Course Syllabus

DANC 1170 American Social Dance I (formerly DANC 1700)

Course Description

This course teaches beginning-level American Social Dance including Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing and Cha Cha. Emphasis is placed on correct rhythm, poise, footwork, dance position, leading and following, technique, and etiquette.

Justification

Students who wish to participate in Social Dance either in preparation for competitions, exhibition, or performance, or simply wish to develop new skills and meet people in a social ballroom dance setting may take social dance courses. They will learn skills to challenge them both physically and mentally, stretch them artistically, and expand their abilities to lead and follow in all styles of ballroom dance. This course primarily Bronze Level American Style Social Dance, American Smooth, and American Rhythm Technique. This class is most similar to DANC 1700 American Social Dance I at UVU.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to display proper technique including footwork, dance positions, and poise.
2. Students will demonstrate communication skills, poise and social etiquette through leading and following while learning and performing different dance steps.
3. Students will demonstrate increased strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination.
4. Students will be able to demonstrate proper leading and following technique as they develop their own combinations and sequences using figures taught in class.
5. Students will demonstrate a sense of musicality and knowledge of the character of each dance.

Course Content

Students will be introduced to the following dances and concepts: Foxtrot; Waltz; Swing; Cha Cha; Leading/Following; Posture; Step execution; Rhythm; Style; Performance.

Each American Social Dance I class will consist of warm-up and practice time, review of the steps or figures previously learned, introduction of new material, practice, and application of the new material, and individual practice and cool-down time.

Anatomy, physiology, vertical and horizontal motion and their influence on the overall aesthetics are discussed. Rhythm and musicality are also examined, as well as lead and follow techniques.

Though its origins are generally European and American (North and South depending on the style) Ballroom as a performing art including competitions, performance, social dance and creativity are taught and used worldwide today. It accepts all people regardless of race, culture, or population, preference orientation or other. And because it is so universally accepted today, this course too will not discriminate based on race, culture, population, orientation, or any other grounds. It is designed to develop the individual (physically, mentally, and artistically) and to cultivate a safe environment of learning and fun.