THDA 215, Dance History: Reading the Dancing Body: This course focuses on dance in the United States from the early 20th century to today. The historical study of dance as an embodied art form supports an intersectional examination of how gender, race, ethnicity, and class experiences both reflect and shape individual and collective identities. We will read seminal texts in dance and cultural studies, analyze dance videos and live performances, and write short papers that critically consider an array of theatrical dance forms and traditions.
Frequency: Every other year.
Fulfills U.S. Identities and Differences and Writing WP requirements.
Course Objectives
In the course of the semester, students will:
- Gain a solid knowledge of major choreographers, companies, and stylistic trends/movements that have shaped American dance in the 20th-21st centuries;
- Develop a deep understanding of distinguishing characteristics in American ballet, modern, and jazz genres;
- Learn tools to critically understand dance works and place them in socio-historical context;
- Be able to identify and explain how external limitations, pressures, and the societal zeitgeist have affected the evolution of American dance throughout the last century.
Evaluation
- Journal: 15%
- Essays 1 and 2: 15%
- 2 essays of 1-2 pages each
- Participation: 25%
- “Moment in History” Presentation: 15%
- Final Paper: 30%