DAN 240 - World Dance Cultures

This course investigates and compares several dance traditions from around the world. From bharata natyam to flamenco, capoeira to b-boying, students learn the many roles dance can play in society including religious devotion, healing, political resistance, community bonding and “high art.” Students discover how cultural beliefs about gender, politics, economics, family and the arts are embedded in dance practices. The way dance practices along the African diaspora and other historic migration routes display the cross-cultural transmission of ideas is also explored. Students begin to understand how movement creates and communicates cultural meanings. Each class contains both analysis and movement practice. No dance experience is required. Satisfies the World Cultures General Education requirement.

(Cr: 3)