Dancing into the 21st Century: Modern and Contemporary Practices, Repertory, and Improvisation

This advanced studio course explores the interplay between foundational modern dance techniques such as Dunham, Graham, Humphrey/Limon, Horton, and Cunningham, alongside contemporary practices including Contact Improvisation, Gaga, Flying Low, and Umfundalai. Through intensive physical training with rotating faculty, students engage in a comparative, embodied approach to develop personal movement research. The course blends historical and contemporary perspectives, encouraging critical reflection on how dance engages with evolving ideas about the body, identity, and performance, offering a comprehensive view of contemporary dance.