This course will introduce students to Chinese dance technique and culture. Students will be instructed on how to develop musicality, explore style and improvisation, and increase performance quality through choreographed routines and warm-up progressions. Students will also learn about the historical implications of different Chinese dance styles and how they were developed. In class, we will explore some of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups of China through dance, and discover how cultural characteristics, lifestyles, and perspectives of the groups are reflected in these dances. Dance terms in English and Mandarin will be defined and the movements demonstrated.

This DeCal is sponsored by Fei Tian Dancers, FTD, a performing arts club founded at UC Berkeley in 2003. FTD established this DeCal with the objective of providing resources for Berkeley students to gain a greater understanding of Chinese culture through dance forms. Although this DeCal meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, students who have auditioned for and are accepted into FTD will attend the Tuesday sections, while students who are NOT FTD members will attend the Thursday sections (designed for beginner/intermediate dancers).

Participation and attendance make up 60% of the grade, with a mid-semester research paper, final reflection, and weekly quizzes making up the other 40%. Students should not have more than 4 unexcused absences to receive a passing grade, make ups are allowed for excused absences.

Instructors will lead students through basic warm-up, barre, and stretching, so please arrive to each class in comfortable, stretchy clothing that is not too baggy (such as leggings, t-shirts, leotards). Students may wear flexible dance shoes if they have any. Sections of classical and folk choreography from our past showcases will be taught each week, with a final in-class mini-performance on the last day of class.

We look forward to dancing with you!

Thursday sections will be open to students who have not auditioned or been accepted into Fei Tian Dancers (FTD), based on a first come, first served basis. To enroll, please apply via the Google Form and plan to come to class starting on 2/6 from 5-6:30, if accepted. You do not need to have ballet shoes but they are strongly recommended!