USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to a vibrant creative community. Students will explore university resources, engage with faculty, guest artists and staff, and establish goals for sustainability and growth.

Designed for the specific needs of the dancer in preparation for professional training, combining somatic work with the foundation of scientific principles.

The practice and aesthetics of international dance styles through lecture and participant-driven interaction.

Fundamental technique studies in a studio setting. Concentration on classical ballet, hip hop and its derivatives, partnering and contemporary techniques essential to the dancers' development. Placement audition required.

Study and guided practice of choreographic repertory. Emphasis in choreographic intention, stylistic approaches and performance technique.

An introduction to diverse approaches in improvisation and dancemaking, with special emphasis on how compositional concerns play out in space, time, and physical form.

Examine the intersection of dance with subjects such as nutrition, neuroatypicality, neurodegenerative disorders, disease, occupational and movement therapy, somatic techniques, cognitive conditioning and fitness.

Compositional methods and approaches to developing choreographic ideas; integration of improvisational techniques as a means to generate movement ideas and expand movement vocabulary, edit choreographic material, and evaluate and execute choreography and performance.

An embodied studio course introducing the foundational techniques, histories and contexts of a variety of dance forms and styles.

African Dance technique at the beginning/intermediate level: knowing, understanding, experiencing culture, emphasizing cultural traditions, community outreach and diversity; works through artistic process, practice, performance, and related activities, using dance, theatre and music work rooted in the African tradition and contemporary African aesthetics; focus on West and Central African traditional dance and music.

An introduction to methods developed from modern and post-modern dance techniques, including the study of the rebellious, individualistic, and democratic nature of dance in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Continued study in the fusion of modern, post-modern dance and classical ballet techniques encompassing the study of the democratic nature of dance and choreographic composition in the 20th and 21st centuries.

An introduction to Classical Ballet technique with beginning-level barre and center work, focusing on correct body alignment and musicality. Development of a basic knowledge of ballet history and terminology.

Continued study of Classical Ballet technique with intermediate-level barre and center work, focusing on developing greater clarity, coordination, musicality, and knowledge of ballet history and terminology.

Intermediate/advanced study of Classical Ballet technique with emphasis on clarity, precision, musicality, movement quality, and artistic expression. Introduction of beats, tours, advanced adagio and allegro combinations, and optional pointe work.

Advanced/pre-professional study of Classical Ballet, continuing and deepening emphasis on clarity, precision, musicality, movement quality, and artistic expression. Further development of beats, tours, advanced adagio and allegro combinations, and optional pointe work.

An introduction to Jazz Dance technique, focusing on African and Latin based diaspora dances with European influences, improvisation, and strength/stretching series.

Continued study of Jazz Dance technique at the intermediate level, focusing on African and Latin based diaspora dances with European influences, improvisation, center work, performance techniques, and strength/stretching series.

Advanced study of Jazz Dance technique, focusing on Broadway, commercial, and concert Jazz Dance, with a continued emphasis on improvisation, center work, and performance techniques.

Advanced practice in Jazz Dance technique, focusing on African and Latin-based diaspora dances with European influences, improvisation and strength/stretching series. Strong emphasis on commercial Jazz dance styles.

An introduction to elements of Hip Hop Dance, including technique, movement, musical rhythm, tempo, and phrasing, as well as the historical context required to develop the skills needed to practice and perform this popular dance form.

Continued study of Hip Hop Dance elements on an intermediate level, augmenting the historical context, technique, fluidity, and musicality required to execute the form with greater movement acuity.

An introduction to basic and intermediate Bollywood Dance, including technique, movement, musical rhythm, phrases, and choreography. Inspired by the high energy music from Indian films, Bollywood is a fusion form that combines traditional Indian folk and classical dances with Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, and Middle-eastern dance.

Introduction to International Standard, International Latin, and American Style ballroom dances. Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of ballroom dance, emphasizing partner connection, communication, and creativity, with the practical application of dance within a social setting.

Continued study in International Standard, International Latin, and American Style ballroom dances. Designed for advanced knowledge in ballroom styles, emphasizing rhythmic sequences, partnering techniques, complex patterns, and performance quality.

An introduction to basic Tap Dance technique, rhythms, syncopation, and musicality, developing into complex steps and elementary dances with progressive understanding of weight change, improvisation, and combinations of sound.

Continued study of Tap Dance technique, focusing on more complex rhythmic patterns and combinations and introducing advanced steps and combinations, all with continued emphasis on improvisation and musicality.

Continued investment in the creative community, with a focus on best practices for sharing work, soliciting feedback and establishing healthy relationships with fellow creators.

Intermediate technique studies in a studio setting. Concentration on classical ballet, hip hop and its derivatives, partnering and contemporary techniques essential to the dancers' development.

Examination of the role of dance in popular culture in a classroom setting. Studies of dance styles and their evolution in recreational and professional contexts through research, observation, and practice.

Continued studies and guided practice of choreographic repertory. Investigation of choreographic vocabulary, intention, stylistic approaches, and performance technique for group work.

An introduction to collaborative creation across disciplinary boundaries, working toward the integration of varied design elements into choreographic composition.

Gateway to the minor in dance. An interdisciplinary overview of dance relating to the aesthetic and art in various subjects. Applications of the elements of dance studies, art criticism, and viewing productions to explore topic such as architecture, photography, poetry, technology, cinematic arts, sports, medicine, and more.

Clarification of long-term goals, establishment of a unique artistic identity, and contextualization of creative work within broader social, political and cultural contexts.

Introduction to the history and practice of Urban Folk Dance including hip hop, freestyle, street dance and the relevant social dances of the 20th century.

Analyzes gender and sexuality in dance by investigating a broad, international framework of embodied performance including film, television, music videos and live performance.

Advanced technique studies in a studio setting. Concentration on classical ballet, hip hop and its derivatives, partnering and contemporary techniques essential to the dancers' development.

Exploration of the discursive foundations, political motivations, and aesthetic strategies of dance writers and artists whose works have enabled the category of "black dance."

Study and guided practice of new works and developing roles. Emphasis on the dancer as collaborator in the creative process.

Examining the role that vernacular dance and music play in the creation of Jazz Dance, taught in lecture format; practical studies in Jazz Dance, from recreational to professional settings.

Exploration of dance as an art form in its artistic, political, and socio-cultural climate. Studies of the continuum of dance within its historical context.

Explore a variety of compositional forms and methods to develop a personalized choreographic approach.

Intermediate and advanced solo and partnering techniques in classical, contemporary, and street dance. Some sections are open only to dance majors.

Mat exercises designed to promote healthy movement practices, develop strength, balance, flexibility and coordination.

The study of dance in movies, television, internet, mobile devices and new media. Examining dance on screen, influenced by storytelling, camera technology and editing.

Capstone course in the colloquium sequence. Students will articulate professional intentions and reflect on the impact they hope to make within the field.

Pre-professional technique studies in a studio setting with concentration on classical ballet, hip hop and its derivatives, and contemporary techniques essential to the dancers' development.

Study and guided practice of significant roles in new and existing choreography. Emphasis on refinement of partnering, solo and group performance technique.

Exploration of artistic entrepreneurial mechanisms to initiate innovative endeavors in the professional dance world which are relevant to today's culture, communities, customs and business landscape.

Seminar and studio course in preparation of the senior project to be presented in spring semester, in performance, choreography, scholarship or entrepreneurship.

Individual research and readings.

Practical experience linked with information and learned skills. Providing supervised field application of dance theories and practices within an employment context in dance.