Artistry in Motion

Culver's dance program provides quality dance instruction for the serious dancer and non-dancer. Through a varied curriculum including contemporary dance forms and ballet, students develop proper alignment and warm up techniques to improve the body's proficiency and longevity. Creativity is developed through study in composition and choreography. Daytime classes include the popular Dance for Athletes, and Dance Workshop levels. All classes provide exposure to the primary disciplines mentioned. 

Dancevision

Performing opportunities are available through Dancevision, the audition based ensemble. The group performs a variety of classical and contemporary choreography by their instructors, guest artists, and peers.

Dancevision Videos

• Ascent
• Finale (with the Gospel Choir)
• Ode to the Spoken Word
• Sweet Honeys in the River

 

Quicktime is required to view the Dancevision videos.

Dance Curriculum

Dance Workshop 1 (603)

2 terms, non-solid, 1/2 credit

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of dance. We emphasize the fundamentals of ballet and modern dance, and include other styles such as jazz, folk, and African dance. This is a technique class, and we concentrate on physical development and creative exploration of the body’s movement capabilities.

Dance Workshop II

2 terms, non-solid, 1/2 credit

Students with previous dance experience meet in this class for more in-depth study of the dance curriculum. We explore ballet and modern dance techniques more thoroughly, and styles such as jazz, folk and African dance, dance composition, improvisation, dance history, kinesiology as applied to dance, and an investigation of a variety of choreographic styles. We may incorporate pointe work into the ballet curriculum, depending on the students’ skill and developmental level. Students examine the theoretical origins of the techniques and the styles they study.

Body Studies (607)

1 term, non-solid, 1/4 credit

This one term course provides elements similar to the popular “Dance for Athletes” course. Students develop body awareness and proper alignment through somatic techniques that emphasize breathing and guided imagery. Stretching the body through dance exercises and movement combinations enhances coordination, balance, and muscle memory. This class may be taken more than once and is beneficial to all who want to maximize the potential of the body.

Dance for Athletes (621)

2 terms, non-solid, 1/2 credit

This course is a variation of Dance Workshop 620 and has been custom designed especially for young men and women involved in sport. Using basic modern and ballet movements, students experience total body awareness and alignment for the purpose of improving muscle control, balance, and flexibility. Proper stretching techniques and injury prevention are sports-specific highlights.

Dance History and Composition (634)

1 term, solid, 1/2 credit

Dance History and Composition provides a strong historical and theoretical foundation for serious dance students. The course examines general trends in dance, and the development of dance history as it relates to the culture and civilization of the times. It explores historical roots and aesthetic philosophies through the styles of various contemporary choreographers. Class time involves lecture and discussion, video presentations, and an emphasis on reflective involvement in dance and the creation of compositional movement studies. This course is a requirement for any student pursuing Honors in Dance.