Somatics is a spectrum of movement experiences and techniques focused on exploring the lived body from the inside-out in a nonjudgmental, noncompetitive environment.

Students will study the structure and function of the body from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on relationships between cognition, the nervous system, movement and expression. Through a brief history of Somatics as a field informing Dance, students will deepen their understanding of common principles shared by all forms of somatic movement education. These concepts include (but are not limited to) sensation-focused learning, specificity of initiation, spatial intention, kinetic chains of action, dynamic alignment, and a focus on qualitative differences and subtle refinements.

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.