Modern I · Dance
if you can manage to pull yourself out of bed for the 9:10 class.. just 1 ungraded reaction paper to a video. but if you can't, then you have to go to a performance and write a review.
You have to see 2 dance performances (one of which needs to be professional modern dance) and write a final paper (the class is pass-fail though so I wouldn't sweat it too much). Also, there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to absences so be prepared to make every class.
Max absences to pass is five but she offers make up opportunities. Weekly feedback forms (shorter than 5 min) that you can miss 2 of and still get an 100. Show up to the final! You will pass as long as you show up.
i agree entirely with the other reviews. jenny is fun and exuberant and really passionate about dance, but not in a stuck-up way - she actually wants to help you find freedom and joy in your daily life. my way of moving throughout the day changed significantly, and for the better, after this class. and gilles, the musician, is indeed fabulous. i'm definitely continuing with dance after this, even though it's so freakin early.
Fabulous, fabulous class. Caitlin is fun, smart, helpful, and extremely talented. She went at a great pace and made sure everyone in the class was involved and active, while never being overbearing or going too fast. She is clearly an intelligent woman (Skidmore alum, I believe?) and isn't afraid to physiologically explain what goes on for those who better understand dance in that way. She caused me to totally connect with my body in a different and deeper way. I still often find myself doing versions of some of her exercises. This class was a great workout, but not a stressful or impossible one. Nobody in the class was any Baryshnikov so don't feel bad if you don't have any dance experience. If anything, some of our best dancers didn't. I would recommend it to anyone.
Caroline is an incredible instructor and I am so grateful to have learned from her. I never imagined that I'd ever walk into a dance classroom excited and walk out feeling proud of myself, but she enabled me to do so. On day one of class she cleared up a misconception really quickly. She said that physical fitness and being able to dance is not a synonym for flexibility. Before hearing that, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it through the semester, but she dispelled so many of my fears and began helping me along in my healing process with that statement. She is the kindest and best dance teacher I've ever had. If you need to satisfy a PE requirement and are worried about what to take, take Modern with Caroline Fermin! You'll grow so much.
attendence (can miss up to 2 classes, after that you'll have to do "make-up") 1 film review that we watch in class (she just wants a reaction to it)
Required to watch 2 professional dance performances, write 1 reflection essay (of any length). She is strict on class participation, though, so be there on time and be there mentally as well as physically. (Graded on a P/F system)
Really amazing class. Yes it's at 9:10AM but you will still wake up for it. Instruction is good, easy to follow even for the most uncoordinated. The Intructor is good at being able to help you see how to move and be more flexible than you thought possible. She's a little too happy for so early in the morning but her insane metaphors for happiness and growth just make you feel a bit upset you aren't so awake and happy all the time. There is live music that is amazing and it forces you to wake up. Definitely recommend the class and Emerson!
Caitlin Trainor was an AMAZING Modern I dance teacher. She has Paul Taylor influences, and her class is very athletic and open. Don't be shy! She'll make you feel very welcomed and comfortable. After class, she would often stay to answer questions and go over some techniques with dancers. I had so much fun in this class (didn't miss a single class!) and it made me consider doing a Dance concentration (I'm an Econ major).