Contemporary Theatre Dance Styles

Course Description

An examination of musical theatre dance styles as set by contemporary choreographers. Students will study the movement vocabularies of a range of 21st Century choreographers, learn selections from their repertoire, marry acting techniques with dance performance, and become industry-ready by participating in mock audition experiences. Prerequisite: Musical Theatre Majors or Dance Majors; or by permission of Instructor; Note: May be repeated for credit.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Learn and embody various styles of contemporary musical theatre dance including choreographer’s “signature” styles and steps.
  • Understand the various influences of modern choreographers.
  • Display increased levels in personal strength, flexibility, rhythm, coordination, movement, memory, and injury prevention.
  • Enhance dance audition skills such as confidence, retention, and performance quality.
  • Explore the creative process, rehearsal techniques, and collaboration through the development of original choreography

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Daily Class Attendance & Participation 40%
Movement Assessments 25%
Midterm 15%
Final 20%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
93-100A
90-92A-
87-89B+
83-86B
80-82B-
77-79C+
73-76C
70-72C-
67-69D+
63-66D
60-62D-
0-59F

Attendance/Participation:

You are permitted one sit out day for the semester where you may choose to sit and take notes on class to be turned in to the instructor. After the first sit out day, the student will be required to show a doctor’s note. If the student has not provided a doctor’s note beyond the first sit out day, there will be a deduction of one point from the student’s participation grade per sit out.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Proper Dance Attire is REQUIRED. This includes: 1. Ballet or Jazz shoes/sneakers. Preferably with a “split sole” to allow for movement in the foot. Sneakers may be permitted on certain days. 2. Clothes that allow for freedom of movement and show the line of the body. Dance pants, fitted shorts, form fitting shirts or tanks, leotards and tights, and appropriate undergarments.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.