Dance Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 5)

This course will examine the major developmental milestones for children, both typically and atypically developing, from conception through adolescence in the areas of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Emphasis will be on interactions between maturational and environmental factors within a culturally sensitive framework. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

This course places emphasis on the fundamental training necessary for success in a variety of dance and movement styles for dance students of all levels. Movement principles from sources including anatomy, biomechanics and rehabilitation will be utilized to improve body alignment, core stabilization, breath support and other aspects of technique in key dance movement patterns. Students will demonstrate proper body alignment, learn human anatomy as it pertains to the moving body, analyze different principles of movement emphasizing time, space and effort as well as enhance the mind-body connection through somatic principles.

This course examines the historical contexts and theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate and best practices in early care and education for children from birth through age eight. It explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. It identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. It introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children, including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. This class is appropriate for students wanting to work with young children in a variety of programs, including infant-toddler, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten.

Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 108 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability. [NON-OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session, (3) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator and (4) enroll in a general internship course. [OCCUPATIONAL] NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a letter grade of C or better in coursework attempted. The next steps are: (1) Find an internship, (2) attend an internship orientation session through the Career Services Center, (3) contact the instructor who teaches the Occupational Internship Course to see if you meet the occupational internship course prerequisites (each occupational internship course has different requirements), (4) complete and submit the internship application forms to the Internship Coordinator at the CSC, (5) enroll in an occupational internship course, if pre-approved by the occupational internship instructor. If you do not meet the qualifications for the occupational internship course, feel free to enroll in a General Internship Course.

This course offers a beginning/low-intermediate level of contemporary modern dance technique. Class focuses on improving alignment/placement while enhancing coordination and musicality in contemporary modern dance technique including progressions in center floor, level changes/floor work, and locomotor sequences. Movement vocabulary and phrases are designed to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of contemporary modern dance. at a beginning/low-intermediate level. This course prepares students for 42B.

This course offers a low-intermediate level of contemporary modern dance technique. Class focuses on maintaining alignment/placement through progressions in center floor, level changes/floor work, and locomotor sequence with the goal of performing more intricate steps and movement vocabulary. The course progresses through low intermediate level contemporary modern dance steps and phases designed to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, and musicality with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of contemporary modern dance. This course is a continuation of 42A.

This course is an intermediate level of contemporary modern dance technique with an emphasis on developing technical and compositional skills. Dance 43 will embrace increased range of motion, more complex phrases with various musicality, and more in depth analysis of movement and choreography. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is designed for students to continue to master concepts and principles of intermediate modern dance technique with an emphasis on the development of improving technical ability. Dance 43B introduces compositional skills, diverse movement phrases with different styles, changes of levels, and increased "air" skills with multiple turns. This class is designed to prepare students for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is an intermediate-advanced modern dance technique, continuation of Dance 43B. The ability to transfer, invert and do phrases in retrograde, as well as use dynamic physicality (high energy changes in levels and dynamics) is explored. Repertory excerpts are also included in this course. This class is designed to prepare students for stage performance experience.This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is designed for students at an advanced level of contemporary modern dance technique. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the advanced level of technique the dancer has achieved. The ability to transfer, invert and do phrases in retrograde, as well as use dynamic physicality (high energy changes in levels and dynamics) is explored. Original and traditional repertory excerpts are also included in this course. This class is designed to prepare students for stage performance experience. Students majoring in dance should prepare audition for transfer. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course offers a beginning/low-intermediate level of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of classical ballet form. Class focuses on improving alignment/placement through barre and center combinations, enhancing coordination and musicality. Movement vocabulary and phrases are designed to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance at a beginning/low-intermediate level. This course prepares students for 32B.

This course offers a low-intermediate level of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on refining aesthetic concepts and principles of classical ballet form. The class focuses on maintaining alignment/placement through barre and center combinations, with the goal of performing more intricate steps and movement vocabulary. Course progresses through low-intermediate level ballet steps and phrases designed to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, and musicality. This course is a continuation of 32A.

This course is designed to introduce the concepts and principles of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level. Dance 33A is taught in the classically accepted manner of learning ballet technique. Exercises at the barre and centre will incorporate combinations of movements practiced to various musical rhythms and dynamics. This course facilitates students learning of other dance styles, and prepares the dancer for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is designed for students to continue to master concepts and principles of intermediate ballet technique with an emphasis on the development of improving technical ability. Exercises at the barre and the centre will continue to incorporate combinations of movements practiced to various musical rhythms and dynamics. This course will introduce concepts of dance kinesiology and injury prevention as well as prepare the dancer for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is designed for the students with a sound understanding and mastery of ballet technique at an intermediate/advanced level of ability. Extensive ballet terminology, complex combinations of movements, diverse musical rhythms and dynamics will be introduced throughout the semester. This course will emphasize strengthening the student's technical ability and preparing the student for study at the advanced level of ballet technique. Study of kinesiology and injury prevention will be included as well as preparation for stage performance experience. This class is intended for dance majors.

This course is designed for the student at the advanced level of ballet technique. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the advanced level of technique the dancer has achieved. Extensive ballet terminology, intricate movement combinations, diverse musical rhythms and dynamics will be centered both at barre and centre. This course will prepare students for auditions and stage performance experience in professional fields, as well as guide the student to devise the movement combinations for the class in anticipation of future teaching responsibilities. Study of kinesiology and injury prevention will continue to be included. Students majoring in dance should prepare audition for transfer. This class is intended for dance majors.

This introductory course will explore fundamental techniques of hip hop dance. Attention is placed on basic syncopation, isolations and rhythms with an emphasis on musicality, strength, flexibility and coordination. Improvisation or "freestyling" is introduced to develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and an appreciation of hip hop dance including its cultural significance, history and origins as an art form are emphasized. Written assignments and attendance at Dance Department concerts are required.

This course builds on the fundamental techniques of hip hop dance at an intermediate level. Attention is placed on syncopation, isolations and rhythms with an emphasis on musicality, strength, flexibility and coordination. Improvisation or "freestyling" is emphasized to further develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and hip hop street dance, along with its cultural significance, history and origins as an art form are also emphasized. Written assignments and attendance at Dance Department concerts are required.

This course builds on the fundamental techniques of hip hop dance forms at an advanced level. Attention is placed on dynamic movement qualities, choreography execution, and complex musicality with an emphasis on syncopation, isolations, strength, control, coordination and performance. Improvisation or "freestyling" is emphasized to further develop the individual expression and style indigenous to the form. Critical analysis of hip hop choreography and current trends, along with hip hop dance’s cultural significance, history, and origins as an art form, are also emphasized.

This introductory course will explore the fundamental techniques, styles, kinesiological awareness, and history of jazz dance in America. Attention is placed on basic jazz dance steps and vocabulary, with emphasis on musicality, strength and flexibility, expression, coordination, and an appreciation of jazz dance as an art form. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression. The course introduces choreography retention and improvisation techniques for various jazz dance styles at a beginning level, as well as historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends.

This course is a continuation of Dance 14, building on the intermediate jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course introduces new skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, varied musicality, and improvisation. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an intermediate level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends will be included.

This course is a continuation of Dance 15, building on the advanced jazz dance techniques, styles, movement vocabulary, kinesiological awareness, and historical knowledge of jazz dance in America. The course focuses on advanced skills and movement variations from various jazz styles. Longer combinations further explore dance expression in jazz with complex dance sequences, intricate musicality, improvisation, and performance quality. The technique studied investigates the use of rhythm, dynamics, space, and energy while disciplining the body and developing motor skills as a tool for creative self expression at an advanced level. Historical studies on topics surrounding American jazz dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

This course introduces a beginning level of tap dance technique and styles (including rhythm tap and Broadway tap), information about the cultural and historical origins of tap, and current trends and applications of tap in concert dance and musical theater. Emphasis will be on fundamental skills and rhythms, time steps, flash footwork, short combinations, and styling. Basic music theory, including notes, bars, phrases, time signatures and song structure, is also covered as it directly relates to tap dance. Historical studies on topics surrounding tap dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

This course builds on DANCE 17 and focuses on intermediate-level tap dance technique, styles (including rhythm tap and Broadway tap), the cultural and historical origins of tap, and current trends and applications of tap in concert dance and musical theater. Students will focus on more complex steps, intricate, syncopated rhythms, tonal clarity, and speed. Different musical styles will be introduced relating rhythms, time signatures, and musical structures to tap styles. Emphasis will be on refining technical skills and executing more complex choreography while exploring elements of improvisation. Historical studies on topics surrounding tap dance pioneers, codified styles, cultural influences, and current trends are included.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn various social dance forms. It is designed for students with no dance experience as well as experienced dance students seeking an introduction to social dance. Examples of dance forms that may be included are: Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha and Samba. The course will explore differences and similarities between styles and techniques while developing coordination and partnering skills. Study of the dance forms in their historical and cultural contexts and development of individual choreography will enhance the student's knowledge of each form and encourage creativity.

Students will learn world dance styles and techniques. The study of the music, art, costumes, customs, and origins of each style is also included.

This course introduces students to the theatrical, social, and religious traditions of Asian/Pacific Dance in its cultural context. The movement techniques of Sundanese, Javanese, Hawaiian, and Tahitian dance will be studied as well as the relationship of the dances to music, myth, and character.

This course offers an intermediate level of Asian/Pacific dance technique with an emphasis on developing aesthetic concepts and principles of movement vocabulary of Bali, Sumatra, Samoa, and Maori dances. Students will learn techniques of traditional Asian Pacific story-telling through dance with emphasis on use of the hands, body language, and facial expression. Instruction will also include study of history, lifestyle, family system/values, as well as the European and Western influences on both traditional and contemporary Asian Pacific dance, religion, cultural arts, and politics.

This course is a beginning Mexican dance class which introduces techniques and styles of traditional Mexican dances. Students learn authentic regional dances and study indigenous and outside influences, historical impact, costumes, and music. Dance techniques learned may serve as preparation for the World Dance Performance Courses (Dance 57A and 57B).

This course is an intermediate level of Mexican dance with an emphasis on traditional dance styles not covered in Dance 22 (Beginning Mexican Dance). Students will learn intermediate level body placement, footwork, rhythm patterns, and choreography. The course also provides historical context, including European and African cultural influences on Mexican dance, as well as the influence of religion, music, art, and popular styles on traditional Mexican dance forms. Dance techniques learned may serve as preparation for the World Dance Performance Courses (Dance 57A and 57B).

This course introduces students to the movement and music of Flamenco Dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. The basic dance technique, complex musical structure and extensive terminology is studied along with the basic elements of movement including body placement and strength building exercises.

This course offers an intermediate level of Flamenco dance with emphasis on aesthetic concepts and principles of traditional and contemporary Flamenco dance movement along with an understanding of Flamenco rhythms, accents, and nuances. Course content will include in-depth study of Gypsy dance movement and culture, “cante” (singing), the Andalusian aesthetic, Bulerias, Tangos, Sevillanas, and several other “Palos” (Flamenco genres defined by their melody, rhythm, and point of origin). Correct body alignment and placement will be stressed with the goal of mastering intermediate level steps, footwork, and rhythmic patterns. Students will critically analyze this global dance form in relation to current and historical contexts.

This course is an introduction to the study of African dance with an emphasis on West African traditional and contemporary dances. Emphasis is on techniques of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Dunham Technique.

This course is an intermediate level of West African dance with an emphasis on techniques of Guinea, Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast. The class will introduce both traditional and contemporary styles of West African dance and offer lectures in historical/cultural practices at an intermediate level.

This course introduces students to the movement and music of Salsa Dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. The basic dance technique, musical structure, and terminology is studied along with elements of body placement, style, and characteristics of the form including turning techniques and partnering. Additionally, bachata and cha-cha-cha dance forms will also be studied in this course.

This Intermediate Salsa Dance course immerses students in the movement and music of Latin American social dance and its cultural, historic, and geographic origins. Intermediate levels of dance techniques, musical structure, and terminology are studied along with elements of body placement, style, and characteristics of the form including turning techniques, solo work and partnering. Additionally, intermediate levels of Bachata and Cha-cha-cha dance forms will also be studied in this course.