Dance
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PDP DA 100: Pilates-Based Conditioning
Students explore fundamental matwork evolved from the teaching of Joseph H. Pilates, the seminal conditioning pioneer. Individuals are taught to balance flexibility with strength within the context of proper body alignment. The concepts of centering and stabilization with a strong and mobile abdominal "core" develop finely-tuned athletes and dancers and benefit all who seek an intelligent approach to movement. -
PDP DA 111: Ballroom, Beginning
Introduction to a selection of smooth dances (fox-trot, waltz, tango, and Viennese), and rhythm/Latin dances (cha-cha, rumba, mambo, bolero, samba, disco hustle, east coast swing, and west coast swing). Note: Time constraints reduce the selection to only three or four dances per semester. -
PDP DA 112: Ballroom, Tango
Focus is on the tango, a smooth dance with Latin roots, popularized in the 1920s and enjoying a resurgence. Beginning and intermediate dancers learn the traditional steps and some of the Argentine variations. -
PDP DA 113: Ballroom, Swing
Course material includes a variety of tempi and different rhythm variations, such as the triple, lindy, and jitterbug. -
PDP DA 114: Salsa and Merengue Ballroom
Students learn the spiciest of the Latin dances. Includes an introduction to other Latin dances. -
PDP DA 115: International Ballroom, Standard
This ballroom class focuses on the International Standard style dances including the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. Men are encouraged to register for the class. -
PDP DA 116: International Ballroom, Latin
This ballroom class focuses on the International Latin style dances including Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Men are encouraged to register for the class. -
PDP DA 129: Ballet, Beginning
Program of classical ballet for the beginner, including alignment of the body, positions of the feet, elementary port de bras and locomotive movements, basic ballet turns, and jumps. -
PDP DA 130: Ballet, Advanced Beginning
Program of classical ballet with some experience. -
PDP DA 138: Improvisation
An introductory class designed to heighten spontaneity and creativity. Class begins with an energetic movement warm-up,then explores a variety of improvisational games, structures, and compositional studies. Class includes partnering. Dancers and non-dancers welcome. -
PDP DA 139: 20th Century Dance History
An introduction to the people, events and masterworks that shaped the development of dance in the twentieth century. Course includes lectures, viewing videos and films, select readings and discussions. Course does not presuppose a technical knowledge of dance. -
PDP DA 140: Modern Dance, Beginning
Focus is on the fundamentals of the major modern dance techniques (Limon, Graham, Horton, Release)to improve agility, physical awareness, coordination and expressiveness in a fun and supportive environment. Class includes energizing warm-up and choreography. -
PDP DA 150: Cardio-Jazz Funk
A funky combination of low-impact aerobics, hip-hop, and jazz dance. Designed to improve muscle tone and cardiovascular strength while learning the fundamentals of jazz dance and the latest dance club moves. No prior dance experience is necessary. -
PDP DA 160: Hip-Hop Dance
Prereq: PDP DA 150 or previous dance/aerobic dance training. Learn hip-hop and street funk dance choreography and get a fitness workout in this fun and challenging class. -
PDP DA 170: Tap Dance, Beginning
Students will learn the basic steps while focusing on rhythm and coordination. A variety of tap styles will be introduced in increasingly dynamic and challenging combinations as students become more proficient. Tap shoes required. -
PDP DA 179: Afro-Jazz
An invigorating workout that incorporates West African and Caribbean dance with contemporary jazz technique. Each class begins with a core-strengthening warm-up and continues with fun and fluid combinations. All levels welcome. -
PDP DA 180: Jazz Funk, beginning
Technique class in jazz dance emphasizing mastery of fundamental jazz principles, development of lyrical jazz styles, and learning combinations to traditional and contemporary jazz music. -
PDP DA 203: Aesthetics of Dance
A survey of current theatrical and dance experience and practice within the Boston arts community, including the work of the Huntington Theatre Company, the American Repertory Theatre, Crash Arts, Celebrity Series, and various other venues. Lectures by faculty and visiting artists introduce each performance/exhibition experience and lead to thoughtful critical response. Course not only includes class time, but also attendance at five weekend performances. The semester cost for tickets is approximately $100. -
PDP DA 214: Salsa and Merengue, Continuing
Prereq: PDP DA 114. For students who wish to continue studying salsa and merengue. -
PDP DA 229: Ballet, Low Intermediate
Program of classical ballet for students who have completed beginning level ballet courses.
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