This course will explore contemporary African dance and traditional dance forms from Benin. Students will learn the movement vocabulary and technical skills specific to each style, with an emphasis on body awareness, efficient movement mechanics, alignment, rhythmic understanding, and expressive phrasing. The course emphasizes anatomically sound technique, respecting each student's individual physical capacity.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the movement vocabulary and techniques of rotating topics in physical practices.
• Apply principles of body awareness and efficient movement mechanics to various dance styles.
• Demonstrate skills for understanding dynamics, phrasing, rhythm and musicality.
• Cultivate the ability to integrate improvisation and creative expression into rotating dance styles, utilizing movement as a tool for personal and artistic development.
• Understand and articulate the cultural, social, and historical contexts of rotating topics in physical practices.
• Engage in critical discussions and assignments (including readings, writing, and performance viewings) to deepen understanding of dance in cultural and social contexts, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to dance study.
• Implemented professional dance practice norms including appropriate modification tools and class etiquette.