Dance Courses

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140. Modern Dance I Beginning (AH-1) 1 credit	Development of modern dance as a performing art. Movement exploration exercises and beginning techniques of modern dance. May be repeated for credit.
141. Social Dance (AH-1) 1 credit	Application of basic steps and variations of the cha cha, Charleston, jitterbug, polka and waltz.
142. Tap Dance I Beginning (AH-1) 1 credit	Elementary exploration of rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Beginning tap routines with elementary progressions. May be repeated for credit.
143. Yoga I (AH-1)1 credit	Yoga complements the dancer as well as the human being in many ways, particularly in the physical realm. Slow stretching and breathing increase flexibility and awareness, and restore tone and vitality. May be repeated for credit.
144. Ballet I Beginning (AH-1) 1 credit	Development of ballet as a performing art. Building strength, developing body carriage/posture and learning basic techniques of ballet. May be repeated for credit.
145. Jazz Dance I Beginning (AH-1) 1 credit	Development of jazz dance as a performing art. Principles of basic jazz dance. May be repeated for credit.
146. Dance Experience (AH-1) 4 credits	Investigation of dance as an art form. Involves movement awareness, improvisation, exploratory exercises and movement games designed to build trust. Collaboration with class members an integral part of course.
148. Highland Dance I (AH-1) 1 credit	Introduction to basic movements, steps and terminology of Highland Dance. Emphasis on fundamentals of footwork and introduction to history and cultural background of Scottish dances. May be repeated for credit.
149. Pointe I Beginning (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 144 or Permission	Development of classical ballet skill techniques en pointe. Principles of beginning pointe technique are displayed and discussed. May be repeated for credit.
151. Alma College Dance Company (AH-1) 1 credit; Permission/Audition only	Participation in dance concerts throughout the term. Opportunities for choreography, performance and organizational planning. May be repeated for credit.
199. Independent Study 1-4 credits; Permission	Supervised reading, research or projects.
201. Choreography I (AH-1) 4 credits	Analysis of choreographic styles. Principles of various choreographers examined and experienced. Development of individual skills for choreographing.
220. Creative Movement for Children (AH-1) 4 credits; Sophomore standing	Exploration of movement as a means to improve communication, body/kinetic awareness, creative expression and perceptual-motor development. Focuses on the learning/teaching process, creativity, dance materials, methods and lesson planning. Observation and assisting in elementary school classrooms to facilitate student understanding of components listed above.
240. Modern Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 140 or Permission	Continuation of Modern Dance I. Emphasis on movement patterns and development of body alignment. May be repeated for credit.
242. Tap Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 142 or Permission	Continued exploration into rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Intermediate tap routines with intermediate progressions. May be repeated for credit.
243. Yoga II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit	Yoga complements the dancer as well as the human being in many ways, particularly in the physical realm. Slow stretching and breathing increase flexibility and awareness, and restore tone and vitality. May be repeated for credit.
244. Ballet II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 144 or Permission	Continuation of Ballet I. Development of ballet combinations and concentration on body alignment. May be repeated for credit.
245. Jazz Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 145 or Permission	Continuation of Jazz Dance I with emphasis on rhythmic patterns, intermediate steps and body isolations. May be repeated for credit.
248. Highland Dance II (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 148 or Permission	Continuation of Highland Dance I. Technical accuracy, style and conditioning stressed. Emphasis on performance preparation. May be repeated for credit.
249. Pointe II Intermediate (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 149 or Permission	Continued development of classical ballet skill technique en pointe. Principles of intermediate pointe technique are displayed and discussed. May be repeated for credit.
280. Topics in Theatre and Dance 4 credits	Special topics and projects selected by instructor. Background prerequisites vary with selections.
299. Independent Study 1-4 credits Permission*	Supervised reading, research or projects.
301. Choreography II (AH-1) 4 credits; THD 201 or Permission	Further investigation of the analysis of choreographic styles. Continued development of individual skills for choreographing.
340. Modern Dance III Advanced (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 240 or Permission*	Continuation of Modern Dance II. Emphasis on refinement of performance techniques, style and improvisation. May be repeated for credit.
342. Tap Dance III Advanced (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 242 or Permission*	Continued exploration into rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Advanced tap routines with advanced progressions. May be repeated for credit.
344. Ballet III Advanced (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 244 or Permission*	Continuation of Ballet II. Emphasis on further development of style and technique. May be repeated for credit.
345. Jazz III Advanced (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 245 or Permission*	Continuation of Jazz Dance II with emphasis on advanced rhythmic patterns and isolations. May be repeated for credit.
346. Theatre/Dance Trip (AH-4) 4 credits; Permission*	Travel to New York, London and Russia to witness exquisite theatre and dance. Attend Broadway shows, theatrical productions and backstage tours. Journal, critiques and final paper required.
347. Dance Criticism (AH-4) 4 credits; Sophomore standing*	Introduction to the history of dance criticism as well as philosophies of early dance critics. Review dance films, video tape recordings and actual performances and evaluate each in the various critical styles. Investigate the structure and function of historical, re-creative and judicial criticism, and review dance critics of today and their influence upon the dance world.
349. Pointe III Advanced (AH-1) 1 credit; THD 149, 249 or Permission	Continued development of classical ballet skill technique en pointe. Principles of advanced pointe displayed and discussed. Includes classical variations en pointe. May be repeated for credit.
352. Dance History (AH-4) 4 credits*	Introductory survey of the history of dance as an art form. Fundamentals of development of dance from primitive to contemporary forms.
385-386. Practicum 4 credits each; Permission*	Study-work participation in community institutions, schools or professional organizations combined with faculty supervision. Practical experience in teaching, directing or performance of theatre and dance. Culminates in written report.
399. Independent Study 1-4 credits; Permission*	Supervised reading, research or projects.
480. Topics in Theatre and Dance 4 credits*	Special topics and projects selected by the instructor. Background prerequisites vary with selections.
499. Independent Study 1-4 credits; Permission*	Supervised reading, research or projects.
*500. Senior Thesis 4 credits; Permission	Students with honors in Theatre and Dance must complete a Senior Thesis, approved and directed by the Department.