Syllabus
MODERN DANCE II
TERM: SPRING – 2026
January 12 – April 27
University of Miami
Frost School of Music – Dance Program
DAN 211- R (5766) / Modern Dance II – 3 Units
Meeting time: Tuesday & Thursday 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Location: Wellness Center – Studio: Multi B
Lecturer: Jorge L. Morejón PhD
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM / by appointment j.morejon@umiami.edu
UM’s Academic Calendar:
https://registrar.miami.edu/_assets/pdf/spring-2026-commencement-6-24-2026mc.pdf
Bulletin Description: This course will introduce students to the fundamental components of Modern Dance. The course will expose students to the movement principles of Modern Dance pioneers such as Ruth Saint Dennis, Ted Shawn and Isadora Duncan. The course will reference different Modern Dance techniques such as Graham, Horton, Limon and Cunningham using movement in an experiential and creative way.
Prerequisites: There is no prerequisite and the course welcomes students who have no previous experience in dance as well as those who do.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Outline and discuss the history and development of Modern Dance.
- Embody the qualities of innovative movement to increase their range of dance abilities and creativity.
- Demonstrate growth in the development of their own technical skills by creating movement phrases in class.
- Demonstrate development of their own sense of style and aesthetics in dance performance or performance in general by arranging a solo performance.
- Demonstrate a sense of commitment and belonging to the group by engaging in group work that will lead to a collaborative piece.
In addition, throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to improve their presentation skills, written communication, dance literacy, creativity, career development, and critical thinking.
Instructional Methodology: dance/movement experiential in class, self-reflection journal, final paper on embodied experience referencing book readings, creative project on application of learning (solo and ensemble piece).
Required text:
Beginning Modern Dance by Miriam Giguere published by Human Kinetics
Examinations: daily movement experiential, daily journaling, reading assignments, one summary paper, creative project (solo and ensemble piece) and a short presentation on the solo and ensemble piece.
Grading Policy:
Assessment: Coursework: 100%
Attendance 30% (1pt per session)
Participation 20% (.6 pt per session)
Journal 10%
Midterm Vocabulary Quiz 5 %
Solo Dance Piece 15%
Group Dance Piece 15%
Final / Reflection Paper 5 %
Class Schedule
TERM: SPRING – 2026
Jan 12 – Apr 27
This schedule may be revised depending on the progress needs of the class. Any changes in the syllabus will be announced in class.
|
Date |
Topic |
|
|
Week 1 |
|
Tues 1/13
|
Introductions Introduction to Modern Dance Laban’s Choreutics |
|
Thurs 1/15
|
Warm Up /Levels and Directions Laban’s Choreutics |
|
|
Week 2 |
|
Tues 1/20 |
Warm Up Laban’s Harmonic Three-Dimensional Scales
|
|
Thurs 1/22 |
Warm Up Laban’s Patterns of Body Connection |
|
|
Week 3 |
|
Tues 1/27 |
REVIEW Warm Up Wigman’s Expressionism |
|
Thurs 1/29 |
Warm Up Other Components of Expressionism: Kurt Jooss’ Ceremony Concept |
|
|
Week 4 |
|
Tues 2/3 |
Space and Relationship: Cube: 4 Components & 8 Efforts
|
|
Thurs 2/5 |
Warm Up Mary Wigman’s Expressionism |
|
|
Week 5 |
|
Tues 2/10 |
Warm Up Dance Expressionism: Wigman’s Technique |
|
Thurs 2/12 |
Warm Up Other Exponents of Expressionism: Kurt Jooss' Ceremony |
|
|
Week 6 |
|
Tues 2/17 |
Warm Up Introduction to Isadora Duncan: Elgin Marbles Review |
|
Thurs 2/19 |
Quiz |
|
|
Week 7 Progress Reports Begin |
|
Tues 2/24 |
Warm Up Duncan’s Arms Flow and Movement Ideas |
|
Thurs 2/26
|
Warm up Duncan Solo Work: Revolutionary Study & Mother |
|
|
Week 8 |
|
Tues 3/3 |
Warm Up Duncan Master Class |
|
Thurs 3/5
|
Warm Up Duncan’s Ecstasy in Dance Final Ritual |
|
|
Week 9 Spring Recess (8-16) |
|
Tues 3/10 |
SPRING RECESS |
|
Thurs 3/12
|
SPRING RECESS |
|
|
Week 10 |
|
Tues 3/17 |
Ruth Saint Denis: Introduction |
|
Thurs 3/19 |
Warm Up Ruth St. Denis: Music Visualization & Synchronic Orchestra |
|
|
Week 11 |
|
Tues 3/24
|
Warm Up Ruth St. Denis: Other Influences |
|
Thurs 3/26
|
Warm Up Ruth St. Denis & Ted Shawn: Foundations
|
|
|
Week 12 |
|
Tues 3/31
|
Ted Shawn: Fundamentals of Dance
|
|
Thurs 4/2
|
Warm Up The Rehearsal Journal The Music |
|
|
Week 13 |
|
Tues 4/7
|
The Story (Synopsis) and the Title |
|
Thurs 4/9 |
Rehearsal (Solos & Ensembles) / Program Rough Draft
|
|
|
Week 14 |
|
Tues 4/14 |
Rehearsal How to Remember Choreography |
|
Thurs 4/16 |
Rehearsal 10 Tips to Make the Most of your Dance Rehearsal
|
|
|
WEEK 15 |
|
Tues 4/21 |
Dress Rehearsal Solos and Ensembles |
|
Thurs 4/23 |
Final: Solos and Ensembles Closing Circle Final Reflective Essay |
|
|
WEEK 16 |
|
Mon 4/27 |
No Class on Tuesday CLASSES END |
ATENTION
In the event that the University of Miami’s campus closes unexpectedly for an extended period of time due to a hurricane, pandemic, or other emergency situation that prevents this course from meeting in person, students should be prepared to continue their learning remotely through Blackboard and other platforms. Students are expected to check their UM email account and course Blackboard sites regularly for communications with me and the rest of the class, and to the extent feasible, continue participating in their courses from their off-campus location by the alternate means determined by me in coordination and agreement with you
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