Sample Schedule

Anatomy and Kinesiology - Full year course
Prerequisites - None
Fees - None
Anatomy and Kinesiology is the first class for all Dance majors and is devoted to the study of the structure and function of the locomotor system, essential for injury prevention. By putting the principles of the course into action, students acquire healthy movement habits applicable to any dance-related activity. This class teaches exercises that correct body alignment and optimize muscle usage in order to prevent injuries. Strength-building routines are combined with stretching exercises to improve movement efficiency, to increase range of motion, and to enhance career longevity. Students may be required to repeat this course at the discretion of the Dance chair.

Ballet I - IV - Full Year Course
Prerequisites - Placement by audition
Fees - None
Ballet is offered at all levels and is based on the classical syllabus. Students are placed in levels at the discretion of the faculty. Ballet stresses the simultaneous development of strength, limberness, neuromuscular coordination, spatial orientation, musicality and stylistic clarity. Ballet is required for all Dance majors each year of enrollment. Concurrent enrollment in one of the following is required: Anatomy and Kinesiology, Music Fundamentals for Dancers, Dance History. The curriculum takes the students from a basic understanding of the principles of ballet to the technical mastery needed for full artistic expression, through their development in barre work and progression on to centre floor practice. Students will receive instruction in pointe, pas de deux, variations, and dance fundamentals. Their advance in technical expertise and artistic expression allows them to develop an understanding of and feeling for complex movement, timing and line in their work.

Ballet Fundamentals is offered to raise the lowest level if needed.

Pointe Class (Credit included with Ballet technique classes)
Prerequisites - Placement by audition for female dancers; no prerequisite for male dancers.
Fees - None
Pointe Class provides a student with the technical understanding and muscular strength needed for efficient pointe work. The advanced section deals with more complex technical skills emphasizing the articulation, speed and endurance required in the classical ballet repertory. Pointe class is required for all male dancers each year of enrollment.

Men's Class - Full year course (Credit included with Ballet technique classes)
Prerequisites – Male dancers only
Fees - None
Men’s Class is designed to provide male students with the strength, stamina and specific technical training required for the classical male repertoire.

Pas de Deux (Credit included with Ballet technique classes)
Prerequisites - Placement by audition for female dancers; no prerequisite for male dancers.
Fees - None
In Pas de Deux students use their technical expertise and awareness of timing to become familiar with the sense of mutual trust and support essential to the art of partnering. Pas de Deux is required of all male dancers each year of enrollment.

Dance History - Full year course - Successful completion is an Arts Certificate requirement
Prerequisites - None
Fees – None
Dance History explores the history of dance from the ancient world to the present where students develop an appreciation of their heritage in this art form through readings, lectures, and viewing films and videotapes. Dance appreciation is intended to develop the students’ artistic taste, inform them of current trends in the professional dance world and to motivate them for their daily work in the studio by exposure to remarkable dancing and choreographic works. In addition to recorded performances, students also have opportunities to attend live performances by world famous dance companies. Dance History is required for all Dance majors each year of enrollment.

Jazz Dance I - IV - Full year course
Prerequisites – Placement by audition
Fees - None
Jazz Dance presents various jazz techniques and styles at all levels. Several sections are offered. Entry-level classes give students an introduction to the basics of jazz dance. Upper level classes provide dancers with the chance to explore and refine their craft. Emphasis is placed on technique and challenges. Jazz dance classes are open to all students with consent of instructor. Jazz Dance is required for all Dance majors each year of enrollment. Concurrent enrollment in one of the following is also required: Anatomy and Kinesiology, Music Fundamentals for Dancers, Dance History.

Modern Dance I - IV
Prerequisites – Placement by audition
Fees - None
Modern Dance focuses on developing technical abilities along with artistic versatility. By concentrating on the articulation of the spine, the technique classes explore the full range of possibilities for movement in the torso. The usage of different rhythmic structures in class and the emphasis on musical phrasing help create a musical dancer. Students will receive instruction in partnering, variations, and dance fundamentals. Modern Dance is required for all Dance majors each year of enrollment. Concurrent enrollment in one of the following is also required: Anatomy and Kinesiology, Music Fundamentals for Dancers, Dance History.

Dance Composition - Full year course
Prerequisites – Junior or senior standing
Fees - None
Dance Composition teaches students how to create and structure their own dance works. Students learn, by composing their own dances, that dance is a language with a specific vocabulary. Student choreographed pieces are presented as part of a spring showcase. Dance Composition is required of all junior and senior Dance majors.

Music Fundamentals for Dancers - Full year course
Prerequisites – Freshman or sophomore standing
Fees - None
Music Fundamentals for Dancers promotes a musicality of movement in dance through the knowledge of basic music fundamentals, broadens the student’s knowledge of the types of music available for dance, and teaches historical development of musical forms. Music Fundamentals is required of all freshman and sophomore Dance majors.

Senior Seminar – One semester course
Perequisites – None
Fees – None
Senior Seminar is required of all seniors at Idyllwild Arts. The class is divided into two parts: common sessions where all seniors participate under the direction of the college counselor and address such topics as college applications, essays and standardized testing; and breakout sessions which address department/discipline-specific needs such as audition preparation, audition travel, and portfolio development

Master Classes – All Dance majors participate in master classes throughout the year. Idyllwild's proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego provides easy access to the many performances that take place regularly in these cities. Workshop topics include ballet, modern, jazz, and ethnic styles of dance, acting for dancers, anatomy, basic nutrition, and career counseling.

Sample Schedule