Dance

This course defines and interrogates African Dance histories and their transitions in the 21st century. The problematic term ‘African Dance’ is engaged both theoretically and practically to explore questions of appropriation and appreciation of African indigenous dances. The course offers an understanding of African Contemporary Dance in South Africa and the sociocultural factors that have shaped it. It considers the local and global influences of Modernity on Traditional dances in South Africa.

This course presents traditional Irish step dances, introducing students to both their technique and a study of their history. Students receive instruction in small groups in Irish step dancing. There is a practical exam at the end of the term. Students in this option undertake only one term of STEP DANCING 2.

This course examines the principles and fundamental theories of Thai dance. It also provides an introduction to the basic elements of Thai music, stylistic characters, and brief overview of the history of Thai music. Practical experience complements lectures to provide a better understanding of Thai dance and music culture and an appreciation of Thai cultural identities. The course culminates in a group public performance.

This course offers an introduction to various social dances of the African diaspora. It includes some performance observation and analysis with the primary focus being movement exercises in social dance techniques used in the improvisation and choreography of genres such as hip hop, house, salsa, rumba, bruk up, dancehall, jazz, voguing, and more.