Undergraduate Dance Courses

Undergraduate Courses

DNS 102 Traditional Dance Jazz (A,F)

Studies selected traditional jazz dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Covers artistic and educational uses of traditional jazz dances. Requires reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional jazz dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 103 Traditional Dance Tap (A,F)

Studies selected traditional tap dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Covers the artistic and educational uses of traditional tap dances. Reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional tap dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 104 Traditional Dance Ballet (A,F)

Studies selected traditional ballet dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Covers artistic and educational uses of traditional ballet. Requires reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional ballet dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 105 Traditional Dance Afro-Caribbean (A,P)

Studies selected traditional Afro-Caribbean dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Covers the artistic and educational uses of traditional Afro-Caribbean dances. Requires reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional Afro-Caribbean dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 106 Traditional Dance African (A,F)

Studies selected traditional African dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Covers the artistic and educational uses of traditional African dances. Requires reading, along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional African dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 115 Introduction to Dance (A,F)

Provides an introduction to the study of dance as an art form and its relation to other art forms, and considers the role of dance in history and society. Includes studio classes in elementary modern dance technique, fundamentals of movement, elements of rhythm and spatial awareness, simple composition and improvisational dance studies. Provides the non-major with an awareness of the aesthetics and creative processes of dance. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 125 Looking At Dance (A,F)

Provides a survey of dance forms through lecture, literature, film and live performance. Addresses contributions to the art of dance by major choreographers, dancers and others throughout the world. 3 Cr.

DNS 200 Traditional Dance Styles (A,F)

Provides a study of selected traditional dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Includes traditional dance styles such as folk and country dance, African, Afro-Caribbean dance, jazz, tap and ballet. Covers the artistic and educational uses of traditional dances, while allowing students to experience the recreational value of traditional dance styles. Can be repeated, but only three credits may be used toward the 120 credits required for graduation. 3 Cr.

DNS 204 Experiential Anatomy and Conditioning (B)

Explores conditioning methods and materials/equipment for dancers including discussions of wellness issues (i.e., stress management, diet, rest, etc.). Introduces students to the Conditioning Studio and given conditioning programs tailored to their needs. Focuses on providing information and dance-specific materials appropriate for independent use. 3 Cr.

DNS 205 Modern Dance Technique I (A)

Provides an introduction to the Department of Dance and to the many aspects of the dance profession. Covers modern dance technique, improvisation, and dance composition assignments. Discusses pertinent topics in dance. Prerequisite to all other dance major courses. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 206 20th and 21st-Century Dance: Issues and Styles (A,F,W)

Provides for the study of the origin and evolution of 20th and 21st-century dance; important dance artists and their work; contemporary forms, trends and styles; a survey of dance literature through film; and video and written materials. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 207 Dance Production (B)

Covers all aspects of dance production, including light, stage management, costume, scenery and properties, and dance design as an art. Requires extensive evening crew work. While enrolled in DNS 207, students may not enroll in evening classes or perform in major Hartwell productions without instructor's permission. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 208 Dance Production Practicum (B)

Entails a practicum experience that provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the dance production process. Students registered for DNS 208 should not take night classes or perform in dance concerts. Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 225 Movement and Self Awareness (A,F)

Enables students to improve movement habits and increase self-awareness through effective and efficient movement. Develops awareness of postural and movement characteristics, and observational skills for everyday movement and dance. Utilizes both movement and touch. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 232 African Music and Drumming for Dance (A,F)

Studies selected traditional musical instruments for dance accompaniment; and develops performance skills and techniques through studio and live performance applications. Explores traditional styles and their social and artistic needs for formal religious and recreational application. Also explores modern educational and cultural usages in African schools and colleges. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 245 Modern Dance Technique II (A)

Beginning-level course to train the dancer to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses primarily on modern technique. Placement in a technique level is determined by previous training and skill level. Includes studies in dance science and somatics. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 253 Beginning Ballet (A)

Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet with an emphasis on technique, body alignment and placement exercises performed at barre and center floor work. Incorporates stretch and strengthening techniques. Emphasizes ballet vocabulary and its application. 1-4 Cr.

DNS 300 Music for Dance (A)

Emphasizes the correlation between rhythm and dynamics in music and movement, and rhythmic notation in relation to dance. Studies musical techniques needed to provide percussion accompaniment for dance movement. Provides some analysis of simple musical forms, and an introduction to music resources for the dance. 3 Cr.

DNS 302 Social Forms of the Dance (A)

Survey of dances popular in Western culture: folk/ethnic, ballroom/couple and country/square. Emphasis given to styling and movement characteristics, rhythmic structures, historical backgrounds, and related folkloristic contexts. Development of skills in performing basic dance components such as polka, waltz, sholttische, two step, foxtrot, rumba, tango, lindy, etc. Opportunities given to put these techniques into practice via required field trips. 3 Cr.

DNS 305 Kinesiology (A)

Explores the mechanical, physiological and anatomical requirements of specific dance techniques; limitation of the body in performing these techniques; and methods of safely extending the body's capacity for performance. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 306 Beginning Choreography (A)

Allows for beginning work in movement generation and the development of compositional structure in solo form. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 313 Movement for Theater (A)

Develops dance skills as related to basic dance forms commonly used in theater productions. Allows for the execution of basic dance forms such as jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance for the theater; and provides studies in techniques of movement with emphasis on the performance aspect. 3 Cr.

DNS 315 Dynamic Balance: Movement Theories (A)

Allows for the performance of skills from the work of Irmgard Bartienieff, F. M. Alexander, and others; relating of kinesiological principles to the improvement of human movement patterns; significance of the mind/body relationship; and application of skills and principles to one's own performance. 3 Cr.

DNS 316 History and Development of Dance (A,W,Y)

This course investigates how dance and dance history connect to issues of gender, sexuality, race, class, and nationality. It incorporates a variety of historical and theoretical texts to examine dance from multiple perspectives and considers the historic practice in relation to present day dance. 3 Cr.

DNS 330 African Dance II (A)

Provides a more detailed examination of the content of DNS 106. Also provides background of the African dance with historical linkages with dance movement forms within the Afro-American, Caribbean and Latin-American setting; a general survey of the material of the dance; the structure and design of African dances in relation to ceremonial and recreational forms, e.g. linear circular forms, massed and team dances; and social organization of the dances. Cross-listed as AAS330. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 333 African Music and Drumming for Dance II (A)

Studies selected advanced traditional musical instruments for dance accompaniment; and develops advanced performance skills and techniques through studio and live performance applications. Explores traditional styles and their social and artistic needs for formal religious and recreational application. Also explores modern educational and cultural usages in African schools and colleges. 3 Cr.

DNS 339 Survey of Tap Dance II (A)

Covers complex rhythmic and technical skills; familiarity with periods, personalities and specific contributions involved in the development of tap dance; notation of dance steps in terms of vocabulary and rhythmic components; and the development of technique that focuses on rapidity of movement articulation and complex sequential patterns of movement, for intermediate/advanced dancers. 3 Cr.

DNS 345 Modern Dance Technique III (A)

Entails a series of courses on the intermediate level to train the dancer's body to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses primarily on modern dance technique. Placement in a particular section is determined by previous training and skill level. 3 Cr.

DNS 353 Intermediate Ballet (A)

Provides a continuation of the study of classical ballet at the intermediate level in a technique class consisting of full barre and center floor work. Incorporates stretch and strengthening exercises. 1-4 Cr.

DNS 364 Dance Improvisation (A)

Provides beginning movement improvisation assignments for the development of compositional and performance tools. May cover historical background and relationship to other arts. 2-3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 371 Modern Dance I (non-majors) (B)

Provides an introduction to contemporary modern dance technique and theoretical background including an appreciation of historical and aesthetic perspectives of modern dance and movement vocabulary. Focuses on acquisition of basic dance skills, conditioning of the body and increased movement body awareness in the studio. Requires concert attendance and discussion of contemporary dance in relation to other dance and art forms. 3 Cr.

DNS 372 Modern Dance II (non-majors) (B)

Continues DNS 371 for students not majoring in dance. Develops motor skills in modern dance, dance vocabulary, body awareness, study of dynamics and rhythm. Emphasizes modern dance technique, but also employs movement exploration, improvisation, basic composition, concert attendance, dance films and discussion. 3 Cr.

DNS 375 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (A)

Provides an introduction to movement analysis, with an emphasis on qualitative description of movement. Movement analysis, provides a structure for intellectual and physical understanding of the body in motion. Includes reading, observation, lecture and movement activities. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 399 Independent Study (B)

Designed individually through consultation between the student and instructor to suit the student's needs and interests and the special competence of the instructor. Additional requirements may be established by the department. 3 Cr.

DNS 400 Special Topics (B)

Addresses in depth a selected study topic not covered in other courses. Is repeatable with different topic titles. Additional information may be obtained from the department. 4 Cr.

DNS 406 Contact Improvisation (A)

This course explores the technique of partnering through principles of contact improvisation. Through a developmentally linked sequence of exercises, students participate in weight sharing that involves shelving, lofting, recovery from suspended balances and other concepts that incorporate gravity as support. The class also explores how contemporary artists have applied these principles to their choreography through discussion, readings, and video showings, allowing students to develop a fuller understanding of the art form. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 407 Advanced Improvisation (A)

Addresses the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) as outlined in the Dance Department/Program Assessment Plan. This course fulfills the following SLOs: SLO #1: Apply artistry through qualitative and rhythmic phrasing, dynamic range and individual expressivity. SLO #8: Apply appropriate professional standards of the dance field throughout choreographic process, collaboration and production. Bringing artistic practices and philosophical discourses into conversation, this course explores improvisation as a way of being through which we can encounter a multitude of ideas around improvisation as a practice. This course is for undergraduate dance majors who have fulfilled the DNS 345, DNS 306, and DNS 364 pre-requisites. Students should register for a Dance Technique class as a co-requisite. 3 Cr.

DNS 412 Gateway to New York (A)

Provides students direct access to the New York City dance community. The immersion portion of the course takes place in New York City over four nights and five days during spring or fall break. Students view performances, share their choreography, attend master classes, dance conferences, lectures and panel discussions in the dance community, and other cultural events. The semester prior to the course students are required to apply for a College grant in order to support the possibility of sharing their choreography and attending conference activities. A final reflection is required. Students actively contribute to creating the itinerary in New York in consultation with the course instructor.   3 Cr.

DNS 424 Dance Repertory I (A)

Enables students to become familiar with a selected body of choreographed works through an in-depth study of the dances; and perform a learned repertory for public concerts. 3 Cr.

DNS 425 Dance Repertory II (A)

Enables students to become familiar with a selected body of more advanced choreographed works through an in-depth study of the dances; and perform a learned repertory for public concerts. 3 Cr.

DNS 427 Dance Performance Techniques (A)

Develops performance skills and awareness of the many components involved in the artistry of the performing dancer, and covers various techniques and aesthetics of performance. 3 Cr.

DNS 429 Costume Design & Construction for Dance (A)

An introduction to the costume design process for dance, which includes basic design research, communication with choreographer and shop manager, building or altering costumes and learning the costume designer’s role throughout the production process. Students will become familiar with the costume shop facility; learning to use the equipment properly and safely to create costumes. They will use design techniques and basic costume construction as they work with student choreographers on realized pieces for the Dance Hartwell and Dance Strasser concerts. This course is offered as an elective for dance majors. 3 Cr.

DNS 430 Intermediate Choreography (A)

Allows students to further develop skills learned in Beginning Choreography, with an emphasis on developing choreographic skills for duet and small groups. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 431 Advanced Dance Composition (A)

Requires students to choreograph two fully developed dance works with an emphasis on choreographic structure, the logistics of rehearsal scheduling and essential production elements. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 433 African Dance III (A)

Covers advanced dance for recreation, and ceremonial dance, including festival, war, court and ritual forms. Enables students to develop a mental, emotional and aesthetic awareness of the performance of an African dance. Examines the role of the African dance in the service of society in campus and off-campus performances. 3 Cr.

DNS 437 Modern Jazz II (B)

Covers basic jazz styles, rhythms, artists and dances; jazz idiom; and performing style and definition of movement. Enables students to perceive and coordinate movement quickly in combined steps, and improvise lengthy jazz sequences in the jazz idiom. Required reading along with exploration of jazz from its historical perspective. 3 Cr.

DNS 440 Summer Dance Workshop (A)

Entails Summer Arts Festival workshops with guest artists. Includes topics such as dance technique, composition, repertory or other special topics. See SummerSession bulletins for complete descriptions. 1-6 Cr.

DNS 445 Modern Dance Technique IV (A)

Entails a series of courses on the advanced level designed to train the dancer's body to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses on modern dance and ballet technique. Placement in a technique level is determined by previous training and skill level. 3 Cr.

DNS 452 Somatics: Body/Mind Integrity (A)

Covers movement re-education for reducing stress and pain, improving posture, balance, mobility and self-image. Also covers processes of somatics derived from Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons (ATM). Entails yoga, body/mind centering, dance movement improvisations, and hands-on body work. 3 Cr.

DNS 453 Advanced Ballet (A)

For the advanced-intermediate to advanced-level ballet student. Consists of a ballet technique class incorporating barre and center floor work, adagio, petite allegro, and grande allegro. Expects students to develop and perform the skills and style at the designated level. 4 Cr.

DNS 454 Commercial Jazz (B)

Provides a concentrated study in a specific dance form (e.g. jazz, tap, musical theater) or a specific modern dance style (e.g. Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Merce Cunningham, Garth Fagan). May be repeated. 1-4 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 457 Performance (A)

Through modern dance performance, provides an opportunity for study of performance to intermediate and advanced dance students. 1-4 Cr.

DNS 458 Chamber Ballet Brockport (A)

This performance course is distinguished by a focus on the contemporary ballet genre, the collaborative nature of the art, and touring. Ensemble members will learn and rehearse a diverse body of repertory for performance on and off campus. Each semester students will learn repertory for the season as determined by the Artistic Director. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 460 Foreign Studies in Dance (A)

Explores dance and its uses and forms in another culture. Requires dance performance activities and academic study associated with dance at an institution in another country. The Department of Dance has exchange programs with England, Ghana, and Jamaica. 1-15 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 461 Labanotation I (A)

This course presents the basic principles of the Laban method of movement notation. The student develops skills in perceiving and analyzing movement, and in notating and reading back simple movement patterns. 3 Cr.

DNS 462 Lighting for Dance (B)

Covers lighting design, techniques, lighting production; relationships among designer, choreographer and other production personnel; and stage lighting as a spatial and temporal art form. Requires students to conceive, design and supervise lighting of a major dance concert. 3 Cr.

DNS 463 Advanced Production and Design (B)

Concentrates on theatrical elements of dance production and design. Allows students to research, render, and in some cases, execute studio design of scenery, costumes, properties and make-up salient to dance. 3 Cr.

DNS 479 Senior Capstone Project (A)

Fulfills the BFA capstone requirement in performance and/or choreography and provides elective credit for BA and BS dance students. Enrollment is restricted to students with senior status and permission is required of the instructor to register for this class. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 480 Dance Conditioning and Injury Prevention (A)

Examines various conditioning and/or somatic techniques, along with current information on injury prevention, giving both the dances and the trainer/kinesiologist/exercise physiologist an opportunity to understand the special demands of the dance discipline on the body and its health. Topics vary by semester including: weight and resistance training, cardiorespiratory conditioning, motor imaging, nutrition, and stretching and strengthening techniques. One or two credit hour courses are experientially based; three credit hour courses require theoretical study. 1-3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 481 Dance in Secondary Schools I (B)

Enables students to outline goals for a semester, construct lesson plans, and teach and analyze technique classes. Is a field practicum. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 482 Dance in Secondary Schools II (B)

Covers class management/organization. Allows students to develop course outlines and unit and lesson plans, and requires students to teach dance skills and conduct simple lectures and discussion. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 483 Children's Dance I (A)

Covers basic movement skills applied to creative dance with children, especially in the classroom; pertinent resources for children's dances; and how to work effectively with dancers and dance specialists. Is an evening class. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 484 Children's Dance II (B)

Provides a basic orientation to teaching creative dance to young children; and covers the use of various approaches, such as problem solving, teacher-directed method, and invention. Allows students to develop curricular materials and evaluate procedures. Conducted with children during an after-school program. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 487 Dance Pedagogy Workshop (A)

Course focus is on methodologies of teaching dance technique. The emphasis will be on modern and ballet technique, but there will be an overview of other forms. Students will prepare and present movement assignments, design lesson plans, observe and practice teaching and deliver presentations. Students will prepare a teaching portfolio including a resume, a teaching philosophy, syllabus and rationale for dance in education. Students will practice teaching in in-class assignments and team-teach non-major dance classes. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 488 Sankofa Dance Performance Lab (A)

An advanced course in Afro-Caribbean dance designed to prepare students interested in performing and teaching the dances. Techniques of performance are stressed. Cultural backgrounds of the dances are explored 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 489 -491 Sankofa I-III (A)

Through an African dance and music performance ensemble, provides an opportunity for study, performance and touring for intermediate and advanced students of African dance. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 495 Career Seminar (A)

Prepares students for transition from student life to the professional world. Includes self-evaluation, finishing unrealized goals as a student at SUNY Brockport, exploring career options, writing a resume, building a portfolio and pursuing job interviews. Involves discussions about the artist in society, the business of dance, companies and careers and the funding and promotion of dance. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 499 Independent Study (A)

Designed individually through consultation between the student and instructor to suit student's needs and interests and the special competence of the instructor; and in accordance with College policy. Additional requirements may be established by the department. 1-6 Cr.