The Body and Motion in Dance

Course Description

Study of the body and movement as relevant to dance. Emphasis on anatomical and kinesiological principles, alignment, body issues, prevention and care of injuries. Prerequisite: Dance Major with junior or senior status.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Identify selected anatomical structures, which have particular relevance to dance.
  • Articulate selected kinesiological principles, which are directly applicable to dance.
  • Describe anatomical principles in relation to the body in motion.
  • Describe and articulate somatic theory related to body experience and movement.
  • Describe and apply holistic health practices as relevant to the dancer.
  • Analyze selected dance movements and movement patterns with application to learning and teaching.
  • Express how an awareness of body issues is relevant to dancer health and well-being.
  • Demonstrate an increased awareness of body and alignment principles in dance technique and performance.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Reading and Write Reflection18%
Bones & muscles Quiz15%
Create a warm-up10%
Final Reflection10%
Sharing activity in a small group10%
Draft of Midterm and Final Projects5%
Interview classmate and adapt my warm-up5%
Read TWO articles, Write Reflections, cite.5%
View TWO videos, Write Reflections, cite.5%
Somatic Activities and Reflections3%
Label and Identify Anatomy2.5%
Personal Goal Setting1%
Write Reflection Heart-rate worksheet*0.5%
Participation, Attitude, Growth10%

Grades follow the University grading scale.

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Blevins, Peta , Shona Erskine, Luke Hopper and Gene Moyle. (2020). Finding Your Balance, Journal of Dance Education, 20:1, 12-22.

Scholarly Perspectives

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