Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

KIN 40 - Jazz Dance I

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU/UC
Unit(s)
1.50
  • Activity: 51.00 Contact hours/25.50 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)
  • Total: 51.00 Contact hours/25.50 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course provides instruction centered upon improving the knowledge and physical techniques of jazz dance. The course will identify jazz dance styles: lyrical, contemporary, and character/musical theater. Basic jazz dance techniques, choreography, and vocabulary will be applied and practiced.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. identify and perform the basic techniques of jazz dance.
  2. identify and demonstrate the lyrical, contemporary, character/musical theater styles of jazz dance.
  3. explain jazz dance rules with proper jazz dance vocabulary.
  4. demonstrate improvement of the skills of jazz dance.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture/Activity

Lecture/Activity topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec HrsAct Hrs

Orientation to Jazz Dance

3.00

Warm-up Techniques and Safety Factors

3.00

Basic Alignment Techniques

6.00

Musical Phrases

6.00

Isolations Techniques

6.00

Rhythmic Pattern

6.00

Loco-motor Patterns and Techniques

6.00

Choreography

6.00

Use of Space and Energy

6.00

Jazz Performance

3.00
Total Hours:0.0051.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Discussion
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete one hour of outside-of-class homework for every two hours of activity
  4. Multimedia Presentations
  5. Drill/Practical

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Demonstration
  2. Class participation
  3. Written Assignments
  4. Written or Oral Examinations
  5. Class Discussion
  6. Practical evaluations

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read and be prepared to discuss the handout on the history of jazz dance.
  2. Read and be prepared to discuss the handout on techniques of jazz dance.

Writing Assignments

  1. Design and submit a one minute jazz dance sequence.
  2. Write a one page essay describing the safety factors in jazz dance training and performance.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. View through media or attend a jazz dance performance and submit a written overview of the performance.
  2. Attend a theater event in the community that includes dance in the performance and be prepared to discuss the event in class.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Other Learning Materials

The students will be required to provide:

a. Dance or Athletic Apparel

b. Dance or Athletic Shoes

Other materials and/or equipment will be provided by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

Coaching

Dance (Masters Required)

Physical Education (Masters Required)