It is our desire that each student obtain intellectual, aesthetic and physical benefits from the classical ballet, contemporary modern, jazz, and West African training offered here at The University of Georgia. The UGA Department of Dance strives to create a healthy atmosphere of guided practice in the disciplines and principles of these techniques, with special attention given to proper alignment, movement qualities, musicality, breath and expression. Classical ballet training is offered at several levels and students will be assigned to the appropriate level to improve and advance their technique skills. The classical ballet training is based in the principles from three primary schools of classical ballet technique: Russian school of Agrippina Vaganova, the Danish school of Auguste Bournonville, and the Italian method of Enrico Cecchetti. Additionally, classes follow the standards of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Pointe classes with classical variations are also offered throughout the year and consist of preparatory barre, center combinations and classical variations. Pas de Deux classes are offered every spring semester. The instruction of these techniques is also based on the study of the science of kinesiology with specific regard to the demands that twentieth century ballet technique places upon the human anatomy. More advanced ballet technique classes embrace elements of Alexandre Munz’s S.A.F.E.™ method and other somatic practices to inform and improve ballet skills while strengthening the body to avoid injury. Contemporary Modern Dance training is offered at several levels and students are assigned a level according to the individual student's technical proficiency. Instruction includes the introduction to the qualitative and stylistic approaches which distinguish the major modern techniques including Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Hawkins techniques. During the course of study, movement sequences reflecting post-modern styles as well as traditional modern/contemporary repertoire are experienced. Movement progressions are grounded in sound kinesiology-based movement concepts. Movement theory and training methods reflect current theoretical and scientific research such as Rommett Floor-Barre Technique, Laban Movement Analysis Theory, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Body/Mind Centering, and Pilates are used to provide support and enhance dance training. These methods and approaches are widely used by professional dancers for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and as a means to address the vast range of movement demands required by the current modern dancer and/or teacher. Jazz Dance is a contemporary jazz style with elements of traditional American Jazz Dance combined with new contemporary forms of jazz movement. Emphasis is given to technical proficiency, rhythmic movement, performance quality, and stylistic definition. The course content is diverse to enable the student to become more fluent in a variety of jazz movement styles, rhythms, phrasing and dynamics. Dance combinations will explore various contemporary jazz styles, infused with rhythmic and syncopated musicality. Permission of Department (POD) Procedure For Dance Technique Classes Students wishing to enroll in a DANC technique class, including prospective majors and minors who have not yet completed a department audition, must participate in the placement audition held in August just prior to the first day of fall semester classes. Students who are placed at a level of II or higher will be given a POD access clearance to enroll in the class prior to the first day. Once cleared, the student is responsible for enrolling in the course(s) during drop/add. Foundation level courses do not require a clearance, however, some level II Foundation courses may require a pre-requisite override which will be provided as well. Please note, this placement audition is open only to those enrolled Fall semester. Your placement will be good for the academic year, but you will need to contact the department for a POD clearance for spring semester. Priority will be given to intended dance majors and minors. More information can be found under the Admission & Auditions tab.
