DAN 133 - West African Dance Technique I (2 Cr.)

An introduction to the history and vocabulary of West African dance, emphasizing the central role that dance plays in African cultures. This class will introduce students to movements from traditional concepts to neo-traditional West African dance forms and the diaspora. Students will learn to identify the aesthetic principles and develop physical and artistic skills such as explicit sound and movement connection, call and response, body isolation, articulation of the spine, dancing with a low center of gravity, grounded-ness, polyrhythm, polycentrism, the individuality of movement expression and “aesthetic of the cool.” Additionally, they will practice playing an instrument, singing, and learning the names of instruments and their functions in most West African cultures with an emphasis on community building and individual potential. Repeatable up to three times for credit. Fall. Program faculty.