MCCCD Program Description

Dance Kinesiology

Course: DAN170

First Term: 2024 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: In-depth study of how the human body functions during dance movement both theoretically and practically. Attention given to correct body alignment and use while dancing, exploring each part of the body individually and analyzing the body as a whole.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Use correct anatomical terminology when discussing movements, positions and parts of the body. (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 2. Identify the bones, muscles, joints, and other anatomical structures of the body, both in two dimensions and on self and others. (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 3. Demonstrate the movements possible throughout the body. (I, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 4. Discuss the mechanics of the movements throughout the body. (I, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 5. Analyze dance movements with regards to anatomical and kinesiological information. (I, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 6. Evaluate the movement and alignment of self and others. (I, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 7. Analyze the structures, functions, and interdependency of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (II, III, IV) 8. Discuss the body`s relationship to gravity and the effect on movements and types of muscular contractions. (III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 9. Explain proper alignment of the body and its importance. (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X) 10. Demonstrate conditioning exercises to prevent common dance injuries. (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Terminology A. Anatomical position B. Directional terms C. Planes and axes D. Movement terms II. Introduction to the skeletal system A. Bone structure and growth B. Bone shape terminology C. Joint structure and type D. Ligaments III. Introduction to the muscular system A. Types of muscle B. Skeletal muscle structure, function and properties C. Role of circulation in muscle function D. Muscle contraction process E. Types of muscle contraction relative to gravity F. Slow- and fast-twitch fibers G. Influence of fiber arrangement of force and range of motion H. Tendons I. Terms 1. Agonist 2. Antagonist 3. Synergist 4. Stabilizer J. Multi-joint muscles IV. Introduction to the nervous system A. Overall system structure and function B. Nerve cell structure and function C. Types of neurons D. Motor units and reflexes E. Role in balance F. Role in learning movement V. Spine, thorax and skull A. Bones and joints B. Muscles C. Movements and mechanics D. Alignment E. Applications to dance F. Common injuries G. Preventative care and exercises VI. Hip joints and pelvis A. Bones and joints B. Muscles C. Movements and mechanics D. Alignment E. Applications to dance F. Common injuries G. Preventative care and exercises VII. Knees A. Bones and joints B. Muscles C. Movements and mechanics D. Alignment E. Applications to dance F. Common injuries G. Preventative care and exercises VIII. Ankles, feet and toes A. Bones and joints B. Muscles C. Movements and mechanics D. Alignment E. Applications to dance F. Common injuries G. Preventative care and exercises IX. Shoulder joints and scapulae A. Bones and joints B. Muscles C. Movements and mechanics D. Alignment E. Applications to dance F. Common injuries G. Preventative care and exercises X. Application and evaluation of learned concepts A. Static and dynamic positions B. Evaluating own body C. Evaluating others

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 27, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.