Degree Programs - Dance - Meadows School of the Arts

The Courses (DANC)

6011, 6012, 6111, 6112. Ballet Technique. The study of ballet technique with emphasis on refining performance.

6021, 6022, 6121, 6122. Modern Dance. An exploration of contemporary dance with emphasis on refining performance and individual style.

6031, 6032, 6131, 6132. Jazz Dance. Exploration of advanced jazz techniques and styles with emphasis on performance projection and individual style.

6341, 6342, 6343. Advanced Dance Composition. An in-depth examination of choreographic theory and analysis, with emphasis on the development of individual skills and styles.

6360. Pilates. A nonimpact body conditioning method based on principles of abdominal (core) and scapular stabilization. Introduction to the essential matwork, which consists of nonweight bearing exercises. Designed to give the student an understanding of the principles behind the Pilates method. Proper alignment, full range of motion, and patterned breathing will be emphasized.

6361. Elementary Labanotation. This course is designed to teach fundamental Labanotation theory. Motif Writing will be utilized as an introduction to this theory and reading skills in notation will be emphasized. Students will be exposed to innovative methods for incorporating notation concepts into classroom teaching.

6362. Intermediate Labanotation. The development of intermediate Labanotation skills with an emphasis on reading tap, jazz, and modern dance.

6363. Kinesiology. Exploration of basic anatomy and the human body in motion. Normal and deviated structures of the skeletal and muscular systems are examined as well as the cause, treatment, and prevention of dance injuries.

6365. Teaching Methodology. Examination of a variety of methods of teaching, including discussion of theories of pedagogy, the structure of lesson plans, and curriculum development and implementation.

6366. Research Methodology. An examination of the problems and possibilities of performing arts research and the development of an approach to academic writing. Includes discussion of a historiography of performance, the evaluation of primary and secondary sources, and methods of documentation.

6370. Dance History/ARAD. A comprehensive survey of the styles and genres of Western dance history, with emphasis on the interdisciplinary connections between dance and theatre, music, art, and art history.

6371. Dance Criticism and Aesthetics. An introduction to writing about dance performance. Emphasis on developing critical methodologies of movement analysis in examining a variety of dance texts as well as writing skills.

6373. Dance History Seminar I. An in-depth investigation of Western theater dance from the Renaissance to 1900, including critical analysis of primary source material.

6374. Dance History Seminar II. An investigation of the sources and elements of 20th-century dance, including a discussion of dance modernism, the development of the avant-garde, and performance art.

6377. Directing from Labanotation Score. Introduction to advanced Labanotation, including reconstruction of a work from Labanotation score.

6378. Thesis and Research. Research, documentation, and analysis of materials for the graduate concert.

6381, 6382. Choreographic Seminars: Dance Directing and Repertory Projects. Analysis of the components of selected dance masterworks to develop interpretation and directing strategies.

6383. Graduate Concert: Repertory, Choreography Performance. Three works to be presented for performance representing one of each of the following: a reconstruction of a repertory piece, a work of original choreography, and an adaptation of an established classic of the choreographic canon.

The following dance courses are open to all students from any field of study. It should be noted that not all courses are offered in any given academic year.

1301,1302. Beginning Ballet. Introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

1303, 1304. Beginning Modern Dance. Introduction to basic movement skills, experiences, and concepts of modern dance. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

1305, 1306. Beginning Jazz Dance. Introduction to the fundamentals of jazz dance with emphasis on rhythm and theatrical style. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

2107. World Rhythms I. Listening, analysis, and performance of African, Latin American, and other rhythms. Techniques of playing percussion will be explored. Opportunities will be provided for students to accompany dancers using authentic instruments.

2108. World Rhythms II. Continued listening, analysis, and performance of African, Latin American, and other rhythms. Techniques of playing percussion will be explored in greater depth with more emphasis on performance. Further opportunities for students to accompany dancers using authentic instruments. Prerequisite: DANC 2107 or instructor approval.

2301, 2302. Intermediate Ballet. Further exploration of classical ballet. Previous experience in the study of classical ballet is required. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

2303, 2304. Intermediate Modern Dance. Further exploration of modern dance. Previous experience in the study of modern dance is required. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

2305, 2306. Intermediate Jazz Dance. Further exploration of jazz styles. Previous experience in the study of jazz dance is required. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

2345. Improvisation and Movement Studies. The development of individual movement skills through the exploration of images and elements from all of the arts, emphasizing the concepts of line, rhythm, mass, and weight. Special attention will be placed on individual creative problem-solving through movement as it pertains to space, time, and energy. Prerequisite: One year of dance technique and instructor approval.

2370. Movement As Social Text. Investigation of ways in which movement and dance have meaning in different cultural, social, and historical contexts. Examination of examples of dance in a cross-cultural context, encompassing both Western and non-Western dance forms will be included. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of movement, its unique properties, the ways in which it conveys meaning, and its relationship to culture and society.

2371. Ballet Tradition. A historical perspective of classical ballet from the Renaissance to contemporary ballet. Emphasis is directed toward traditional developments, artistic changes and performance practices. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

2372. Twentieth-Century Dance. The study of Western theatre dance from 1900 to the present.

Attention is given to various contemporary forms and practices and to the history of dance for film and theatre. Not applicable to the dance major or minor.

3374. The Evolution of American Musical Theatre. This course examines the evolution of

American musical theatre from its roots in minstrelsy, burlesque and vaudeville, to its adolescence in comic opera, operetta and musical comedy to its codification as musical theatre. The first unit of the class examines the early forms of popular entertainment, the second unit looks at the development of the integration of dance, music and drama into the form we know as musical theatre and the last unit examines the figures of the 20th century who refined this integration both on Broadway and in Hollywood.

4370. Dance Criticism and Aesthetics. A practical introduction to writing about dance performance. Works of master critics are examined to gain a historical perspective and to become familiar with a variety of methodologies in analyzing dance texts. Emphasis placed on observation and writing skills. Prerequisite: DANC 2371 or 2372 and instructor approval.

Dance Courses for Dance Performance Majors (DANC)

The following dance courses are restricted to dance majors unless otherwise indicated. Dance minors must obtain departmental approval to enroll in these courses. Dance minors must qualify for performance technique classes by audition.

Performance Technique

1311, 1312, 1313, 1314. Ballet I. Introduction to and development of the fundamentals of classical ballet and pointe technique. Inclusive of pointe class and men’s class.

1321, 1322, 1323, 1324. Modern Dance I. Introduction to and development of the fundamentals of contemporary dance.

1231, 1232, 1233, 1234. Jazz Dance I. Exploration of the basics of jazz dance technique and styles (classic, musical theatre, and contemporary forms), including studies in basic positions, placement, isolations, and jazz rhythms.

2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2316. Ballet II. Continuing exploration of classical ballet technique on the intermediate level with an emphasis on more complex port de bras, adagio,tourner enchaînement, and allegro batterie. Inclusive of pointe class and men’s class. Admissionby placement.

2321, 2322, 2323, 2324. Modern Dance II. Continuing exploration of contemporary dance technique at an intermediate level with emphasis on more complex movement phrasing, rhythmic variation, and use of space. Admission by placement.

2231, 2232, 2233, 2234. Jazz Dance II. Continuing development of jazz dance technique and styles with focus on dynamics, rhythm, and directional changes. Classic jazz, blues and contemporary jazz styles will be explored. Admission by placement.

Advanced Performance Technique

3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3316, 3317, 3318. Ballet III. Continuing development of classical ballet technique on the advanced level with an emphasis on technical proficiency, musicality, and movement dynamics. Admission by placement.

3215, 3216, 4215, 4216. Men’s Ballet Technique. Emphasis on the virtuosity specific to the male dancer in the ballet idiom. The class objective is to strengthen and develop the dancer to his utmost potential. Includes variations. Admission by placement.

3217, 3218, 4217, 4218. Women’s Pointe Technique. Emphasis on the virtuosity specific to the female dancer in the ballet idiom. The class objective is to strengthen and develop the dancer to her utmost potential. Includes variations. Admission by placement.

3321, 3322, 3323, 3324. Modern Dance III. Continuing development of contemporary dance technique at an advanced intermediate level with emphasis on refining performance quality, depth of physicality, dramatic expression and individual style. Introduction of repertory. Admission by placement.

3231, 3232, 3233, 3234. Jazz Dance III. Exploration of more advanced technique and styles of jazz dance, performance projection, individual style, characterizations, and musical theatre themes. Focus on retaining extensive combination sequences. Admission by placement.

4311, 4312, 4313, 4314, 4315, 4316. Ballet IV. Advanced ballet technique, offering a transition from dance study to professional-level work with an emphasis on technical proficiency, musical phrasing, stylistic variables, and individual interpretation. Admission by placement.

4321, 4322, 4323, 4324. Modern Dance IV. Advanced contemporary dance technique, offering a transition from dance study to professional-level work. Admission by placement.

4231, 4232, 4233, 4234. Jazz Dance IV. Further exploration of advanced techniques and styles of jazz dance, performance projection, individual style, characterizations, and musical theatre themes. Focus on extensive combination sequences and jazz repertory. Admission by placement.

4110. Ballet – Supplemental. Advanced ballet technique. May be taken as a supplement to Ballet III, Ballet IV, Men’s Ballet Technique, or Women’s Pointe Technique. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Ballet III or IV placement, and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3316, 4215, 4216, 4217, 4218, 4311, 4312, 4313, or 4314.

4119. Ballet – Supplemental II. Advanced ballet technique. May be taken as a supplement to Ballet III, Ballet IV, Men’s Ballet Technique, or Women’s Pointe Technique. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Ballet III or IV placement, and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3316, 4215, 4216, 4217, 4218, 4311, 4312, 4313, or 4314.

4120. Modern Dance – Supplemental. Advanced contemporary dance technique. May be taken as a supplement to Modern Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3321, 3322, 3323, 3324, 4321, 4322, 4323, or 4324.

4129. Modern Dance – Supplemental II. Advanced contemporary dance technique. May be taken as a supplement to Modern Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3321, 3322, 3323, 3324, 4321, 4322, 4323, or 4324.

4130. Jazz Dance – Supplemental. Advanced jazz dance techniques and styles. May be taken as a supplement to Jazz Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 4231, 4232, 4233, or 4234.

4139. Jazz Dance – Supplemental II. Advanced jazz dance techniques and styles. May be taken as a supplement to Jazz Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and instructor approval. Corequisite: DANC 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 4231, 4232, 4233, or 4234.

4210. Ballet – Immersive. Advanced ballet technique. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Ballet III, Ballet IV, Men’s Ballet Technique, or Women’s Pointe Technique. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Ballet III or IV placement and instructor approval.

4219. Ballet – Immersive II. Advanced ballet technique. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Ballet III, Ballet IV, Men’s Ballet Technique, or Women’s Pointe Technique. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Ballet III or IV placement and instructor approval.

4220. Modern Dance – Immersive. Advanced contemporary dance technique. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Modern Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Modern Dance III or IV placement, and instructor approval.

4229. Modern Dance – Immersive II. Advanced contemporary dance technique. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Modern Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Modern Dance III or IV placement, and instructor approval.

4230. Jazz Dance – Immersive. Advanced jazz dance techniques and styles. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Jazz Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Jazz Dance III or IV placement, and instructor approval.

4239. Jazz Dance – Immersive II. Advanced jazz dance techniques and styles. May be taken as a stand-alone course or as an immersive supplement to Jazz Dance III or IV. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Jazz Dance III or IV placement, and instructor approval.

Ensemble Performance

1080. Ensemble Performance I. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Required.

2080. Ensemble Performance II. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 1080.

3080. Ensemble Performance III. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 2080.

4080. Ensemble Performance IV. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 3080.

4081. Ensemble Performance V. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Prerequisite: DANC 4080.

4082. Ensemble Performance VI. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/ or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Prerequisite: DANC 4081.

4083. Ensemble Performance VII. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Prerequisite: DANC 4082.

4084. Ensemble Performance VIII. Rehearsal and public performance of existing repertory and/or original works. By audition. Departmental approval and administrative enrollment. Prerequisite: DANC 4083.

Composition

2241. Dance Composition I. Introduction to the fundamental elements of dance composition, including Laban-based movement vocabulary, dynamics, motivation, gesture, spatial concepts, elementary phrasing, abstraction and motif writing. Students participate in solo and small group studies with an emphasis on improvisation. Course includes visit to the Dallas Museum of Art. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 1242.

2242. Dance Composition II. Generation of solo movement through improvisation, recognizing spontaneous structures, and working with stage space, groups, and inspiration from other media, including music. Required. Prerequisites: DANC 2241 and DANC 2361 or instructor approval.

3243. Dance Composition III. Exploration of elements of choreographic form with emphasis on sequencing, balance, phrasing, transition, choreographic device and compositional structure. Introduction to Life FormsTM computer software for choreography. Utilization of videotape for self-analysis and critique. Opportunity for visits to the Meadows Museum for the study of form. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 2242.

3244. Dance Composition IV. Synthesis, application and elaboration of previously introduced choreographic principles and concepts. Exploration of ethical issues and social responsibilities of the choreographer. Emphasis placed on collaborative, multidisciplinary and community service projects. Areas for collaboration may include music, visual arts, video, spoken and written text, elements of design and emergent technology. Required. Prerequisite: DANC

3243.

Theoretical Studies

1050. Dance Orientation. Preparation for a successful educational experience as a major in dance. Seminars conducted by professionals from dance-related fields, including nutrition, weight management, physical therapy and strengthening, injury prevention and care, psychology and stress management. Designed to give students a perspective of themselves as movement professionals with a broad base of opportunities. Required in first term of study.

2370. Movement As Social Text. Investigation of ways in which movement and dance have meaning in different cultural, social, and historical contexts. Examinations of examples of dance in a cross-cultural context, encompassing both Western and non-Western dance forms will be included. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of movement, its unique properties, the ways in which it conveys meaning, and its relationship to culture and society. Open to all

students.

2373. Dance History I: Court and Ballet. The development of ballet as a Western theatre art, from its roots in the French court to contemporary ballet in Europe and America. Emphasis will be placed on choreographic schools and styles as well as the consideration of the ballet aesthetic in a broader cultural context. Required.

2374. Dance History II: Modernism. The development of modernism in dance from the turn of the century to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of choreographic schools and styles as well as the relationship of dance to the arts and humanities and to the culture in which it is created. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 2373 or instructor approval.

3374. American Musical Theatre History. This course examines the evolution of the American musical theatre. This examination traces the development of the artistry in the integration of drama, music and dance that comes to define quality in this art form. Other forms of musical entertainment that contributed to this development will be examined, including minstrelsy, burlesque, revue, comic opera and operetta. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the birth of the American dance forms of tap, jazz, and ballroom and the evolution of the American musical theatre. Open to all students.

4190, 4290, 4390. Directed Studies. Supervised projects and/or research in theoretical studies, inclusive of community service projects. Arranged. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

4363. Kinesiology for Dance. Exploration of basic anatomy and the human body in motion.

Normal and deviated skeletal structures and muscular development are assessed in regard to movement efficiency, injury potential and dance aesthetics. Required.

4365, 4366. Ballet Pedagogy. Analysis of ballet techniques, comparing the vocabulary and methods of the Russian, Italian, and French Schools. Emphasis on literal translation of French terminology, class structure, and varied approaches to teaching classical ballet.

4370. Dance Criticism and Aesthetics. A practical introduction to writing about dance performance. Works of master critics are examined to gain a historical perspective and to become familiar with a variety of methodologies in analyzing dance texts. Emphasis placed on observation and writing skills. Open to all students. Prerequisite: DANC 2373 or 2374 and instructor approval.

Applied Studies

1151. Dance Production I. Introduction to the technical preparation, production, and running of dance performances. Scheduled classes provide orientation and information for providing support in areas of lighting, sound, costumes and scenery. In addition, in-service assignments provide hands-on training in mounting a main stage production, as well as load-in and strike of dance productions in other venues. Required of all first-year dance majors.

1152. Dance Production II. Service assignments for performance activities as a continuation of material introduced in the previous term. Development of production skills through verbal and visual communication. This course includes lab hours outside of and in addition to the regularly scheduled class meeting times. Required.

1242. Musical Concepts. Basic analysis of music in terms of its form and structure, as related to dance composition and performance. Musical vocabulary, analysis of selected masterworks and in-class performances are included. Required. Prerequisite: MUHI 1321 or instructor approval.

2160. Introduction to Pilates. A non-impact body conditioning method based on principles of abdominal and scapular stabilization. Introduction to the essential and intermediate mat work, which consists of non-weight bearing exercises. Designed to give the student an understanding of the principles and muscular emphasis behind the Pilates method. Proper alignment, full range of motion, and patterned breathing will be emphasized. Fulfills the General Education Curriculum (GEC) Choices II Wellness requirement for dance majors only. Required of all second year dance majors.

2345. Improvisation and Movement Studies. The development of individual movement skills through the exploration of images and elements from all of the arts, emphasizing the concepts of line, rhythm, mass, and weight. Special attention will be placed on individual creative problem-solving through movement as it pertains to space, time and energy. Prerequisite: One year of dance technique and instructor approval. Open to all students.

2361. Dance Notation I. Introduction to Labanotation, with emphasis on reading dance notation of ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, and multicultural dance forms. Introduction to LabanWriter, computer software for dance notation. Introduction to motif writing. Required. Prerequisite: DANC 1242 or instructor approval.

2362. Dance Notation II. Continuing studies in Labanotation, including reading dance scores and working with computer applications for choreography. Inclusion of projects in documentation as opportunity allows. Prerequisite: DANC 2361.

2381. Repertory and Performance I. Rehearsal and performance of world dances and major works of ballet and modern dance repertory, with discussion of the choreographic structure of the dances, to develop performance interpretation. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

2382. Repertory and Performance II. Rehearsal and performance of world dances and additional works of ballet and modern dance repertory, with discussion of the choreographic structure of the dances, to develop performance interpretation. Prerequisite: DANC 2381 or instructor approval.

3381. Repertory and Performance III. Rehearsal and performance of master works of choreography, with emphasis on refinement of detail, clarity of phrasing, expression, musicality and versatility within a broad range of styles. Prerequisite: DANC 2382 or instructor approval.

3382. Repertory and Performance IV. Rehearsal and performance of additional master works of choreography, with emphasis on refinement of detail, clarity of phrasing, expression, musicality and versatility within a broad range of styles. Prerequisite: DANC 3381 or instructor approval.

4003, 4004, 4103, 4104. Pas de Deux I. Introduction to the basic elements of partnering inherent in classical ballet. Emphasis on technical skills and classical style. Includes excerpts from classical repertory. Admission by invitation. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

4005, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4105, 4106, 4107, 4108. Pas de Deux II. Further exploration of the elements of partnering with an emphasis on more complex technical skills and stylistic versatility. Includes excerpts from classical repertory. Admission by invitation. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

4245. Advanced Choreographic Projects. Individual directed studies in choreography with a culminating performance. Prerequisites: DANC 3244 and instructor approval.

4260. Pilates. A non-impact body conditioning method based on principles of abdominal and scapular stabilization. A continuation of DANC 2160, this course adds advanced mat work and Reformer exercises. Designed to give the student further understanding of the principles and muscular emphasis behind the Pilates method. Proper alignment, full range of motion and patterned breathing will be emphasized. Prerequisite: DANC 2160 or instructor approval.