PE 185 Ballroom Dance
A demonstration-lab format will be used to give the students a thorough understanding and skill development in the various steps and combination and style of ballroom dancing rhythms. The course will introduce students to partner dances including the waltz, foxtrot, swing, and time permitting polka, rumba, samba and tango.
PE 185 Beginning Belly Dance
Belly dance with Saharita. Belly dance is an athletic art form that has derived its elements from several different cultures in both sacred and secular contexts, resulting in a rich variety of repertoire and expression. Known most of all for its sensuous movement, belly dance helps men and women alike develop a positive body image and a deeper understanding of their own sexual freedom. Through exercises involving strengthening, stretching, interaction and experimentation, this class focuses on isolated muscular control, awareness of body line expression of feeling and purpose, creativity, and stronger sense of self. With use of zills (finger symbols) and capes or veils, students sharpen their coordination and explore their connection to the world around them.
PE 185 Flamenco Dance
Flamenco Dance is a Spanish family tradition passed down through generations. Learn the subtlety and grace of the dance infused with body movements rhythm and soul. The dance teaches balance, flexibility, coordination, and serenity, physical, mental and spiritual strength. Songs are an integral part of the dancing as they tell the story with intense emotion.
PE 185 Latin Dance
An introduction to the “Sabor” of Latin Dance. This class will focus primarily on the club dances of Salsa, Cha Cha and Merenge. Designed to bring you success in your social dancing, we will emphasize a “club styling” used for smaller, crowded dance floors, danced to the popular Latin music of today. In addition to the one on one dancing, we will also include Cuban Casino Rueda. A group salsa, danced in a circle among friends, in which you exchange partners with a callers commands. Given time and class interest, we may also take a detour into the Ballroom realm of Latin dancing, to contrast both the differences and shared attributes of the dance forms. Additional dances may include Rumba, Samba, Bolero and Paso Doble?!
PE 185 Argentine Tango
An introduction to the beautiful, sensual dance of Argentine Tango. Known to be a dance of passion, grace and speed with intricately woven steps. Argentine Tango is a highly individualistic dance that is also a true social dance, based on the art of leading and following. The course will focus primarily on an open embrace, while introducing the “Salon style” or close embrace. Variations of music will include the fast paced, playful, Milonga and the elegant Waltz Crusada.
PE 185 Swing Dance
An introduction to the world of Swing dance. We will begin with the simplest form of swing, East Coast single time “Jitter-bug” swing, to develop fun and fast learning of basic pattern knowledge. From here, we will move on to the highly energetic dance of “Lindy Hop” swing. Our focus will be the “ Savoy ” style Lindy, originating in the 1930’s and influenced by such talented greats as Frankie Manning. A distinctly relaxed bounce accompanies this dance whose eight count patterns are often highlighted by kicks, swivels, hops, lifts and drops! Following Lindy, time permitting, we will move to the sexy and playful dance of West Coast swing. Sometimes referred to as “sophisticated swing,” it is often a more challenging dance to learn than its east coast swing relative, as it incorporates several dance components and rhythm variations, known as syncopations, allowing dancers a lot of freedom to express and be creative of the dance floor.
PE 185 Hip Hop Dance
Come enjoy dancing based upon new styles of expression. An open and free form dance that enjoys styles from both modern and funk backgrounds while being performed to an upbeat tempo. Truly a pleasant experience for those who enjoy the fast paced hip –hop beat.
