Physical Activity and Dance Classes

Aerobics

This course is designed to develop cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and flexibility through the use of various modes of exercise. Students develop an overall knowledge of cardio-respiratory fitness and learn to identify the major muscles of the human body. No previous experience with aerobics is required. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Advanced Dance Techniques I and II

This course is designed for students with at least five years of dance experience. The focus is on refinement of technical skills in modern dance and ballet and jazz at the advanced level, including complex movement capabilities, rhythmic structures, and spatial designs, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities that lead to performance. Progressively more sophisticated aspects of space, time, and energy are explored. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Ballet

This course is designed for students interested in ballet. Students learn coordination, musicality, and strength as well as ballet vocabulary and choreography. No experience necessary. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Couch to 5K

This course is designed for students who are ready to get in shape. The focus is on cardio strength as well as overall body toning. Students are expected to be able to run a 5K by the end of the trimester. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Dance Appreciation

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, improvisation and choreography. This is a broad overview of dance as an art form. Students learn how one technique evolved into the next. Students participate daily in technique classes incorporating ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. This course familiarizes the student with practices, philosophies, terminologies, styles of dance, and careers in dance. Lectures include films and recordings.

Fit For Life

This course is designed for those who are serious about getting in shape. The curriculum is modeled after the P90X workout system and focus is on overall toning and strengthening of the entire body. Every two weeks students participate in a different workout including resistance training kickboxing, pilates, abdominal exercises, cardio strengthening, and yoga. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Pilates/Yoga I

Students learn the fundamentals of the Pilates method of exercise, along with basic Yoga movements and poses. Both systems of movement emphasize the use of breath to support mindful movement that develops strength and flexibility. The Pilates mat work is especially effective in the development of core strength, while Yoga emphasizes flow, balance, and flexibility. No previous experience with Pilates or Yoga is required. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Pilates/Yoga II

Students will review the fundamentals of the Pilates method of exercise, along with basic Yoga movements and poses. We will also cover intermediate and advanced Pilates and Yoga. Both systems of movement emphasize the use of breath to support mindful movement that develops strength and flexibility. The Pilates mat work is especially effective in the development of core strength, while Yoga emphasizes flow, balance, and flexibility. No previous experience with Pilates or Yoga is required. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Social/Folk Dance

Students learn a selection of dances that are typically performed in social situations. Dances are drawn from a variety of forms such as ballroom, Latin, line dance, and international folk dance. Emphasis is on energetic dances that help develop coordination and rhythmic skills. Class work includes a full body warm up and contextual information about the dance forms. No previous experience with dance is required. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Studio to Stage

This course is designed for students who are interested in performing in our annual spring dance concert. The focus is on dance technique and choreography. No experience necessary. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.

Broadway Dance

This course introduces students to the history and dances of some of the most famous Broadway musicals. The focus is on musicals from the 1950's to the present day. Students participate each week in technique classes. Students learn the historical context of musicals and research a topic in musical theater. Students have the opportunity to choreograph their own Broadway dance. No previous dance experience is necessary. Students meet in class weekly for 90 minutes and are expected to participate in two additional weekly exercise sessions beyond the class meeting to comply with the Surgeon General's recommendation of three moderate exercise sessions weekly.