DAN 2420 African Dance II
Intermediate study of the cultural history, movement, and rhythmic vocabulary of West African dance. In this course students will learn complex dances from a number of different ethnic cultures in Guinea, Mali, and Senegal, West Africa. The historical, social, cultural, and/or religious contents of each dance will be presented. Focus will be given to mastery of the texture, effort, shape, and dynamics within the choreography.
Course Types
Expression
- Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a deeper exploration of ritual, musicality, polyrhythm, and polycentrism of West African dances; creating a richer and more vital relationship to music when dancing.
2. Gain a true perception of energy production and an understanding of how their bodies move through space.
3. Maintain the bodily alignment while exploring the qualitative aspects of movement sequences which is intrinsic to and necessary for the performance of intermediate level African dances.