Modern/Contemporary III (350-0-20)

Meeting Info

Wirtz Center Ballroom: Thurs, Fri 4:30PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

This course explores Afro-Diasporic dance concepts and movement practices, focusing on enhancing students' technical skills, performance abilities, and relationship to music. Emphasis will be placed on the deep connection between movement and sound across Afro-Diasporic traditions.
As a Level 3 class, particular focus will be given to developing students' artistry and performative practice. The goal is for students to cultivate versatility and feel confident engaging in both solo and ensemble artistic work. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in a range of creative settings.
The class draws from Traditional West African techniques and culture, Black American social dances (jazz, street/hip-hop, partner dances from the 1960s-1990s, and praise/lyrical dance from Black church practices), modern dance (inspired by pioneers like Pearl Primus, Katherine Dunham, and Judith Jamison), Caribbean social and traditional dances, and Afro-Brazilian orisha movement. Course instructor is Keyierra Collins who has choreographed for Danceworks (2022) and has worked and performed with Maggie Vannucci and Erin Kilmurray most recently in Kilmurray's "The Function." She is a Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artists Awardee (2025).