Middlebury dancers reherse

Courses offered in the past four years. Courses offered currently are as noted.

Course Description

Introduction to Dance
This entry-level dance course introduces movement techniques, improvisation/composition, performance, experiential anatomy, and history of 20th century American modern dance. Students develop flexibility, strength, coordination, rhythm, and vocabulary in the modern idiom. Concepts of time, space, energy, and choreographic form are presented through improvisation and become the basis for a final choreographic project. Readings, research, and reflective and critical writing about dance performance round out the experience. 2 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2025

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

From Africa to the Americas: Moving from Our Core
This course is an introduction to dance emphasizing the influence of traditions from the African Diaspora on contemporary modern dance. Technique sessions incorporate styles from West Africa and Central and South America with performance work. Discussion of readings on the history and current practice of movement forms originating in Africa, as well as on the work of artists developing fusion styles, supports written and creative work. Compositional studies explore the intersection between technique, history/theory, and performance. (No previous dance experience required.) 2 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2021

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Writing the Body
In this course we will examine the dialogue between the language of the dancing body and the written word through the mediums of movement, contemplative practice, and creative writing, with a focus on poetry and spoken word. Our principal modalities of somatic investigation, textual analysis, reflective writing prompts, and a final performance project all serve to facilitate the discovery of authentic artistic expression in bridging body and voice. This is an experientially based seminar aimed at building a creative process: connecting the insights that emerge from physical discovery to the artful design of language.

Terms Taught

Winter 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

African Music and Dance Performance
This course will introduce students to various techniques of performing East African (primarily Ugandan) musical and dance traditions through regular rehearsals, culminating in an end-of-semester concert. As an ensemble, we will learn and master how to play and sing/dance to bow-harps, thumb-pianos, xylophones, tube-fiddles, bowl-lyres, gourd shakers, struck gourds, reed-box rattles, ankle bells, leg rattles, and various types of drums. Some background in performing music is recommended, but prior knowledge of performing African music and dance is not required. 3 hrs. lect./lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024

Requirements

AAL, ART

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Course Description

Technique & Composition
This is the first course in the studio sequence for students entering Middlebury with significant previous dance experience. It is also the course sequence for those continuing on from DANC 0160 and provides grounding in the craft of modern dance needed to proceed to more advanced levels. Modern dance movement techniques are strengthened to support an emerging individual vocabulary and facility with composition. Students regularly create and revise movement studies that focus on the basic elements of choreography and the relationship of music and dance. Readings, journals, and formal critiques of video and live performance contribute to the exploration of dance aesthetics and develop critical expertise. (DANC 0160 or by approval based on previous experience) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Improvisational Practices
In this course students will gain an embodied understanding of the practices and techniques needed to proceed to advanced improvisational work. Research into forms such as partnering, ensemble work, text, musical exercises, compositions, and scores/projects will focus on mapping the moving body in the moment. Readings, journals, and responses to video viewings and live performances contribute to the exploration of historical contexts, aesthetics, and cultural improvisations. 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Body and Earth
This course is designed to bridge the relationship between the human body and the environment. The goals of the course are to deepen knowledge of physical faculties and sensory possibilities, heighten sensitivity to natural processes and forms in the Vermont bioregion, and engage awareness through the study of perception of and interaction with the non-human world. Learning modalities include analytical reading and formal writing assignments for the lecture section, place-based exploratory journaling, experiential movement-based practices, site-specific dance making, and regular field trips and outdoor activities during the lab section, culminating in final performative research projects.3 hrs. lect. 1 hr. lab.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024

Requirements

AMR, ART, PE

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Course Description

Modern Dance History in the United States: Early Influences to Postmodern Transformations
In this seminar we will focus on the emergence and development of 20th century American concert dance--especially modern and postmodern dance forms--from the confluence of European folk and court dance, African and Caribbean influences, and other American cultural dynamics. We will look at ways in which dance reflects, responds to, and creates its cultural milieu, with special attention to issues of gender, race/ethnicity, and class. Readings, video, and live performance illuminate the artistic products and processes of choreographers whose works mark particular periods or turning points in this unfolding story. Our study is intended to support informed critical articulations and an understanding of the complexity of dance as art. 3 hrs. lect./2 hrs. screen.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2023, Spring 2025

Requirements

AMR, ART, CW, HIS

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Course Description

Children & the Arts: Teaching Movement & Arts Integration in the Classroom
This course will examine the integration of the arts and kinesthetic learning in elementary curriculum. Students will teach standards-based lessons that include the literary, dance, theater and visual arts. Activities will include art projects, sketch journals, reading assignments, and the exploration of community and teaching resources. Students will gain an understanding of the important role the arts integration and hands-on learning can play in the development and implementation of the curriculum.

Terms Taught

Winter 2022, Winter 2023

Requirements

ART, PE, WTR

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Course Description

Choreography & Performance
This course involves concentrated intermediate-advanced level work in contemporary dance technique and choreography culminating in production. Theoretical issues of importance to the dancer/choreographer are addressed through readings, writings and practice. (DANC 0260) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Movement and Media
In this course we will take an interdisciplinary look at the dynamic relationship between the body and digital media. Students will develop skills in basic film editing, real-time software manipulation, open-source media research, project design, and collaboration. We will address design history and theories of modern media through readings and multimedia sources. Process and research papers and work-in-progress showings will document ongoing collaborations that will culminate in an informal showing at the end of the semester. This course is open to students of all artistic backgrounds who are interested in significantly expanding their creative vocabularies and boundaries to include dance. (Approval required; At least one entry level course is required in FMMC or DANC) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.

Terms Taught

Spring 2022

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Production Workshop
In preparing two fully produced dance productions for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of dance technical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, operating, lighting, documenting, striking, and publicizing fully produced dance program concerts. (6 hrs. lab)

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Anatomy and Kinesiology
This course offers an in-depth experiential study of skeletal structure, and includes aspects of the muscular, organ, endocrine, nervous, and fluid systems of the human body. The goal is to enhance efficiency of movement and alignment through laboratory sessions, supported by assigned readings, exams, and written projects. (Not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Dance Company of Middlebury
Dancers work with the artistic director and guest choreographer as a member of a dance company, learning, interpreting, rehearsing, and performing dances created for performance and tour. Those receiving credit can expect four to six rehearsals weekly. Appropriate written work, concert and film viewing, and attendance in departmental technique classes are required. One credit will be given for two terms of participation. Performances and tour(s) are scheduled in January. (Limited to sophomores through seniors, by audition.) (DANC 0260; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2021, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Dance Company of Middlebury
Dancers work with the artistic director and guest choreographers as part of a dance company, learning, interpreting, rehearsing, and performing repertory dances. Those receiving credit can expect daily rehearsals plus technique classes, campus performance, and tour. Appropriate written work is required. Auditions are held in the fall semester for the full year; one credit will be given for two semesters of participation. (Approval Required; limited to sophomores through seniors by audition)

Terms Taught

Spring 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024, Winter 2025

Requirements

PE, WTR

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Course Description

Special Topics in Dance: Independent Study
(Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024, Winter 2025

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Course Description

Performance & Production
In this course we will investigate three aspects of place in relation to dance: where we source movement, the relevance of dance in culture, and the effects of place on the moving dancing body. Material covered will include body systems dance technique at the intermediate/advanced level, improvisation and composition toward choreography and site specific work, readings and reflective writing, and performance viewing. The course culminates in formal and informal showings of performance work. The emergence of a personal philosophy and dance aesthetic will be engaged and formally articulated in writing. (DANC 0260, DANC 0360) 4.5 hrs. lect./2 hrs. lab.

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Fall 2024

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Intermediate/Advanced Dance IV: Advanced Dance Improvisation
Students will gain rigorous training in the simultaneous conception, composition, and performance of dance works. This will include units in techniques such as contact improvisation, performance improvisation, site specific work, musical collaboration, and elemental integration. The body will be developed as an articulate, responsive instrument while the mind is honed toward quick, clear perception of potential form with a willingness to act and react. Personal philosophy and dance aesthetics will be cultivated and formally articulated in writing. Musicians proficient with their instrument and interested in improvisation are strongly encouraged to seek admission. (DANC 0260, DANC 0261) 6 hrs lect.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2025

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Technique Workshop
This advanced physical and theoretical study of a variety of movement techniques will further prepare dance majors and minors for the rigors of performance, technical craft, and physical research. Exercises and discussions will revolve around increased subtlety, strength, flexibility, musicality, and dynamics with the goal of heightening the communicative range of the moving body. Rotating movement aesthetics taught by dance faculty. (DANC 0260) (Major/Minor Only) (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025

Requirements

ART, PE

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Course Description

Independent Project
(Approval Required)

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Independent Project
(Approval Required)

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Salsa Culture and Performance: Hybridity in Social Change
In this course we will learn beginner-level salsa technique: New York Mambo style, Caracas street style, as well as elements of Cuban Casino style. Students will master variations of the salsa basic step, turns, connecting steps, and arm work. Through the study of salsa’s history, political dimensions, lyrical content, and matrilineal legacy, students will develop an understanding of this artistic expression as a dance form, musical genre, and as a voice of resistance and liberation for Caribbean and Latino cultures. We will investigate the legacy of Celia Cruz, Gloria Stefan, Omara Portuondo, and La Lupe. Class discussions, brief writing assignments, and creative projects will serve as opportunities to reflect upon and expand our understanding of the form.
Miguel Castillo Le Maitre is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Caracas, Venezuela. He holds a bachelor’s degree in dance and theatre from Middlebury College, and an M.F.A in Choreography and performance from Smith College./

Terms Taught

Winter 2023

Requirements

AMR, PE, WTR

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Course Description

Introduction to Butoh Dance
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of butoh dance. Butoh is a contemporary dance form that originated in Japan in the 1950s and has since spread worldwide. This form values explorations of presence, transformation, and the development of curiosity to create full-bodied performance. Students experience butoh techniques through a series of movement exercises, choreography, and improvisational activities. This course explores butoh’s themes, history, and evolution, investigating how it differs from western contemporary dance by subverting dance norms and embracing refusal. Through embodiment, supporting course materials, creative writing practices, and artistic generation, students understand butoh’s physical and emotional components while strengthening creative expression and confidence in the body.

Meshi Chavez is a teacher, butoh dancer, and choreographer and was recently Artist in Residence at Middlebury College from the Fall of 2021 to the Spring of 2023. He received his MFA at the University of the Arts./

Terms Taught

Winter 2024, Winter 2025

Requirements

ART, PE, WTR

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