Maricopa Community Colleges  DAH100   19932-99999 

Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 11-24-1992

DAH100  1993 Spring – 2008 Spring

LEC  3.0 Credit(s)  3.0 Period(s)  3.0 Load  Acad

Introduction to Dance

Overview of the field of dance focusing on origins, historical development, and cultural characteristics of the various styles of dance.

Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

 

DAH100  1993 Spring – 2008 Spring

Introduction to Dance

 

1.

Write a comprehensive definition of "dance." (I)

2.

Trace the origins of dance from the Functional period through the Postmodern period. (II)

3.

Identify the cultural significance of dance as a function of ritual, religion, society, and art. (III)

4.

Contrast ethnic dance and presentational dance. (IV)

5.

Identify various dance styles, and list their characteristics. (V)

6.

Trace the historical development of various dance styles. (I, II, III, V)

7.

Define and explain dance theories as they relate to styles of dance. (V, VI)

8.

List major contributors to the field of dance, and identify their contributions. (VI)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:

 

DAH100  1993 Spring – 2008 Spring

Introduction to Dance

 

I. Defining Dance

A. Function of dance in society

B. Characteristics of dance

C. Styles of dance

II. Origins of Dance (Functional Period to Postmodern Period)

A. Dance as human communication

B. Dance as magic and ritual

C. Dance in religion

D. Dance in society

E. Dance as an art form

III. Cultural Significance

A. As communication

B. As magic and ritual

C. In religion

D. In society

E. As an art form

IV. Ethnic and Presentational Dance

A. Role in society

1. Ritual

2. Social

3. Theatrical

4. Communicative

B. Who dances and why?

V. Styles of Dance

A. Western theatrical dance (Eurocentric)

1. Primary

a. Ballet dance

b. Jazz dance (tap dance)

c. Modern dance

2. Secondary

a. Spanish classical dance

b. Presentational folk dance

B. Non-Western theatrical dance (Non-Eurocentric)

1. Black dance in the United States

2. Chinese classical dance

3. Japanese dance

4. East Indian dance

5. Folklorico dance

C. Western nontheatrical dance (Eurocentric)

1. Ballroom dance

2. Square dance

3. Folk dance

4. Flamenco dance

D. Non-Western, nontheatrical dance (Non-Eurocentric)

1. Native American dance

2. Black American dance

3. East Indian dance

4. Folklorico dance

VI. Theories of Dance

A. Ballet

1. Cecchetti

2. Vaganova

3. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

B. Modern

1. Laban

2. Graham

3. Humphrey-Weidman

4. The Modern "Tree"

C. Postmodernists

 

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