This course focuses on dance and rhythmic expression through body movement. The course emphasizes expressive movement rather than specific dance techniques. However, students may explore movement through various forms of dance from many cultures who use dance in work and leisure activities. This course provides an opportunity for students to learn basic skills steps, and different combinations of steps and patterns to a variety of folk, square, ethnic, and social dances from traditions such as African, Asian, Filipino, Folklorico, Israeli, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Scandinavian. The emphasis of the course is to develop students' appreciation of the cultural, historical and recreational background and value of dance.
Students study the history, purpose, and tradition of the dances.
The course may specialize in one tradition, such as Folklorico. Students explore elements and principles of dance alone and in relation to specific dance forms. This course is for the highly motivated student interested in the serious study of dance technique and history. It may develop dance technique in a small group situation for students with prior dance experience. Participation requires audition, and emphasizes performance.