social perspectives. Dance & Society I is a writing intensive course in which students will learn to design and execute a formal research project. DA 230 satisfies the Skidmore general education curriculum requirement for Global Cultural Perspectives.
Note(s): This course partially fulfills the writing requirement in dance. Fulfills Humanistic Inquiry and Global Cultural Perspectives requirements.
DA 274 - Special Studies in Dance Theory and Appreciation
Credits: 1-4
Studies in dance theory and appreciation designed to broaden student awareness and understanding of dance and its related disciplines.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
DA 276 - Dance Production
Credits: 2
A basic foundation in dance production, emphasizing the collaborative process among choreographers and designers/technicians. The course introduces students to the lighting design process and to the use of light as a medium for expression. Students learn basic lighting technology, sound operation, as well as stage management. Students will design the lighting for one or more dance pieces in the Choreography II class showing.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit.
DA 277 - Performance Elements
Credits: 2
Designed for dance and theater students, the course provides training for stage performance. Based on the practice of yoga, the art and discipline of breathing (inhalation and exhalation) joined to physical postures deepens the ability of a dance or theater student to concentrate and control performance. The course develops strength, balance, and flexibility. Through repetition in the flow and sequence of each class, students acquire an understanding of the role of practice.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit.
DA 278 - Dance For The Child
Credits: 3
Introduction to dance as a medium of learning and creative expression for children. The course is open to students interested in working with children, including those with special needs. Students examine the historical background of dance education, curricular developments influencing dance, and the use of movement, music, poetry, and art to enhance creative expression.
Note(s): Dance experience is not required. Recommended for education majors.
DA 279 - Music for Dancers/Choreographers
Credits: 1
An enhanced understanding of how music and sound function within the discipline of dance. Students will study the fundamental concepts of music as they relate to technique class, performance, choreography, and composition. They will also explore musical styles and artists from a variety of cultures to enhance and expand their notion of how music communicates to a broad artistic community.
Note(s): Prior musical experience is not necessary.
DA 302E - Ballet Special III / IV
Credits: 1
DA 302F - Western Dance Forms
Credits: 1
DA 312 - Jazz Dance II
Credits: 1-2
An intermediate level of jazz technique and vocabulary, with emphasis placed on strengthening all aspects of technical skills. Attention will also be paid to performance and presentation of choreographed combinations in various jazz styles.
Prerequisites: DA212, or ability to dance at the high-intermediate level. Level placement determined by the instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 313 - Tap II
Credits: 1-2
Intermediate tap technique and terminology. Students learn about complex rhythms in footwork such as various time steps, pull-backs, and wings. Dancers work for speed, clarity, and control.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 314 - Classical Dance of India II
Credits: 1-2
The continuing study of one of the designated Classical Indian Dance forms, such as Kathak, Bharata Natyam, or Odissi. Students progress into more complex movements and dances, learning detailed style and rhythmical musicality, while gaining a cultural understanding through dance and music.
Note(s): May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 315 - Character Dance II
Credits: 1-2
A course in theatrical folk dance emphasizing complex rhythms, patterns, and a variety of musical styles. Students will work with props and learn classical mime and character development through movement.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 317 - Dance Special II
Credits: 1-2
Technical or performance training at the high intermediate level.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 318 - Pilates II
Credits: 1-2
Advanced Pilates mat work. The class builds upon the foundation of the full advanced sequence. Students work to perfect each exercise. The "Magic Circle" and arm weights will be incorporated into the workout.
Prerequisites: DA 218 or permission of instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit.
DA 321 - Hip Hop & Urban Dance II
Credits: 2
This is an intermediate/advanced studio course in Hip Hop Dance technique and Performance. Students will re-engage with fundamental principles, vocabulary, and practices common to Hip Hop, Urban, Street Jazz styles of dance, and dive into movement composition and performance of these dance styles. We will look at the history and cultures that these styles originated from while looking at the global expansion of hip hop and how the movement itself has shaped the society we all live in. Intermediate/Advanced levels are welcome.
Prerequisites: Level placement determined by instructor.
Note(s): Fulfills Artistic Inquiry; may be repeated for credit.
DA 322 - African Caribbean Dance II
Credits: 2
African Caribbean Dance Practices II delves into the fundamental aspects of African Caribbean dance, including polyrhythms, polycentric movements, and distinctive movements practices like shaking, trembling, wining, and undulating. This course will also pay emphasis on ritual, performance, and music. Students will explore the fundamentals of African Caribbean Dances from Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Cuba and the musical instruments used to accompany these dances. In addition to practical dance training, this course will provide a theoretical basis for understanding the geographical, historical, and the cultural contexts in which the dances originated.
Note(s): Not for Liberal Arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Arts requirement; fulfills Artistic Inquiry and Global Cultural Perspectives requirement.
DA 327 - Improvisation II
Credits: 2
Advanced study in the spontaneous use of movement derived from movement concepts, imagery, props, and media sources. The course develops speed and spontaneity in the creation of original movement and allows dancers to take further artistic risks in discovering their own movement vocabulary.
Prerequisites: DA 227 or permission of instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 328 - Choreography II
Credits: 3
Further development of the craft as it pertains to group work with increased emphasis on music, costume, and lighting design. Sophisticated inquiry into imagery, intention, and artistry challenges the student to move beyond compositional tools toward the creation of an artistic statement. The class will produce a concert of their work in collaboration with the dance production lighting designers.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 332 - Dance for All: Power, Identity, and Disability
Credits: 3
A collaborative, experiential course that examines the embodied experience for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the contemporary United States and the inequalities of power and justice they face. Students will partner with community members from Saratoga Bridges, a local organization providing services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, to participate in weekly integrative dance classes. Skidmore students will dance alongside members from Saratoga Bridges learning from each other in a supportive, productive, and artistic environment. Students will also participate in weekly readings, discussions, and projects to deepen their knowledge of the issues experienced by people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and develop the skills needed to create a collaborative and safe integrative dance environment.
Prerequisites: SSP 100.
Note(s): Fulfills Bridge Experience requirement.
DA 335 - Dance & Society II
Credits: 3
A survey course covering topics in Western dance history from the twentieth century through the new millennium. This course explores how cultural, philosophical, and political conditions have shaped Western concert dance in the twentieth century and highlights epoch-defining figures, dances, and movements. This course provides a broad overview of twentieth-century dance while simultaneously engaging students in deeper investigations through descriptive analysis work and research. Additionally, this course features a studio lab where students will have an embodied experience with various dance styles and works that have become emblematic of their time to promote physical literacy. DA 335 is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisites: DA 230.
Note(s): Fulfills Humanistic Inquiry requirement.
DA 340 - Ballet Theory and Pedagogy
Credits: 3
A course for experienced ballet dancers who are interested in the art and methodology of teaching classical ballet. Working backward from advanced to beginner levels, students examine technical theory and terminology, appropriate musical accompaniment, and the syllabi of major schools. Course includes both participatory and written assignments.
Prerequisites: DB 311.
DA 342 - Dancing Toward Success: Arts Education for Public Schools
Credits: 4
A community-based learning course that will investigate and decode the issues surrounding arts education access, funding, and the intersectionality of power, justice, arts, and learning in the contemporary United States. Building on theory learned through readings, class discussion, and guest speakers, students will collaborate with a local elementary school to design a dance education residency throughout the semester. The course will culminate with students putting their plans into action, delivering the residency and sharing the power of art and movement with elementary children in their community.
Note(s): Fulfills Bridge Experience requirement.
DA 371 - Independent Study in Dance
Credits: 1-4
Advanced research or technical study under the guidance of a faculty member.
Note(s): A student may or may not receive liberal arts credit at the discretion of both the chair of the Dance Department and the Registrar and in exceptional instances, the Curriculum Committee of the College.
DA 374 - Special Studies in Dance Theory
Credits: 1-4
Studies in dance theory and appreciation designed to broaden student awareness and understanding of dance and its related disciplines.
DA 375 - Senior Seminar
Credits: 3
Unlike a lecture course, the function of a seminar is to bring small groups together for recurring meetings on varying topics in which all members actively contribute. In addition to identifying research/creative goals in preparation for spring semester Coda Projects, students in Senior Seminar will examine theoretical, philosophical, and practical application of their work in the major and consider possible directions for their future. This course asks seniors from both the Performance/Choreography Track and the Dance Research Track to reflect upon their undergraduate education as well as their personal, professional, and artistic identity as they prepare to enter the next phase of life.
Note(s): Fulfills Senior Experience Coda requirement.
DA 376 - Senior Coda in Dance
Credits: 3
The Coda Experience asks seniors to connect their liberal arts education in dance to the broader world; reflecting on past experiences while simultaneously contemplating how they might contribute to their field in meaningful ways post-graduation. This course provides a framework for seniors to consciously and reflectively integrate their studies into the creation of an original work. This may entail commissioning choreographic work and developing connections within the professional field, engaging in the choreographic/creative process, or designing and executing research and scholarship within the broader world of academic discourse. While all work will culminate in a final performance or symposium presentation, emphasis for the Coda Experience is placed on the creative/research process. Final assessment of the Coda Experience will be Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory to encourage experimentation, risk taking, and the development of new thought.
Prerequisites: DA 375 and recommendation of department.
Note(s): Required for dance majors seeking honors in dance. Fulfills Senior Experience Coda requirement.
DA 399 - Professional Internship in Dance
Credits: 1-4
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as dance performance, technique, choreography, writing, and production.
Prerequisites: Students must have completed all intermediate level dance courses appropriate to the area of the internship and be recommended by an instructor in the chosen area of study.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit.
DB 111 - Ballet I: Elementary
Credits: 2-3
First course in the progressive series of classes for the student of ballet. With a focus on anatomical awareness and personal expression, students learn barre work, basic center work including simple jumps and turns, musicality, and terminology.
Prerequisites: DA 101 or one year previous ballet training.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 211 - Ballet II: Low Intermediate
Credits: 2-3
A technique class for dancers with some experience. While continuing to explore anatomical awareness, students study more detailed barre work, center work including turns, adagio, small and large jumps, terminology, musicality, and theory.
Prerequisites: Level placement determined by instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 212 - Intermediate Pointe
Credits: 1-2
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 311 - Ballet III: High-Intermediate
Credits: 2-3
A technique class for accomplished dancers who are motivated to work at a more advanced level. Students study a full range of ballet technique, theory, and terminology as they continue to develop musicality, artistry, and anatomically sound practices. In-class work may be supplemented with reflections, viewings, and reading assignments which serve to contextualize ballet in relation to culture more broadly.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 320 - Contemporary Ballet III
Credits: 1
Intermediate-advanced level contemporary ballet technique class. Students should have the ability to execute intermediate vocabulary of ballet movement with technical accuracy. In addition, students will explore the ways in which previously learned movements can be contemporized through issues of off-centeredness, rhythmic variation, and changes in tempo. Each class will consist of barre work and center floor work that will continue the student's development of strength, flexibility, and coordination. This course is only for dancers capable of the III or IV level in Ballet and/or Modern dance.
Prerequisites: Level placement determined by instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 351 - Ballet IV: Advanced Ballet
Credits: 2-3
A rigorous technique class for accomplished ballet dancers who are motivated to work with consistent effort, concentration, and assimilation of details. Dancers work to develop dynamic musical phrasing, artistic expression, and anatomically sound alignment with increasingly challenging movement material. In-class work may be supplemented with reflections, viewings, and reading assignments which serve to contextualize ballet in relation to culture more broadly.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 353 - Classical Pas De Deux: Advanced/Intermediate
Credits: 1
The study of classical ballet partnering for both men and women who work together as couples. Dancers learn skills for balance, turns, and lifts, as well as traditional classical deportment and contemporary style. Women must be capable of advanced pointe work.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 393 - Contemporary Ballet Performance Workshop
Credits: 1-3
Dancers move from studio to stage as they participate in the creative act of constructing or learning a new work in preparation for performance. With an emphasis on hybridizing ballet and other contemporary dance techniques students develop interpretive, collaborative, artistic, and professional skills as they work toward performing.
Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in at least one technique class.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DB 394 - Ballet Performance Workshop
Credits: 1-3
A performance course for ballet dancers. Students experience the rehearsal and coaching process as they prepare an excerpt from ballet repertoire or participate in the creation of an original contemporary ballet. Students develop interpretive, collaborative, artistic, and professional skills as they work toward performing.
Prerequisites: By audition and/or permission of the instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 102 - Modern Dance I
Credits: 2
(Fulfills artistic inquiry.)
DM 111 - Modern I: Elementary
Credits: 2-3
A course in elementary modern dance technique for students with some previous dance experience. Students will develop appropriate strength and full range of motion with proper body alignment and spatial awareness.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 211 - Modern II: Low Intermediate
Credits: 2-3
A training class in low intermediate modern dance technique, aimed at improving technical skills, increasing strength and endurance, expanding movement vocabulary, and developing musical accuracy.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 212 - Modern Dance Partnering
Credits: 1-2
Exploration of modern dance partnering techniques. Students develop the core strength necessary to perform different styles of partnering, as well as develop the physical skills and awareness necessary to achieve complex lifting sequences. Not gender specific.
Prerequisites: Students must be at the 200 level of dance technique.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 311 - Modern III: High Intermediate
Credits: 2-3
Technique class at the high intermediate level, demanding clarity of movement, control, strength, stamina, and musicality. Strong focus and bodily awareness expected.
Prerequisites: Level placement determined by instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 351 - Modern IV: Advanced
Credits: 2-3
Technique class for only the most advanced modern dancers. It is expected that students have a full command of modern dance technique and movement vocabulary. This is a highly physical and aerobic class that requires focused concentration and self-motivation.
Prerequisites: Level placement determined by instructor.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 393 - Modern Performance Workshop
Credits: 1-3
Movement workshop resulting in performance in the faculty concert. Students will learn and develop highly physical and partner-based choreography. Students will be expected to participate in a process that furthers their own musicality, stamina, creative awareness, and ability to collaborate within a group dynamic. This class is for intermediate and advanced dancers.
Prerequisites: by audition and/or permission.
Note(s): Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 394 - Modern Performance Workshop
Credits: 1-3
A process-oriented workshop culminating in performances in the Dance Department concerts. Students will gain choreographic insights and essential skills as they work closely with the choreographer in the development of a new work. Extra rehearsals to be arranged as needed.
Prerequisites: By audition and/or permission.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 395 - Modern Reconstruction Workshop
Credits: 1-3
The restaging, research, and performance of significant modern dance choreography to provide students with access to the legacy of American dance history (i.e., works by Isadora Duncan to José Limón). Extra rehearsals to be arranged as needed.
Prerequisites: By audition and/or permission.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
DM 396 - Modern Guest Artist Workshop
Credits: 1-3
Visiting guest artists will restage or create new works to expose students to professional choreographers. Extra rehearsals to be arranged as needed.
Prerequisites: By audition and/or permission.
Note(s): Not for liberal arts credit. May be repeated for credit. Fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.
Dance Technique Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DA 101 | The Dance Experience | 2 |
| DB 111 | Ballet I: Elementary | 2 |
| DM 111 | Modern I: Elementary | 2 |
| DB 211 | Ballet II: Low Intermediate | 2 |
| DM 211 | Modern II: Low Intermediate | 2 |
| DA 212 | Jazz Dance I | 2 |
| DB 212 | Intermediate Pointe | 2 |
| DM 212 | Modern Dance Partnering | 2 |
| DA 213 | Tap I | 2 |
| DA 214 | Classical Dance of India I | 1 |
| DA 215 | Character Dance I | 2 |
| DA 217 | Dance Special | 2 |
| DA 218 | Pilates I | 2 |
| DB 311 | Ballet III: High-Intermediate | 2 |
| DM 311 | Modern III: High Intermediate | 2 |
| DA 312 | Jazz Dance II | 2 |
| DA 313 | Tap II | 2 |
| DA 314 | Classical Dance of India II | 2 |
| DA 315 | Character Dance II | 2 |
| DA 317 | Dance Special II | 2 |
| DA 318 | Pilates II | 2 |
| DB 320 | Contemporary Ballet III | 1 |
| DB 351 | Ballet IV: Advanced Ballet | 2 |
| DM 351 | Modern IV: Advanced | 2 |
| DB 352 | 1 | |
| DB 353 | Classical Pas De Deux: Advanced/Intermediate | 1 |
| DA 371A-D | (technique-related topics) | 1-4 |
Workshop/Production
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DB 393 | Contemporary Ballet Performance Workshop | 2 |
| DM 393 | Modern Performance Workshop | 2 |
| DB 394 | Ballet Performance Workshop | 2 |
| DM 394 | Modern Performance Workshop | 2 |
| DM 395 | Modern Reconstruction Workshop | 2 |
| DM 396 | Modern Guest Artist Workshop | 2 |
Dance Theory
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DA 105 | Dance Conditioning | 1 |
| DA 205 | Anatomy and Kinesiology for Dancers | 4 |
| DA 209 | Bridges to Skidmore: The Dance Experience | 1 |
| DA 227 | Improvisation I | 2 |
| DA 228 | Choreography I | 3 |
| DA 230 | Dance and Society I | 3 |
| DA 274 | Special Studies in Dance Theory and Appreciation | 3 |
| DA 276 | Dance Production | 2 |
| DA 277 | Performance Elements | 2 |
| DA 278 | Dance For The Child | 3 |
| DA 279 | Music for Dancers/Choreographers | 1 |
| DA 332 | Dance for All: Power, Identity, and Disability | 3 |
| DA 327 | Improvisation II | 2 |
| DA 328 | Choreography II | 3 |
| DA 335 | Dance & Society II | 3 |
| DA 340 | Ballet Theory and Pedagogy | 3 |
| DA 371A-D | (theory-related topics) | 1-4 |
| DA 374 | Special Studies in Dance Theory | 3 |
| DA 375 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| DA 399 | Professional Internship in Dance | 3 |