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Take a dance class for academic credit

The Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) will open for in-person physical education (PDP) and other academic courses ONLY starting September 2. Only students enrolled in specified PDP or academic classes scheduled in FitRec will be permitted entry for the days and times of their class.

PDP credit courses are a great way to schedule a workout to balance your course load, continue your dance training, or try something new. From swimming to group fitness to dance, BU offers something for everyone! Classes generally meet once or twice a week, for varying times. Most are held in BU’s new, state-of-the-art Fitness and Recreation Center.

View credit class syllabi

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PDP DA 100 Pilates-Based Conditioning

Fall ‘21

Students will explore the fundamental Pilates techniques. Through simple, targeted exercises, students will increase their flexibility, strength, and core stability yielding improved posture, increased endurance and lowered risk of injury. Beginners and those with previous Pilates experience will find a safe, supportive environment. Exercises can be adapted for all abilities. Come ready to focus, explore and discover!  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 10:10 am – 11:00 am Allen FRC L137
B1 MW 11:15 am – 12:05 pm Allen FRC L137
C1 TR 2:25 pm – 3:15 pm Allen FRC L137
D1 TR 3:30 pm – 4:20 pm Allen FRC L137
E1 MW 3:35 pm – 4:25 pm Allen FRC L137

PDP DA 101 Pilates-Based Conditioning

Fall ‘21

Students will explore the fundamental Pilates techniques. Through simple, targeted exercises, students will increase their flexibility, strength, and core stability yielding improved posture, increased endurance and lowered risk of injury. Beginners and those with previous Pilates experience will find a safe, supportive environment. Exercises can be adapted for all abilities. Come ready to focus, explore and discover!  [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 F 10:10 am – 11:00 am FRC L137
XA F 10:10 am – 11:00 am FRC L137

PDP DA 111 Ballroom, Beginning

Fall ‘21

An introduction to the American Style Ballroom & Rhythm form of partner dancing. For both students with little or no instruction and students who may have taken previous Ballroom & Rhythm classes. Two to three dances are introduced per semester on a rotating basis. American Smooth includes: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz. American Rhythm includes: Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, and Bolero. Students will gain confidence in leading and following a partner.  [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 T 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm Herman-Haase FRC L131
XA T 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm Herman-Haase FRC L131

PDP DA 112 Ballroom, Tango

Fall ‘21

An introduction to the American Style Tango. For both students with little or no instruction and students who may have taken previous Tango classes. Students will gain confidence in leading and following a partner.   [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 M 1:25 pm – 2:15 pm Paul FRC L131
XA M 1:25 pm – 2:15 pm Paul FRC L131

PDP DA 113 Ballroom, Swing

Fall ‘21

An introduction to the American Style East Coast Swing and elements of Lindy and Foxtrot. For both students with little or no instruction and students who may have taken previous Swing classes. Students will build confidence in their ability to dance, create and enjoy a wide range of Swing music. Students will gain confidence in leading and following a partner.   [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 T 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm Herman-Haase FRC L131

PDP DA 114 Salsa and Merengue Ballroom

Fall ‘21

An introduction to the Salsa and Merengue. For both students with little or no instruction and students who may have taken previous Swing classes. Students will gain confidence in leading and following a partner.   [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 M 12:20 pm – 1:10 pm Paul FRC L131

PDP DA 115 Ballroom, Latin

Fall ‘21

An introduction to the Latin Style of Ballroom dancing. Appropriate for students who have had little or no instruction in this style of dance. In- depth enough for students who may have taken previous Latin Style Ballroom classes for the purpose of building confidence and gaining additional dance experience with a partner. Typically two dances per semester are introduced on a rotating basis: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha, Rhumba and/or Argentine Tango. Enjoy learning the skills of both leader and follower.  [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 T 11:15 am – 12:05 pm Herman-Haase FRC L131

PDP DA 129 Ballet, Beginning

Fall ‘21

A class for first-time students of ballet or for students returning after several years without practice. Students begin with exercises at the ballet barre designed to teach basic ballet technique and to build strength, flexibility, control, and alignment. With each class, the barre technique is reinforced in the center through movement and traveling phrases. Accompanied by live music.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 12:20 pm – 1:50 pm Markham FRC L126
B1 M 10:10 am – 11:40 am Markham FRC L126
XB M 10:10 am – 11:40 am Markham FRC L126

PDP DA 130 Ballet, Advanced Beginning

Fall ‘21

For students who have some ballet training or who are returning to ballet. Students will learn combinations at the barre and in the center that focus on developing alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, control, coordination, and musicality. The class will focus on the athleticism of ballet along with development of fluidity by use of port de bras and a sense of musicality. Live music.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Marchenko FRC L126

PDP DA 138 Improvisation

Fall ‘21

Dancers and non-dancers alike are welcome. The skills developed in this class are applicable to any creative process as well as to everyday life. In this class we engage in exercises and improvisational structures to heighten our awareness, broaden our individual movement vocabulary and develop our skills in instant composition. The class also introduces basic partnering skills and often involves optional performance opportunities. This is a dynamic class that fosters both the ability to work in ensemble as well as strengthening the individual's personal aesthetics and movement style.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 R 11:00 am – 12:15 pm Jefferycasse FRC L126
XA R 11:00 am – 12:15 pm Jefferycasse FRC L126

PDP DA 140 Modern Dance, Beginning

Fall ‘21

This class is for those who've never taken a dance class before, those who have never studied modern before, or those returning to dance after a hiatus. The course is an overview of four modern dance techniques: Limon, Horton, Graham and Release. The basic concepts, theories, and vocabulary of each technique are explored to improve agility, physical awareness, coordination and expressiveness in a fun and supportive environment. Class includes energizing warm-up and choreography.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 12:20 pm – 1:10 pm Taylor-Pinne FRC L240

PDP DA 150 Cardio-Jazz Funk

Fall ‘21

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.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 10:10 am – 11:00 am Coleman FRC L240
B1 MW 11:05 am – 11:55 am Coleman FRC L240

PDP DA 151 Cardio-Jazz Funk

Fall ‘21

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.   [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 F 11:15 am – 12:05 pm Coleman FRC L131

PDP DA 160 Hip-Hop Dance

Fall ‘21

Prereq: PDP DA 150 or previous dance training. Students will engage in full bodied physical movement, while developing confidence and subtle intricacies for a variety of hip hop styles. Class includes a warm-up/work out, progressions across the floor, and choreography. This class will challenge dancers to fully express themselves.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 9:55 am – 10:45 am Coleman FRC L240
XA TR 9:55 am – 10:45 am Coleman FRC L240

PDP DA 161 Hip Hop Dance

Fall ‘21

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.   [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 F 12:20 pm – 1:10 pm Coleman FRC L131

PDP DA 162 Afro-Fusion

Fall ‘21

This course will build upon foundations of traditional and contemporary elements of African and Western dance styles including West African, Caribbean, hip hop, house and jazz dance. Students will engage in full bodied physical movement, while developing confidence and subtle intricacies for a variety of styles. Students will learn progressions across the floor and choreography that challenges them to fully express themselves. Some previous dance/movement training is helpful but not essential.  [ 0.5 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 F 1:25 pm – 2:15 pm Coleman FRC L131

PDP DA 170 Tap Dance, Beginning

Fall ‘21

This class provides a solid foundation in tap technique and musicality, along with elements of classic repertoire, tap history, and music theory. Students will develop strong, fundamental skills relevant to both jazz tap and musical theater tap styles, and ultimately be able to perform basic steps and patterns with clarity, timing, style, joy, and confidence. Tap shoes required.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 11:15 am – 12:15 pm Staff FRC 220

PDP DA 180 Jazz, beginning

Fall ‘21

A class for first time students of jazz or for students returning after several years without practice. Each semester, the pace of the class is determined by the level of the individuals in the class. Technique class in jazz dance emphasizing mastery of fundamental jazz principles, understanding proper alignment, development of lyrical jazz styles, and learning combinations to traditional jazz and contemporary music. Classes include a warm-up, skills moving across the floor, and work on basic contemporary-jazz choreography.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 11:00 am – 11:50 am Coleman FRC L240

PDP DA 229 Ballet, Low Intermediate

Fall ‘21

For those either returning to class after a hiatus, or for the student who has taken a Beginner Ballet class, either at BU or in another dance program or studio. The class requires a familiarity with basic ballet concepts such as the positions of the feet, port de bras, ballet terminology, and ballet steps. The class follows the traditional classical ballet class model, beginning with barre exercises designed to increase strength and flexibility, and progressing to center work, including, but not limited to, adagio, pirouettes and other turns, petit and grand allegro, and beats. Particular attention will be placed on aligning the body safely within each student's individual anatomical ability. Live music.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm McDowell FRC L126

PDP DA 230 Ballet, Intermediate

Fall ‘21

For students at the intermediate level who have studied ballet and have completed PDP DA 229 or the equivalent at a different program or studio. Barre and center work will focus on musicality, dynamic alignment, and expression. Classical ballet combinations will guide students to become more fluid and confident in the ballet technique while developing strength, endurance, flexibility, control, coordination, and breath. Live music.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm Marchenko FRC L126
XA TR 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm Marchenko FRC L126

PDP DA 240 Modern/Contemporary Dance, Low Intermediate

Fall ‘21

Section A1: meets with PDP DA 280, Jazz, Low Intermediate. This low intermediate, multi-genre class meets twice a week. Fast-paced technique class for both genres incorporating Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates with floor work and strength training designed specifically for dancers;. Prerequisites: PDP DA 140, 180, or the equivalent dance training. Section B1: meets with PDP DA 340, Modern/Contemporary, High Intermediate. This multi-level modern/contemporary class meets once a week. The course is an overview of concepts and vocabulary of modern and contemporary technique. Historical, anatomical, and compositional information is interspersed to enhance students' skills in self-expression, injury prevention and putting dance in a cultural context. Prerequisites: intermediate level dance training.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 11:00 am – 12:15 pm Pellecchia FLR 254
B1 T 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm McNulty FRC L240
XB T 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm McNulty FRC L240

PDP DA 270 Tap Dance, Intermediate

Fall ‘21

For students who have completed PDP DA 170 or the equivalent. This class builds on beginning material not just by learning more complicated steps, but by working with more challenging rhythms and musically sophisticated phrases, as well as improvisational skills. Students will develop strong feet and musical ears relevant to both jazz tap and musical theater tap styles, and ultimately be able to perform choreography and improvise with clarity, timing, style, joy, and confidence. Tap shoes required.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MW 11:15 am – 12:15 pm FRC 220
XA MW 11:15 am – 12:15 pm FRC 220

PDP DA 280 Jazz, Low Intermediate

Fall ‘21

Low Intermediate. This low intermediate, multi-genre class meets twice a week. Fast-paced technique class incorporating Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates. Focus is on deepening the understanding of the fundamental vocabulary and exploring concepts to master phrase work and choreography. The class includes units on different traditional and contemporary jazz styles, including Capoeira.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 11:00 am – 12:15 pm Pellecchia FLR 254

PDP DA 329 Ballet, High Intermediate

Fall ‘21

As our highest-level ballet class, students are expected to be fluid in the ballet vocabulary and to have extensive ballet background, either PDP 230 or the equivalent from other programs or studios. Students will continue to refine their classical ballet technique and performance skills with barre and center work focusing on musicality, dynamic alignment, and expression. Combinations within the classical form will develop strength, endurance, flexibility, control, coordination, spatial awareness and breath. Students who are advanced may, with permission, take the class en pointe. Live music.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 MWF 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Parsons FRC L126

PDP DA 330 Pointe, Intermediate Ballet

Fall ‘21

For intermediate and high intermediate level students. Introduction or reintroduction to basics of pointe work through Ballet barre and center work with variations taught in last half hour. Students can increase time on pointe based on ability. Meets with PDP DA 329, Ballet, High Intermediate.   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 F 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Parsons FRC L128

PDP DA 340 Modern/Contemporary Dance, High Intermediate

Fall ‘21

Section A1: meets with PDP DA 380, Jazz, High Intermediate. The focus of this high intermediate, multi-genre will be on learning different styles of contemporary choreography, developing the students' performance skills. Prereq: PDP DA 240 or previous experience. Section B1: meets with PDP DA 240, Modern/Contemporary, Low Intermediate. This multi-level modern/contemporary class for low and high intermediate students meets once a week. The course is an overview of concepts and vocabulary of modern and contemporary technique. Historical, anatomical, and compositional information is interspersed to enhance students' skills in self-expression, injury prevention and putting dance in a cultural context. Group and tailored individual corrections will be given to engage and encourage students' curiosity. Prerequisites: intermediate level dance training   [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm O'Byrne FRC L240
B1 T 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm McNulty FRC L240
XA TR 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm O'Byrne FRC L240
XB T 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm McNulty FRC L240

PDP DA 380 Jazz, High Intermediate

Fall ‘21

Meets with PDP DA 340, Modern/Contemporary, High Intermediate. This multi- genre class is for those with intermediate dance training be it in jazz, modern/contemporary, or ballet. The focus of this class is on learning different styles of choreography, developing the students' full range of artistry, exploring musicality, performance skills, and concepts of stage presence. Prereq: PDP DA 280 or previous experience  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 TR 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm O'Byrne FRC L240

PDP DA 400 Repertory and Performance

Fall ‘21

Prereq: Previous dance training and the instructor's consent. Students are part of the choreographic process as pieces are created or reworked under the supervision of the dance faculty. Weekly rehearsals and timed showings are required. Dances are performed in a Dance Theatre Group concert.  [ 1 cr. ]

Section Days Times Instructor Location
A1 R 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Taylor-Pinne FRC L240

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