DANC 273 - Western Dance History and Aesthetics

This course will trace the historical revolution of Western theatrical dance from its origins in the courts of aristocratic Europe through present-day America and Europe. Along the way, a number of theoretical questions will receive special consideration: the definition of dance, the differences between social and theatrical dance, the varied ways in which movement conveys meaning, the relationship of dance to the other arts, and the manner in which genres of dance (“ballet,” “modern,” “post-modern”) are defined.