Dance Courses
ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
An overview of dance history with an emphasis on Western dance forms, American concert dance, and understanding dance practice and performance as a lineage. Focus is centered on the cultural origins and aesthetics of ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, some social dance forms, and the emergence and influences of contemporary forms.
Formerly PE 30
Focus on conditioning techniques that relate to the dance idiom. Emphasis on basic Pilates principals that build abdominal and back strength. Exercises include body alignment, flexibility techniques, floor barre, weight training and stability exercises.
Formerly PE 564
PREREQ: DANC 34A
Focus on multi-zone targeting conditioning techniques that relate to the dance idiom. Emphasis on beyond the basics of Pilates principles that build abdominal and back strength. Exercises include various approaches that combine body alignment, core strength, flexibility techniques, floor barre, weight training and stability exercises.
ADVISE: DANC 34B
Focus on multi-zone targeting conditioning techniques that relate to the dance idiom. Emphasis goes beyond the basics of Pilates principles that build abdominal and back strength. Exercises include various approaches that combine body alignment, core strength, flexibility techniques, floor barre, weight training and stability exercises.
ADVISE: (DANC 119A or DANC 124A or DANC 129A or DANC 133A or DANC 138A or training in theater, voice, or instrumental music) and (ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English)
Instruction and practice in the Feldenkrais Method to address physical habits, movement adaptability, and specific performance skills for dance and related movement-based performance styles. Processes which enhance human expression through refinement of motor learning will be explored. ÃÈ·µ¼º½ GE Area G2 and CSU GE Area E2.
ADVISE: DANC 119C or DANC 124C or DANC 129C or DANC 133C or DANC 134C or DANC 145B
Exploration of compositional movement techniques. Improvisation and choreographic structures are presented for student study. The course culminates with a studio demonstration or theatre performance.
ADVISE: DANC 100A or DANC 119C or DANC 126B or DANC 133A
This is a self-directed, cumulative course for the Dance Major - Performance Art. The student will choreograph and produce an original dance piece for public performance. This interdisciplinary, integrated project may enhance employability and augment artistic entrepreneurship.
ADVISE: DANC 119A or DANC 124A or DANC 129A or DANC 133A or DANC 138A
This course introduces the skills required to transition from in-class dance technique to stage performance of repertory. Dance choreography will be learned for audience presentation in a theatrical or classroom environment.
Formerly PE 17A
ADVISE: DANC 101A or DANC 119C or DANC 124C or DANC 129C or DANC 138C
Designed as an introduction to ÃÈ·µ¼º½ ambassadorial dance company touring. Students will learn dance works from faculty and guest choreographers. Touring venues include ÃÈ·µ¼º½ campuses and San Francisco Bay Area colleges.
ADVISE: DANC 102A
This course is designed to expand the skills of the student dancer preparing for a career as part of a touring dance company. Students will learn multiple dance works from faculty and guest choreographers. Touring venues include ÃÈ·µ¼º½, San Francisco high schools and local colleges, public theaters, and other public dance events.
ADVISE: DANC 155B or demonstration of exit skills.
Various salsa styles and techniques leading to group or solo performances will be learned. Styles and formations, including rueda, will be examined through demonstration and practice. Emphasis will be on the effective presentation of patterns. Satisfies ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area G2 and CSU E2.
ADVISE: DANC 160B
Collaborative creation, development and rehearsal of an Argentine Tango-based dance piece for public performance.
Theory and practice of the principles of beginning ballet technique that include
alignment, placement, turnout, positions of the feet, carriage of the arms,
and basic ballet vocabulary. Focus is on the application of these
principles to barre exercises and center practice.
Formerly DANC 120A
ADVISE: DANC 119A or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced Beginning Ballet is a continuation of beginning ballet technique with an
emphasis on building vocabulary and integrating connecting and traveling steps into
combinations.
ADVISE: DANC 119B
Intermediate ballet is a continuation of the theory and practice of classical ballet and builds upon skills learned in advanced beginning ballet. Intermediate ballet vocabulary and technique at the barre and in center practice are introduced including positions of the body, balances, and pirouettes (turns on one leg).
Formerly DANC 120B
ADVISE: DANC 119C or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced Intermediate ballet is a continuation of the theory and practice of classical ballet and builds upon skills learned in intermediate ballet. Advanced intermediate ballet vocabulary and technique are introduced that include multiple turns, jumps with beats, turns in the air, and longer and more difficult combinations that emphasize style and technical accuracy .
Formerly DANC 120C
ADVISE: DANC 119C or demonstration of DANC 119C exit skills
Intensive Ballet offers further practice and refinement of technique and vocabulary learned in Intermediate Ballet with an emphasis on analysis of anatomical function, movement qualities related to musicality, and longer center combinations integrating direction changes.
ADVISE: DANC 119C or demonstration of exit skills
Theory and practice of basic pointe technique that include pre-pointe exercises, elementary pointe vocabulary, selection and fit of pointe shoes, and guidelines necessary to develop correct placement, muscular strength, and safe habits.
An assessment of ankle strength and alignment occurs at the start of the semester to determine whether students should use point shoes or soft shoes.
ADVISE: DANC 119B or DANC 124B or DANC 129B or demonstration of exit skills
A fusion of different beginning contemporary dance techniques and genres embracing a variety of movement skills, dance vocabulary, and current trends in dance.
ADVISE: DANC 123A
A fusion of different advanced beginning contemporary dance techniques and genres embracing a variety of movement skills, dance vocabulary, and current trends in dance.
Beginning modern dance with emphasis on basic terminology, correct dance alignment, dance routines and basic concepts of modernism. Examples of the techniques explored: Graham, Cunningham, Limon, Horton, and Dunham.
Formerly DANC 125A
ADVISE: DANC 124A or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced beginning modern dance builds upon skills learned in beginning modern dance technique with emphasis on refining technique, increasing vocabulary, movement through levels and space, and combinations.
ADVISE: DANC 124B or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate modern dance builds upon skills learned in advanced beginning modern dance technique with emphasis on increased technique, increased movement vocabulary appropriate to intermediate training, dynamic movement qualities related
to musicality, and an in-depth continuation of modern dance history.
Formerly DANC 125B
ADVISE: DANC 124C or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced modern dance builds upon skills learned in intermediate modern dance technique with emphasis on increased technique, increased movement vocabulary appropriate to advanced training, and more complex element phrase work integrating dynamics and musicality. A continuation of modern dance history will be presented.
Formerly DANC 125C
ADVISE: DANC 119A; DANC 124C
Intensive modern dance builds upon the modern technique and vocabulary learned in Intermediate Modern Dance with emphasis on analysis of anatomical function, dynamic movement qualities related to musicality, ensemble performance and technique, and an in depth continuation of modern dance history.
Formally PE 626B
Dance Improvisation: Group is a non-traditional approach to dance. Emphasis will be placed on improvisational movement techniques that stimulate ideas for moving spontaneously. The students will collaborate on group projects for performance at some unconventional sites on campus.
Formerly DANC 127
Dance Improvisation: Solo, Duet, and Contact Technique is a course that emphasises improvisational
movement techniques that integrate drama, comedy, music, vocal art forms, and various
choreographic techniques. Students will practice their performance of improvisation
through individual projects and collaborations.
Beginning jazz dance with emphasis on basic technique, terminology, dance combinations and basic rhythms of jazz dance.
PREREQ: DANC 129A
Advanced beginning jazz dance builds upon skills learned in beginning jazz dance technique with emphasis on refining technique, increasing vocabulary, movement through space, and combinations.
ADVISE: DANC 129B
Intermediate Jazz builds upon skills learned in Advanced Beginning Jazz Dance with emphasis on refining technique, musicality, increasing vocabulary and movement through space and combinations.
ADVISE: DANC 129C
Advanced Jazz Dance builds upon skills learned in Intermediate Jazz Dance technique with emphasis on refining technique, rhythmic structure, increasing vocabulary, movement through space, improvisation, and combination.
Introduction to Dance Theater introduces the technical and choreographic style of dance performed in Musical Theater productions. This course is designed to adapt dance to various styles of musical theater accompaniment and explore how dance can non-verbally support the story-telling of plays and musicals.
Beginning African-Haitian dance will be examined through technical demonstration and practice. Emphasis will be placed on traditional movements, isolations, movement progressions, dance patterns, and musicality. Dance pioneers and their contribution to African-Haitian dance will be discussed.
PREREQ: DANC 133A or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced beginning African Haitian Dance is a continuation of beginning African Haitian with an emphasis on building vocabulary on traditional movements and integrating isolations and movement progressions in connection to dance patterns and correct musicality.
ADVISE: DANC 133B or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate African Haitian dance builds on advanced beginning level skills. Through demonstration,
practice, correction, and review, emphasis is placed on expansion into more intricate traditional
movements, Dunham technique, dance patterns, styles, and musicality. Historical and cultural
elements will be explored through lectures, films, research, and discussions. Creative expression
will be encouraged through group choreographic activities and individual projects.
ADVISE: DANC 133C or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced African Haitian Dance is a continuation of intermediate African Haitian with an emphasis on building vocabulary on traditional movements and integrating isolations and movement progressions in connection to dance patterns and correct musicality.
Formerly DANC 132C
Beginning Tap Dance briefly reviews the history of tap and lays the foundation for
acquisition of tap dance skills. Emphasis will be on demonstration and practice of
fundamental tap technique and vocabulary in rhythmic drills and dance phrases.
Formerly DANC 135A
ADVISE: DANC 134A or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced Beginning Tap Dance further examines the history of tap and builds upon
skills learned in beginning tap with emphasis on refining technique, increasing
vocabulary, precise footwork and rhythmic accuracy in more complex combinations.
ADVISE: DANC 134B or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate Tap Dance reviews the historical relationship of tap dance to jazz music and builds upon skills learned in advanced beginning tap with emphasis on more refined musicality and acquisition of intermediate level tap vocabulary and technique.
Formerly PE 541B
ADVISE: DANC 134C or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced Intermediate Tap Dance refines intermediate tap dance skills and explores improvisation and choreography through demonstration and practice. Focus is on tap history and its relationship to jazz music which provide guidelines for tap improvisation and choreography.
Formerly DANC 136
Beginning Hip Hop dance with emphasis on technique, vocabulary, dance
combinations and basic rhythms of hip hop dance.
Formerly DANC 137A
ADVISE: DANC 138A or demonstration of exit skills
Beginning Hip Hop dance with emphasis on technique, vocabulary, dance
combinations and basic rhythms of hip hop dance.
ADVISE: DANC 138B or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate Hip Hop dance builds upon skills learned in Advance Beginning Hip
Hop with emphasis on increasing vocabulary, styles, and length of dance
combinations with more complex rhythms. Using hip hop dance as a vehicle,
students will be able to explore their own movement expression and
choreography.
Formerly DANC 137B
ADVISE: DANC 138C or demonstration of exit skills
Advanced Hip Hop dance builds upon skills learned in Intermediate Hip Hop with
emphasis on increasing vocabulary, styles, and length of dance combinations with
more complex rhythms. Using hip hop dance as a vehicle, students will be able to
explore their own movement expression and choreography in both group and solo
settings.
International Folk Dance provides a foundation for the study of dance. Folk dance offers experience in varied rhythms, formations, dance structures and movement vocabularies. Partner and non-partner dances from various countries and cultures are included.
Formerly PE 518A
ADVISE: DANC 141A or demonstration of DANC 141A exit skills
Intermediate International Folk Dance emphasizes partner and non-partner dances from various countries, selected to offer experience in more challenging rhythms, formations, dance structures and movement vocabularies. Beginning level repertory is practiced and maintained. Students learn to demonstrate, lead and teach International Folk dances.
Formerly PE 518B
An introduction to basic ballroom dance forms with an emphasis on step patterns and dance positions. Ballroom dances explored include forms such as Tango, Waltz, Swing, Cha-cha, Salsa, Rumba, and Foxtrot.
Formerly PE 535A
ADVISE: DANC 145A
Ballroom dance with emphasis on intermediate level step patterns and dance positions for a complete range of dances such as Tango, Waltz, Swing, Cha-cha, Salsa, Rumba, and Foxtrot.
Formerly PE 535B
Introduction to beginning waltz steps. Students will learn both beginning slow waltz and Viennese waltz.
Formerly PE 538A
ADVISE: DANC 146A or demo of exit skills
Develop intermediate skills in waltz and Viennese waltz. Students will build on techniques learned in beginning waltz.
Beginning ballroom dance with emphasis on step patterns from the bronze level American Smooth syllabus. The class will include a selection from Waltz, Foxtrot, American Tango and Waltz.
ADVISE: DANC 148A or demo of exit skills
Intermediate ballroom dance with emphasis on step patterns from the bronze and silver level American Smooth syllabus. The class will include a selection from Waltz, Foxtrot, American Tango and Viennese Waltz.
Beginning international Latin dance with emphasis on step patterns from the bronze level international Latin syllabus. The class will include a selection from Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Samba and Jive.
ADVISE: DANC 149A or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate Latin dance with emphasis on step patterns from the bronze and silver level International Latin syllabus. The class will include a selection from rumba, cha cha, samba, jive and paso doble.
Explorations of various Latin-American dance forms with emphasis on Salsa. Students will learn to execute beginning dance steps in Salsa and other Latin dance forms. Emphasis will be on social dances.
Formerly PE 560A
ADVISE: DANC 155A or demonstration of exit skills
Explorations of various Latin-American dance forms with emphasis on Salsa. Students will learn to execute intermediate dance steps in Salsa and other Latin dance forms. Emphasis will be on social dances.
Formerly PE 560B
ADVISE: DANC 155B or demonstration of exit skills
Explorations of various Latin-American dance forms with emphasis on Salsa. Students will learn to execute advanced dance steps in Salsa and other Latin dance forms. Emphasis will be on social dances.
Formerly PE 560C
Introductory movement foundation in the social, improvisational form of Argentine Tango grounded in an exploration of its culture and history. The course teaches students to converse in the lead-follow language of this richly layered partner dance.
Formerly PE 576A
ADVISE: DANC 160A
Intermediate Argentine Tango builds upon the social, improvisational skills learned in beginning with an emphasis on partnering in a closer embrace, incorporating rhythmic variations, and leading and following turns. The class examines the evolution of tango as a dancing image, a living art.
Formerly PE 576B
ADVISE: DANC 160B
Advanced Argentine Tango builds upon skills learned in intermediate with an emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of tango concepts, movement, partnering skills, technique and musicality. The course grows students' dance fluency in the lead-follow language of tango.
Formerly PE 576C
ADVISE: DANC 160A
Refinement of placement, styling, adornments, lead/follow and musicality in Argentine Tango through exercises done at the barre and on the center with and without partners. Focus on the role of the follower in the tango. Course highlights the contribution of women in the construction of tango culture past and present. Open to students of all genders.
A beginning dance aerobic fitness class based upon Latin American dance steps and music.
ADVISE: DANC 172A
A dance aerobic fitness class using Latin American and Hip Hop dance steps and music. It builds upon the skills learned in Zumba: Latin Style Dance Forms with an emphasis on increased technique, coordination, and increased movement vocabulary related to rhythm and musicality.
ADVISE: PE 219A or demonstration of exit skills
Yoga movement is a dynamic form of yoga that integrates elements of dance while increasing strength and flexibility. Fundamental yoga postures will be sequenced into combinations that include music, spatial design, energy qualities, and allow for individual creativity and expression.
Formerly PE 553, PE 221