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Rodger Blum, Susan
Waltner
The dance major at
Smith is offered through the Five College Dance Department
and culminates in a bachelor of arts degree from Smith College.
It is designed to give a student a broad view of dance in
preparation for a professional career or further study. Students
are exposed to courses in dance history and anthropology,
creative and aesthetic studies, scientific aspects of dance,
the language of movement (Labanotation and Laban Movement
Analysis), and dance techniques and performance. For studio
courses, no more than four courses in a single idiom will
be counted toward the major. At least two of these courses
must be at the advanced level for Emphasis I or within the
requirements for Emphasis II.
History
Dance in the 20th Century (DAN171) and Dance and Culture
(DAN272) serve as the introduction to the major. At the
advanced level there is the Anthropological Basis of
Dance (DAN375) and more specialized period courses or
topics. These courses all examine the dance itself and
its cultural context.
Creative and Aesthetic
Studies
(DAN151, DAN252, DAN353, and DAN377) This sequence of courses
begins with the most basic study of dance composition — space,
time, and energy — and
focuses on tools for finding and developing movement. The second and third
level courses develop the fundamentals of formal choreography and expand
work in the manipulation of spatial design, dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, content,
and accompaniment. The movement materials that a student explores are not
limited to any particular style.
Scientific Aspects
of Dance
(DAN241, DAN342) These courses are designed to develop
the student's personal working process and her philosophy
of movement. The student studies selected aspects of human
anatomy, physiology, bio-mechanics, and their relationship
to various theories of technical study.
Language of Movement
(DAN285) Courses in this area train students to observe,
experience and notate qualitative aspects of movement
(Laban Movement Analysis) and to quantitatively perceive
and record movement (Labanotation).
Music for Dancers
(DAN287) Sharpens understanding of music fundamentals and
makes these applicable to dance.
A dancer's instrument
is her body and it must be trained consistently. Students
are encouraged to study several dance forms and styles. Students who will emphasize
performance and choreography are expected to reach advanced technique level
in one or more forms. Public performance, while optional
and with out additional credit, is encouraged to realize
dance skills before an audience.
Emphasis I Requirements:
Dance students may
prefer to concentrate on an academic emphasis instead of
dance performance. These students are also encouraged to
study several dance forms and styles and they are expected
to reach intermediate technique level in one or more forms.
Emphasis II Requirements:
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About
the
Department
The
Major
The
Minor
Masters
Program
Five College Dance
Faculty & Staff
Facilities
Performance Calendar
Course Catalogue
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