Moving Mainstream Dance Trends in Popular Culture. ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

Explores the dynamic role of dance in shaping and reflecting societal trends. Examines American popular dance’s historical and cultural roots while considering how it circulates within neighborhoods, clubs, stages, music videos, films, television, and social media. Addresses overarching themes like cultural appropriation and commodification, globalization, perceptions of gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, authenticity, and aesthetic innovation, across diverse genres such as Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballroom, and Broadway dance. Focuses on building cultural competency skills related to dance participation. Engages students in critical readings, video analysis, oral and written discussion, and original research projects.