Dancing Technique Classes
Dance at Illinois offers a global spectrum of dance aesthetics and dance forms such as African- Caribbean, Ballet, Capoeira, Contemporary, Hip-hop, House, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theater Dance, Tap, Umfundalai and Vogue in light-filled studios. These courses can be found under the Danc 116/216 umbrella. The department also offers Pilates, Yoga, Feldenkrais and Tai Chi. These in-demand electives have no waiting lists. Check the course catalog and registration system through the first day of class to see if a spot is available.
Dance Making Courses
(2 credit hours) Introduction to basic choreographic elements. Course work will include dancing, dance making, viewing dance, in-class discussions and short writing assignments. This course satisfies the General Education criteria for Humanities – Lit and Arts and Cultural Studies – Western.
Theory and Practice Courses
(3 credit hours) Overview of major works, figures, and trends responsible for shaping dance as an evolving contemporary art form. The course has lecture, viewing, discussion and experiential (studio participation) components. Online and/or live. This course satisfies the General Education criteria for Humanities – Lit and Arts and Cultural Studies – Western.
(2 credit hours) An umbrella course for non-majors to explore all beginning dancing technique courses offered in the Department. Courses are offered from a range of cultural origins and traditions, which may include techniques such as Ballet, Capoeira, Contemporary Modern, Hip Hop, House, Improvisation, Jazz, Tap, Umfundalai, West African, etc. Specific dance forms for each semester will be listed in the class schedule. These introductory courses provide students with the physical study of various dance techniques, and an introduction to the cultural contest of their creation and practice.
(2 credit hours) An umbrella course for non-dance majors to explore all intermediate dancing technique courses offered in the department. Courses are offered from a range of cultural origins and traditions, which may include techniques such as Ballet, Capoeira, Contemporary Modern, Hip Hop, House, Improvisation, Jazz, Tap, Umfundalai, West African, etc. Specific dance forms for each semester will be listed in the class schedule. These courses provide students with prior study in the techniques, a physical experience of various dance techniques and an intermediate study of the cultural context of their creation and practice
(3 credit hours) Online only. In-depth study of musical form, history, culture, and styles, taught from a physical learning, i.e., dance, perspective. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for Humanities – Lit & Arts.
(3 credit hours) Introduces students to black dance aesthetics and its interconnectedness with American popular culture. Offered online and/or live. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for Humanities – Hist & Phil and Cultural Studies – US Minority.
(2 credit hours) Introduces basic yoga asanas (postures) and overview of the 8-limb system of yoga. Focus will be on physical understanding, correct alignment and inner awareness in the major basic poses. Weekly home practice, ongoing journal, and a research paper about an area of yoga philosophy are required.
(3 credit hours) Explore contemporary artists and artistic movements from the fields of dance, theatre, and performance art that address issues of gender and sexuality. Students analyze artistic work and scholarship from multiple fields including performance studies, gender and sexuality studies, theatre history, dance studies, and art history. This course is online and asynchronous, though attendance to one live, in-person, performance is mandatory.