Introductory lecture and dance technique course focusing on the fundamentals of ballet technique and the historical development of ballet from the Renaissance to modern times. This ballet class will improve strength, flexibility, coordination, agility, endurance, and musicality while incorporating an appreciation for artistry. No dance experience required, only willingness to develop at your own pace. Open to both majors and non-majors.

Traditional ballet exercises will be modified to focus on repetition and body mechanics to improve athletic skills through dance. This ballet class will help students further develop strength, coordination, speed, agility, flexibility, fluidity, balance, efficiency of movement, and mental focus. Particular emphasis will be given to psychomotor skill development through challenges that require applying unfamiliar ballet vocabulary while moving to music. No dance experience required, only willingness to develop at your own pace in a fun, judgment-free environment.

This course actively explores storytelling techniques based on individual needs. An examination of story theatre and involvement styles leads to practical experience in individual performances. Participants will actively develop performance techniques that reflect a variety of styles and approaches for storytelling. We will examine the historical significance of storytelling in Eastern and Western civilizations and develop a perspective on its role in culture and religion. Applications for both educational and entertainment purposes will be explored through acting and vocal techniques, games, media, felt board, and puppetry. This course will include an examination of story theatre and involvement styles and the development of the ensemble for performance. The projects will include individual performances and group collaboration of selected stories appropriate for a wide range of audiences. The final project will reflect the participant's individual needs and utilize storytelling techniques developed in the course.

Foundations of solo musical theatre performance, with a special focus on Acting the Song. Students will review beginner acting techniques and transfer their work from the realm of the monologue into the realm of the musical theatre solo assessed through solo performances and written assignments.