Course Syllabus

DANC 1410 Tai Chi I

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basic movements of Tai Chi in order to better understand how the integration of body, mind, and spirit benefits the practitioner. Tai Chi is a valuable cross training exercise for students of all abilities, as it facilitates deep stretches, relaxed strength, whole body coordination, balance, centered alignment, weight shifting, and moving with fluid grace. It improves the coordination and integration of left and right and upper and lower halves of the body; and the extremities of the body, with the inside core. On a more subtle level, Tai Chi unifies body and mind. Movements are paired with conscious breathing. Multiple cognitive and emotional components – including focused attention, visualization, and intention lead to greater self-awareness and a sense of peace. Repeatable for credit. This class is cross listed as PE 1410.

Justification

Snow College’s Dance Department has long been committed to offering cutting edge practices that prepare dancers for the very competitive, integrative culture that is now necessary for those wanting to transfer to a higher level dance department within Utah or in other states. Tai Chi is one of the increasing trends for Dance Departments. For example, the University of Rochester currently provides 2 classes in Tai Chi and one in Qi Gong. UC Berkeley has several Tai Chi programs as well. However, Tai Chi does not only serve the needs of our dancers. Along with the yoga and pilates courses that are already offered by the Dance Department, Tai Chi allows all Snow College students, regardless of their age or movement ability to improve their balance, coordination and flow while deepening their understanding of the mind/body connection.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. After taking this class, students will be able to identify and perform basic Tai Chi Forms & techniques.
2. Students will gain a greater knowledge of self, body, motion, balance, & proprioception.
3. Students will refine their critical thinking skills through attendance and evaluation review of a live dance concert.
4. Students will gain a greater appreciation of Tai Chi as an art form of human expression through a final performance in front of a live audience.

Course Content

This course combines the movement and meditative breathing exercises of traditional Tai Chi forms as well as discussions of Chinese philosophy to determine how the practice of this transformative art can lead to mental and physical balance, body-mind integration, self-discovery, creative expression, and enhanced artistic performance.Students will learn several forms, culminating in an informal performance that will be shared with other dance technique classes offered at Snow. The students will also improve their critical observation skills by attending and reviewing the Snow College Dance Concert. Tai Chi has been adapted globally by many cultures as a wellness discipline. This foundation in basic Tai Chi practices will benefit students at any level of conditioning and skill. Students of all backgrounds and cultures will be welcomed into an environment of cultivated belonging.