Classical Chinese Dance Courses
CCD101R Fundamentals of Classical Chinese Dance I (5 credits)
This studio course reviews and refines the fundamental elements and poses of classical Chinese dance through short movement combinations so that students are able to grasp the Fei Tian stylistic requirements for classical Chinese dance. The course also studies the subtlety of body language for actualizing the aesthetics of classical Chinese dance and introduces students to the Fei Tian requirements for shen yun (bearing). Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD101R twice for a total of 10 credits.
CCD102R Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dances I (1 credit)
This course primarily focuses on Tibetan ethnic dance and hua-gu-deng (flower drum lantern) folk dance from eastern China, with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis. Students examine how the local customs and cultures inform the unique stylistic features of the dance forms. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD102R twice for a total of 2 credits.
CCD103R Special Techniques in Chinese Dance I (1 credit)
This studio course reviews and reinforces the jiqiao (difficult techniques) and tanzigong (tumbling) used in classical Chinese dance. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD103R twice for a total of 2 credits.
CCD104 Performing and Acting (2 credits)
This course develops students' appreciation and understanding of the art of acting with the purpose of strengthening their acting skills and expressive power in dance performances. May culminate in performance.
CCD105 Music for Dancers I (2 credits)
This course aims to develop and strengthen the basic musical and rhythmic skills vital to a student’s dance studies. Students will participate in various activities intended to strengthen their sense of rhythm, train their aural and conceptual skills in listening to and appreciating music, and translate their musical literacy to practical dance applications.
CCD155, 255, 355 Dance Practicum I, II, III (3 credits each)
These courses are designed to give students the opportunity to gain professional performing experience. Auditions may be required. Students selected will participate in performances with professional performance companies such as Shen Yun Performing Arts.
CCD201R Fundamentals of Classical Chinese Dance II (5 credits)
Through the use of extended and increasingly difficult dance combinations, this studio course continues to condition students for classical Chinese dance. Emphasis is placed on the fluidity of transitions between poses and movement phrases. Studies in shen yun (bearing) focuses on refining motor skills of the hands and feet alongside use of breath and facial expression to maximize expressive power. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD201R twice for a total of 10 credits. Prerequisite: 10 credits of CCD101R or instructor consent.
CCD202R Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dances II (1 credit)
This course primarily focuses on Mongolian ethnic dance. Students examine the inseparable link between the traditional nomadic lifestyle of Mongolians and the fundamental elements of this dance form, including shoulder, arm, and wrist coordination as well as stylistic jumps that imitate riding on horseback. Dances may incorporate the use of props such as chopsticks, wine cups, and bowls, which symbolize the importance of hospitality to the Mongolian people. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD202R twice for a total of 2 credits. Prerequisite: 2 credits of CCD102R or instructor consent.
CCD203R Special Techniques in Chinese Dance II (1 credit)
A continuation of CCD103R, this studio course provides students an opportunity to further refine the quality of the jiqiao (difficult techniques) and tanzigong (tumbling) movements particular to classical Chinese dance. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD203R twice for a total of 2 credits. Prerequisite: 2 credits of CCD103R or instructor consent.
CCD205 Music for Dancers II (2 credits)
This course examines the connection between dance movements and music in the performance and choreography of Chinese dance, including how the shen yun (bearing) is affected. Students will study the music literature from various perspectives for the purpose of enhancing performance and choreographic techniques. Prerequisite: CCD105 or by instructor consent.
CCD221R Repertory & Rehearsal I (2 credits)
This course develops students' overall performance and rehearsal skills through studying, rehearsing, and participating in the dance production process with resident and guest artists. May culminate in performance. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD221R twice for a total of 4 credits.
CCD211 Mind, Body, and Dance (2 credits)
This course is a basic course for classical Chinese dance majors, based on the unique needs of classical Chinese dance training. It introduces both Eastern and Western concepts of the human body and explores the role of the mind in classical Chinese dance learning.
CCD301R Fundamentals of Classical Chinese Dance III (5 credits)
This course prepares students to apply the fundamentals from CCD101R and 201R for practical stage performance. Complex movement and compound dance combinations are used for intensive conditioning. Studies in shen yun (bearing) focus on character portrayal and students are introduced the use of props, such as shuixiu (water sleeves) and changchou (silk ribbons), to deepen understanding of shen yun. When possible, bazigong (theatrical techniques using traditional weapons) is also used to enrich the students' experience. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD301R twice for a total of 10 credits. Prerequisite: 10 credits of CCD201R or instructor consent.
CCD302R Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dances III (1 credit)
This course provides an in-depth study of hua-gu-deng (flower drum lantern), one of the oldest folk dance styles of the Han Chinese. Students learn how the dance form and its unique musical accompaniments are used for various celebratory purposes. Students also learn how China’s northern and southern subcultures have influenced the special characteristics of hua-gu-deng. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD302R twice for a total of 2 credits. Prerequisite: 2 credits of CCD204R or by instructor consent.
CCD311A Dance Pedagogy A (2 credits)
This course introduces the basic principles, approaches, and materials in the teaching of dance at different levels and in different settings, ranging from K–12 and private studio to higher education. Both English and Mandarin Chinese are used in the instruction. Prerequisite: Junior class standing.
CCD311B Dance Pedagogy B (3 credits)
Through seminar and praxis formats, this course helps students apply the knowledge and competencies acquired in CCD311A. Students will be guided in developing pedagogical approaches, making lesson plans, and teaching classical Chinese dance in multiple settings. Prerequisite: CCD311A or by instructor consent.
CCD312A Choreography A (2 credits)
This course introduces the basic elements of choreography and the different choreographic devices. Students will use the devices to compose their own works. Emphasis is on classical Chinese dance. Both English and Chinese are used in the instruction.
CCD312B Choreography B (2 credits)
This course explores dance making as a creative problem-solving endeavor and focuses on group dances and narrative dances in classical Chinese dance. Both English and Chinese are used in the instruction. Prerequisite: CCD312A or by instructor consent.
CCD313 Policies and Standards in Dance Education (1 credit)
A series of weekly discussion/seminar sessions, this course familiarizes students with the latest policies in the state of New York regarding education and physical education. There is an emphasis on the commonality between Chinese dance and physical education.
CCD321R Repertory & Rehearsal II (2 credits)
This is a continuation of CCD221R and further develops students' overall performance and rehearsal skills. May culminate in performance. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD321R twice for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: 4 credits of CCD221R or by instructor consent.
CCD341 History of Classical Chinese Dance (3 credits)
This is a survey of the development of classical Chinese dance. It examines the origins of the dance tradition and major milestones while reflecting on the philosophical and aesthetic underpinnings of the different dance forms.
CCD352 Independent Study in Dance (1–4 credits)
This independent study course allows students an opportunity to investigate a topic outside the current dance curriculum. All independent study courses must be approved in advance and be closely supervised by a faculty member. An independent study proposal must include a course outline developed through consultation between the student and faculty supervisor; it will serve as the official course description. The course may take the form of faculty-supervised research, study, or a project. This course may be repeated for credit.
CCD361 Internship (1–3 credits)
The purpose of an internship is to let students gain valuable work experience in a professional environment by applying what they have learned. One credit is typically 3–4 hours per week. Application for internship must be completed prior to start of term student intends to take internship. This course may be repeated for additional credit.
CCD401R Fundamentals of Classical Chinese Dance IV (5 credits)
This course consolidates the training covered in the previous three years. Emphasis is placed on the expressivity and refinement of movements and shen yun (bearing). Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD401R twice for a total of 10 credits. Prerequisite: 10 credits of CCD301R or by instructor consent.
CCD402R Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dances IV (1 credit)
This course primarily focuses on the dance of the ethnic Korean people of northeastern China. Students learn the unique musical rhythms, breath control, and rounded movements central to this dance genre. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD404R twice for a total of 3 credits. Prerequisite: 3 credits of CCD304R or instructor consent.
CCD411 Educational Psychology in Context (2 credits)
This course introduces the basic concepts and appropriate rubrics for assessing student learning outcomes in dance instruction. It examines mapping curriculum to student learning outcomes. Prerequisite: junior class standing or instructor consent.
CCD412A Advanced Choreography (2 credits)
This course focuses on choreographing in the styles of the different ethnic dance traditions in China. There will be in-depth study of the cultural characteristics of the ethnic dances. Both English and Chinese will be used in the instruction. Prerequisite: CCD312B or by instructor consent.
CCD412B Independent Study in Choreography (2 credits)
This course offers individual students the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge and experience in choreography and to create works under the close supervision of a dance faculty member. Prerequisite: CCD412A or by instructor consent.
CCD421R Repertory and Rehearsal III (2 credits)
This course enhances students' performance and rehearsal skills through the study of repertory and participation in choreographic collaborations with accomplished choreographers. May culminate in performance. Prerequisite: 4 credits of CCD321R or by instructor consent. Students majoring in Classical Chinese Dance are expected to complete CCD421R twice for a total of 4 credits.
CCD431 Stagecraft and Dance Production (2 credits)
This course introduces the basic elements and principles of theater production. Topics include set, costume, lighting, and sound design.
CCD452 Senior Project (4 credits)
This course offers students an opportunity to develop their creative skills through choreographing and producing a small-scale dance performance of considerable complexity. The course is open to a limited number of students.
CCD453 Research Paper (4 credits)
This course offers the opportunity to write a research paper on a dance-related topic. The topic is selected by the student with advice and approval from the instructor.
CCD455 Advanced Dance Practicum IV (4 credits)
This course is open to seniors wishing to tour or spend a season with a professional performance company, such as Shen Yun Performing Arts, to gain hands-on artistic and/or managerial experience. Enrollment is audition-based and is contingent upon the availability of relevant roles. Prerequisite: Instructor consent; 3 credits from each of CCD155, 255, and 355 is preferred.