Dance (DANC)
1110.
Dance Appreciation.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
This course introduces the student to the diverse elements that make up the world of dance, including a broad historic overview, roles of the dancer, choreographer and audience, and the evolution of the major genres. Students will learn the fundamentals of dance technique, dance history, and a variety of dance aesthetics. Course fee required.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.
{Fall, Spring}
1120.
African Dance I.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Introduces the student to the aesthetics of African dance technique and develops knowledge and appreciation of its fundamental movements, music, and culture. Students will gain perspectives of African culture through discussion of how music, rhythm, and dance are used in African societies. Course fee required.
1130.
Ballet I.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
This course is the beginning level of ballet technique. Students learn the basic fundamentals and performance skills of ballet technique, which may include flexibility, strength, body alignment, coordination, range of motion, vocabulary, and musicality.
Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring}
1140.
Flamenco I.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
This course introduces the student to the art of flamenco and its cultural features and significance. Students will learn the fundamentals of this art form and introductory techniques and skills, which may include handwork, footwork, postures, and specific dances. Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring}
1150.
Modern Dance I.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Modern dance techniques and styles. Students are introduced to proper warm-up techniques, body alignment, control and flexibility. Students work with various rhythms and combinations of movements. The course emphasizes dance technique and creative experience. The history, terminology and philosophy of modern dance are also discussed. Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring}
1160 [132].
Jazz I.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
This course is for students with a basic knowledge of dance technique. They work to attain muscle control and strength as well as increased flexibility. Further awareness of proper body alignment for injury prevention is emphasized. Jazz choreography, style and terminology are taught at a secondary level. Course fee required.
{Fall}
170.
Hip Hop I.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
An introduction to Hip Hop, its movement, style and culture. Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring}
201.
Crew Practicum.
(0)
Participation in University theatre and dance season through assignment on a production crew. To be completed in one semester.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
204.
Stretching, Strengthening and Conditioning for the Performing Arts.
(3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Specialized floor work training using principles of the Pilates Methodology and the basic movement concepts of Core Dynamics™. For preparing and maintaining a uniformly developed body for dance and movement. Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring, Summer}
210.
Modern Dance II.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Modern dance techniques and styles at the intermediate level. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
212.
Improvisation.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Introduction to improvisational skills in movement and the principles of choreography as applied to dance/theater composition. Investigation of structured improvisation within the fundamental elements of dance: energy, space, and time.
{Fall}
2130 [249].
Ballet II.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Intermediate level of ballet technique; Introduction of more advanced Ballet vocabulary at barre/center work; increase flexibility, strength, body alignment, and coordination for practice of steps/combinations with variations in timing and changes of facing. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Spring}
2160 [232].
Jazz II.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
This course is geared for intermediate/advanced dancers familiar with the basics of Jazz dance technique. Students are expected to enter the class with a skill set and understanding of beginning level technique (i.e. spotting while turning, pirouettes, chainé turns, pas de bourre, chassé, battement, and grand jeté). From this point, students will work to further their ability in Jazz technique, gain performance skills within the classroom setting, and explore different styles of Jazz choreography. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
240.
Music Essentials for Contemporary Dance.
(3)
Overview of fundamental elements of music and historically significant collaborations between choreographers and composers in contemporary dance.
242.
Music Essentials for Flamenco.
(3)
Overview of Flamenco music and history fundamentals, introduction to basic music notation. Primary focus on developing listening skills through a variety of Flamenco song forms. Basic rhythmic notation specifically applied to palmas and footwork patterns.
269.
Flamenco II.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Flamenco techniques and styles at the intermediate level. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
295.
Special Topics.
(3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Lecture courses and workshops on various topics in dance. Course fee required.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
310.
Modern Dance III.
(3, may be repeated seven times Δ)
Modern dance techniques and styles at the advanced level. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
311.
Choreography I.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Creating and exploring movement vocabulary and forms generating choreography; development of ideas and inspirations into short works; space and its importance; giving and receiving critical feedback; exposure to choreography supported by video and reading.
Prerequisite: 212.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Spring}
313.
Kinesiology for Dancers.
(3, no limit Δ)
Structural analysis of movement. This lecture class provides a basic understanding of the skeletal and neuromuscular systems of the human body in movement. Course fee required.
{Fall}
314.
Introduction to Dance Studies.
(3)
This course will introduce students to the multifaceted field of dance studies. By engaging media, workshops, and readings students will familiarize themselves with major dance styles, movements, and ongoing conversations across the field.
349.
Ballet III.
(3, may be repeated seven times Δ)
Advanced level Ballet. Improvement of physical and mental skills necessary for professional level Ballet technique, growth in physical stamina, coordination and phrasing, movement efficiency, faster and more accurate assimilation of new movement and spatial awareness. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
369.
Flamenco III.
(3, may be repeated eight times Δ [3, may be repeated seven times Δ])
Intermediate technique in flamenco with resident and visiting professors, offering a wide variety of exercises to hone abilities to learn choreography effectively while examining student strengths and weaknesses in exploration of the art form. Course fee required.
Prerequisite: 269.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
370.
Hip Hop II.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Intermediate to advanced study of Hip Hop, its movement, style and culture. Course fee required.
Prerequisite: 170.
379.
Flamenco Structure/Improvisation.
(3)
Study of various elements necessary in an improvisational setting in Flamenco. Using “tangos” and “Bulerias” as a format, students study the compass of each palo, then move to several traditional letras appropriate to these forms.
{Spring}
411 / 511.
Choreography II.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Further exploration in generating and organizing movement material for performance. Course fee required.
Prerequisite: 311.
{Fall}
416 / 516.
Dance Pedagogy.
(3)
Theories of teaching. Principles and techniques of curriculum development in elementary schools, secondary schools, higher education and in private schools. Course fee required.
{Spring, odd-numbered years}
431.
Writing About Dance.
(3)
Observation and written analysis of dance events with an emphasis on contemporary theories and performances. Course fee required.
{Spring, even numbered years}
462 / 562.
Dance History I.
(3)
A study of the history of dance from tribal culture to 19th-century Romantic ballet. Course fee required.
466 / 566.
Flamenco History.
(3)
Introduction to Flamenco history, investigation of the controversial history of the art form through study of Gypsy history, Spanish history, and major figures and events that shaped the evolution of Flamenco.
{Spring, odd-numbered years}
468.
Contemporary Dance History.
(3)
This course traces the lineage of contemporary dance, moving from the early 20th century into the present. Students will critically examine the soci-political environment through which influential artists, and artistic movements formed and transformed.
Prerequisite: 314.
469.
Flamenco IV.
(3, may be repeated eight times Δ)
Advanced technique in Flamenco with resident and visiting professors, offering a wide variety of exercises to hone abilities to learn choreography effectively while examining student strengths and weaknesses in personal exploration of the art form.
Prerequisite: 369.
479 / 579.
Flamenco Choreography.
(3)
Designed for advanced students with knowledge of Flamenco structure and improvisation, cante, palmas, and three levels of Flamenco technique, investigation of choreography in Flamenco movement and rhythms.
Prerequisite: 379.
{Fall}
487 / 587.
Contemporary Interdisciplinary Topics.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, MUS, THEA 487 / 587; FDMA *487)
Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Spring}
492.
Contemporary Dance Performance Ensemble.
(3, may be repeated eight times Δ)
Provides an educational training opportunity for dancers within a professional company model. Admitted by audition, students have the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform choreography by resident faculty and guest artists.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
495.
Special Studies in Dance.
(3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Offered upon demand}
496 / 596.
Student Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Independent project culminating in a formal, informal or video performance. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and program head.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
497 / 597.
Independent Study.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Independent project culminating in a formal paper. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and program head.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
499.
Departmental Honors.
(3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Students achieving an overall grade point of 3.50 will qualify for departmental honors, which requires a research or creative project with supporting written document.
Restriction: permission of department.
500.
Introduction to Graduate Study.
(3)
Research methods for performing arts including development of working bibliography, types of documentation, investigation of research materials in theatre and dance. Course fee required.
Required of all entering graduate students.
{Fall}
503.
Performance Theory.
(3)
(Also offered as THEA 503)
An introduction to the theories undergirding the dynamic fields of theatre and performance studies its methodologies, genealogies, and current trends. This seminar investigates performance as a site and method of study.
{Spring, even-numbered years}
506.
Critical Issues in the Performing Arts.
(3)
(Also offered as THEA 506)
Examination of major problems and questions arising from interaction between the performing arts and the political, economic and social conditions in which they live. Survey of major figures in contemporary performing arts.
509.
Graduate Internship.
(3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Individualized work with Department faculty or professional artists in Dance or Theatre. Internship to be conceived in advance and structured throughout by directed study. Culminates in critical paper.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
510.
Creative Investigations I.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
An in depth study of the nature of creative investigation and art-making in dance with the prospect of finding alternative ways of constructing dance movement and composing new works. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
511 / 411.
Choreography II.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Further exploration in generating and organizing movement material for performance. A major piece of 20–30 minutes in duration or several smaller works of equivalent total length will be required. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
512.
Graduate Seminar.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Topical seminars in the areas of choreography, history and criticism and dance education. Course fee required.
515.
Creative Investigations II.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Further in-depth study of the nature of creative investigation and art-making specifically as it pertains to dance composition. Works-in-progress begun during the previous semester will be brought to completion. Course fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
516 / 416.
Dance Pedagogy.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Theories and teaching. Principles and techniques of curriculum development in the elementary and secondary schools, higher education and in private studios. Course fee required.
{Spring, odd-numbered years}
531.
Dance Criticism.
(3)
Observation and written analysis of dance events with an emphasis on contemporary theories and performances. Course fee required.
{Spring, even-numbered years}
549.
Dance Technique for Graduate Students.
(1-4, no limit Δ)
Regularly-scheduled technique course. Students must enroll in the appropriate section by dance genre and level. Course fee required.
{Fall, Spring}
551-552.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
562 / 462.
Dance History I.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
A study of the history of dance from tribal culture to 19th-century Romantic ballet. Extensive readings culminating in a research paper will be required. Course fee required.
563 [563 / 463].
Dance History II.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
A survey of the origins of modern ballet and modern dance from the late 19th century to the beginning of Modernism. Extensive readings culminating in a formal research paper. Course fee required.
566 / 466.
Flamenco History.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Introduction to Flamenco history, investigation of the controversial history of the art form through study of Gypsy history, Spanish history and major figures and events that shaped the evolution of Flamenco. Course fee required.
579 / 479.
Flamenco Choreography.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Designed for advanced students with knowledge of Flamenco structure and improvisation, cante, palmas, and three levels of Flamenco technique, investigation of choreography in Flamenco movement and rhythms.
Prerequisite: 379.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
587 / 487.
Contemporary Interdisciplinary Topics.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, MUS, THEA 587 / 487; FDMA *487)
Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Course fee required.
596 / 496.
Student Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Independent project culminating in a formal, informal or video performance.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
597 / 497.
Independent Study.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Independent project culminating in a final paper. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and Dance Program Head.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
598.
Master's Essay in Theatre and Dance.
(3)
Offered for students who have been advanced to candidacy and who have elected Plan II.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
699.
Dissertation.
(3-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
