A studio course introducing students to American dance aesthetics and practices, with a focus on how its evolution has been influenced by African American and European-American choreographers and dancers. An ongoing study of movement practices from traditional African dances and those of the African diaspora, touching on American jazz dance, modern dance, and American ballet. Studio work will be complemented by readings, video viewings, guest speakers, and dance studies.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Some form of social dancing, some natural movement aptitude, or former dance training. This is an OPEN ENROLLMENT course.
Other information:
This course is primarily an experimental studio course. The first half of the semester will focus on African dance aesthetics and relevant cultural practices; the second half will concentrate on continuing the exploration through time and space in the development of dances of the Diaspora, culminating in examining the work of several contemporary American choreographers who have been influenced, to varying degrees by these traditions.
