PE 1150 - Ballroom Dancing

This is a beginning level class introducing students to Social Ballroom Dance. Participants can expect to have fun, learn some history of American Social Dance, learn about movement - how to move with your partner, how to move to the music, and enough 'moves' in five different dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba and Cha Cha) to get a taste of and a general feel for each dance. Please note: The Sunday section is for students enrolling with a partner and there is limited rotation of partners during class. Partners should enroll via Student Center at the same time to ensure that both partners get into the Sunday section. The Wednesday section is for students who either don't have a partner or don't mind rotating partners in the class. Changing partners generally results in improved mastery.

PE 1153 - Beginning Ballroom Dance Rhythm

Offered during the spring semester, this is a beginning level class that introduces students to four American Rhythm Style ballroom dances – Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo and Swing. This class will go further in depth than the Beginning Social Ballroom Dance class (PE1150). This class is appropriate for either beginners or students with some experience who wish to further develop their knowledge and skill in the dances covered. Participants will gain some mastery of each dance, develop partnering skills, technique, movement, styling and musicality. It is not necessary to sign up with a partner, however it is recommended to ensure balance between leads and follows. Participants will change partners throughout the class.      

PE 1155 - Introduction to Belly Dancing

Belly Dance, as it is called in the West, is an exciting art form expressing joy and happiness originating in the Middle East. Learning the correct posture and basic movements that are used in the many styles of this dance, we will combine movements and isolations of the body and put them together into several different dances including a drum solo. Dancing to the variety of Middle Eastern rhythms and melody is a fun, relaxing, stress free way to enjoy the day while developing flexibility, body awareness and overall body tone. Loose comfortable clothing is worn and the instructor provides hip scarves to use in class, if you have a coin belt please feel free to wear it in class.

PE 1160 - Latin Dance

This class introduces Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Son and Comparsa. Salsa derives from the Cuban rhythm of Son. As a music and dance form, it has acquired regional variations and absorbed influences from different parts of Latin America and other continents. Bachata and Merengue are quintessential dances of the Dominican Republic. Comparsa is a form of carnival line dance. Cha Cha Cha originates in Cuba, finds expression in Rock n' Roll and western pop music, and is traditionally danced "contratiempo." In this course, we learn the basics of all of these dances. Instruction emphasizes the development of foundations in musical timing, rhythm, body movement, lead-follow connection and space use. Class begins with a stretch and body movement warm-up. We then teach dance step sequences across the floor, in rotating lines, as freestyle and in partner format. The skills learned in each dance are interrelated - as you improve in one you develop a sensibility for the others. By the end of this course you will be able to take Latin dance to a higher level and learn other partnered dances. No partner is necessary to register. Couple sign-up is encouraged. Partners rotate. This class is gender-free: each student is free to learn the lead or follow role.

PE 1162 - Salsa

This class covers beginner through advanced beginner Salsa moves. Students learn step variations and turn patterns as seen in Latin social dance and nightclub settings. Class begins with a warm-up of Salsa step patterns, also known as "shines." We then move into combinations for couples and learn patterns with rotating partners. Latin body movement and rhythm is taught in the warm-up and partner sections. In partner work, emphasis is placed on: lead-follow connection; frame and tension; spatial awareness; nuance and flow. Salsa in Rueda de Casino format will be introduced later in the semester as an additional way to enjoy Salsa. In Rueda, dancers change partners within a circle and perform dynamic combinations to the arrangement of a caller. Rueda is also a teaching tool used to improve timing and release energy. Learning aids include a syllabus, music, smartphone application and video tutorial. No partner is necessary to register. Couple sign-up is encouraged. This class is gender-free: each student is free to choose the lead or follow role.

PE 1163 - Salsa and Latin Dance II: Salsa Bachata and Cha Cha Cha with Rueda de Casino

This course continues where PE 1160 Latin Dance and PE 1162 Salsa leave off. The focus is on three dances: Salsa, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha. Advanced beginner and intermediate step sequences and combinations are taught in lines, single couple format and in Rueda de Casino (or Rueda). Rueda is a circular form of social dancing performed by multiple couples via call and response. It was born in Cuba in the 1950s and has become popular throughout the world over the last half century. In this course, Rueda is a dance form and teaching method. Rueda enhances social dance learning in any format by emphasizing timing, energy flow and repetition. Students acquire skills in timing, body movement, lead-follow technique and space use. This class is gender-free: each student is free to learn the lead or follow role. Partner sign-up is not required, though encouraged. Partners rotate. Dance experience recommended.

PE 1167 - Introduction to Tango

Introduction to the fundamentals of Tango dancing and its origins. Focus is on movement on the dance floor and how to be connected to your partner. Other aspects include learning to differentiate between the genres of Tango music (Tango, Milonga, Candombe, and Vals).

PE 1170 - Introduction to Swing Dance

Swing dance is not only popular but one of the most accessible and versatile dances you can learn. You will learn both East Coast Swing (also called Jitterbug), danced to Big Band, Swing and Rock-n-Roll, and West Coast Swing, which is a contemporary dance for a wide range of music from Michael Jackson to hip hop, and pop to R&B. The class will focus on developing the underlying technique that creates the "good physics" of effortless dance, such as footwork, timing, alignment, partnering skills, & musicality. Participants change partners during class. No dance experience or partner necessary. Shoes: leather soles OR white-soled sneakers with the treads worn smooth OR dance in socks.

PE 1171 - Intermediate Swing Dance

Intermediate Swing focuses on the more advanced 8 count swing styles of Lindy Hop & Partnered Charleston as well as intermediate and advanced West Coast Swing. You will develop more advanced technique, musicality, improvisation and styling. Participants change partners during class. Fall semester we will spend extra time on Charleston & Lindy Hop. Spring semester we'll spend extra time on West Coast Swing.

PE 1180 - Dance Technique I

Entry-level class. Covers the fundamentals of elementary dance training. Movement sequences focusing on rhythm, placement, and vitality of performance through an anatomically sound dance technique.

PE 1183 - Dance Technique II/Modern

Introductory modern technique intended for students with some dance training. Material covered includes specific spinal and center work with attention to rhythm, design, and movement expression.

PE 1184 - Dance Technique III/Classical

Intermediate Western classical dance technique. Work is done on strengthening the body through a movement technique emphasizing presence and musicality based on harmonic muscular control.

PE 1185 - Dance Technique III/Modern

Intermediate modern technique focusing on rhythm, placement, and phrasing for students who are prepared to refine the skills of dancing. Students are challenged by complex phrases and musicality.