DANCE: APPRECIATION AND HISTORY

This course is a comparative and integrative study of world dance styles of the United States. Included is the study of Native American, European American, African American, Chicano/Latin American, and Asian American dance styles from their historical origins to the present. The study of dance traditions from both the technical and cultural perspective is presented in relation to social, theatrical and artistic dance. Observation and descriptive skills are learned through films, live performances and lectures. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

Dance 5 offers an overview of dance in historical, cultural, political, and social contexts. This course covers the historical development of dance as a performing art through the periods of history from the pre-historic era through the 21st Century. This class investigates the origin, tradition, and development of theatrical dance styles, including ballet, modern, postmodern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, world dance forms and contemporary. Examining dance as a performing art as well as a medium of social, cultural, and individual expression is emphasized through the comprehensive study of dance works and dance artists. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of dance-related industries and necessary tools for success in dance-related fields. Students will examine past, current and projected industry trends and will be exposed to numerous dance-related career paths through lectures, discussion, research, case studies, and industry guest speakers. Students will learn how to create artist materials such as resumes, bios, cover letters, video reels, and online profiles, as well as learn audition and interview techniques for various dance career contexts. Students will be familiarized with contracts, wages, agencies, and freelance strategies while learning how to locate internships and job opportunities that align with skill sets and goals. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets (see smc.edu/dance) is required along with written assignments.