DNC 150 - Social Dance
1 Credit(s)
Students will learn social dances of the 19th-20th centuries. Included forms are the waltz, foxtrot, ballroom, two-step, and other partner dances. Special emphasis will be placed on basic social elements of dance, patterns, music, rhythmic awareness and foot positions, as well as leading and following. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic dance and social etiquette skills.

DNC 160 - Ballet I
1 Credit(s)
Students will receive an introduction to the basic techniques and vocabulary of ballet. Students will develop strength, flexibility, core-strength and control while analyzing the principles of body alignment. Rhythm and dynamics will be emphasized.

DNC 170 - Pilates I
1 Credit(s)
Pilates exercises help to strengthen core muscles and increase flexibility, endurance, posture and body awareness. This class is designed for the beginning Pilates student. Students will begin by learning Pilates fundamentals and essential matwork exercises, then work toward mastery of these basic skills.

DNC 180 - Folk Dance
1 Credit(s)
Varying types and styles of folk dance may be the topic of any given semester of study: Scottish Highland Dance, African Dance, Contra and Square Dance are just a few examples of what the class might cover. When the course is offered, the class bulletin will indicate which type of dance will be taught.

DNC 190 - Modern Dance I
1 Credit(s)
Students will learn principles of contemporary dance such as fall and recovery, contract and release, and improvisation, as well as a basic movement vocabulary. The development of technical skill in modern dance will include rhythmic perception, kinesthetic awareness and proper alignment. The traditional modern dance techniques of Limon, Cunningham, Horton, Graham, and/or Nikolais will be covered.

DNC 210 - Dance Repertoire
1 Credit(s)
This course is designed for those students who are part of the dance company for any given year. Class time will be given to choreographing and rehearsing pieces for the annual Dance Concert. Students will learn and rehearse choreographic works of both Hillsdale faculty members and guest artists, culminating in a fully produced performance. Students will also learn basic principles of dance theatrical staging and production values as related to the production of this concert. Admission to the course is by audition and permission of the instructor only.

DNC 215 - History of Dance
3 Credits
Dance is a reflection of humanity: a viable and powerful form of expression and communication. Dance is used to support and/or challenge social/political views, ideas and values of individuals and of whole societies. It has even been an instrument of diplomacy: Romans found that a very detailed, exaggerated form of pantomime/dance was an excellent tool for spreading influence throughout the empire, while the court of France's Louis XIV used dance to emphasize the Sun King's power, and The New York City Ballet visited Russia during the Cold War in hopes of finding common ground through culture. Students will be given an overview of dance forms from around the world and throughout history. The interrelatedness and impact of dance on other art forms, as well as its role in society, will be particularly emphasized. Students will gain this knowledge through lectures, readings and viewing live dance performances and films.

DNC 220 - Choreography and Improvisation I
2 Credit(s)
This course is an introduction to improvisation and its use as a basis for dance choreography. Students will be taught the fundamentals of spontaneous movement and learn how to craft this material into set choreography. Students will explore improvisations based on the principles of Laban Movement Analysis and the effects of shape, space, rhythms, props, and other stimuli upon movement. Admission to the course requires the completion of DNC 190, or permission of the instructor.

DNC 250 - Intermediate Social Dance
1 Credit(s)
Building on the basics learned in Social Dance, the student will learn new dances and combinations, building confidence, rhythm and musicality. Admission to this class requires the successful completion of DNC 150, or permission of the instructor.

DNC 260 - Ballet II
1 Credit(s)
Intermediate ballet sections will be for students who have had previous ballet training and who demonstrate a mastery of the basic alignment principles and vocabulary of ballet. Students will be expected to combine rhythm, dynamics, alignment, strength and flexibility while developing artistry and working with more speed and with a more advanced movement vocabulary. Placement at level 2 requires the permission of the instructor.

DNC 270 - Pilates II
1 Credit(s)
A continuation of Pilates 1, this class will focus on mastery of the essential matwork exercises learned in Pilates 1, and then add new skills and intermediate matwork exercises. Admission to this class requires the completion of DNC 170, and the permission of the instructor.

DNC 290 - Modern Dance II
1 Credit(s)
Students will build on basic modern dance principles to execute more advanced movement phrases and musical rhythms. Students will also increase their movement vocabulary while exploring the potential of modern dance as an expressive idiom. The traditional modern dance techniques of Limon, Cunningham, Horton, Graham, and/or Nikolais will continue to be explored. Admission to this class requires the permission of the instructor.

DNC 320 - Choreography and Improvisation II
2 Credit(s)
Building on the skills learned in DNC 220, students will be challenged with more complex improvisations and will use improvisational material to create solo and group choreography. Students will continue to explore a variety of internal and external stimuli as the basis for their artistic expression. Admission to the course requires the completion of DNC 220, or permission of the instructor.

DNC 360 - Ballet III
1 Credit(s)
Continued development of ballet vocabulary. Further turning and jumping skills will be explored in-depth. Musicality, artistry and expression will be emphasized. Placement at level 3 requires the permission of the instructor.

DNC 370 - Pilates III
1 Credit(s)
A continuation of Pilates 2, this class will focus on mastery of the intermediate matwork exercises learned in Pilates 2, and then add new skills and advanced matwork exercises. Admission to this class requires the completion of DNC 270, and the permission of the instructor.

DNC 390 - Modern Dance III
1 Credit(s)
This course is an advanced level modern dance technique class, designed to build upon the skills learned in DNC 290. Movement dynamics and qualities, rhythmic and spatial patterns, and personal expression will be explored in depth. Traditional modern dance techniques as well as contemporary and cutting-edge dance techniques will be utilized. Admission to this class requires the completion of DNC 290, and the permission of the instructor.