First-Year Studies in Dance

The Dance program encourages first-year students to study aspects of dance in an integrated and vital curriculum of technical movement practices, improvisation, and dance history. In technical practice, attention will be given to developing the student’s awareness of space and time, use of energy, articulation of form through sensation, and building strength and control with an understanding of functional anatomy. In improvisation classes, we will explore somatic intelligence and imagination through Feldenkrais’ Awareness Through Movement® lessons, developing the natural movement abilities of each student while expanding their vocabulary and awareness through group and individual problem solving. In dance history, students will explore the history of concert dance in the United States from the early 20th century to the present. In First-Year Studies in Dance, students will have an additional weekly forum to develop analytical skills, both oral and written, for communication, independent research, and study. All of these components are designed to encourage individual investigation and community as students deepen their understanding of embodied learning.