Introduction to Butoh Dance This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of butoh dance. Butoh is a contemporary dance form that originated in Japan in the 1950s and has since spread worldwide. This form values explorations of presence, transformation, and the development of curiosity to create full-bodied performance. Students experience butoh techniques through a series of movement exercises, choreography, and improvisational activities. This course explores butoh’s themes, history, and evolution, investigating how it differs from western contemporary dance by subverting dance norms and embracing refusal. Through embodiment, supporting course materials, creative writing practices, and artistic generation, students understand butoh’s physical and emotional components while strengthening creative expression and confidence in the body.   Meshi Chavez is a teacher, butoh dancer, and choreographer and was recently Artist in Residence at Middlebury College from the Fall of 2021 to the Spring of 2023. He received his MFA at the University of the Arts./

Introduction to Dance This entry-level dance course introduces movement techniques, improvisation/composition, performance, experiential anatomy, and history of 20th century American modern dance. Students develop flexibility, strength, coordination, rhythm, and vocabulary in the modern idiom. Concepts of time, space, energy, and choreographic form are presented through improvisation and become the basis for a final choreographic project. Readings, research, and reflective and critical writing about dance performance round out the experience.

Anatomy and Kinesiology This course offers an in-depth experiential study of skeletal structure, and includes aspects of the muscular, organ, endocrine, nervous, and fluid systems of the human body. The goal is to enhance efficiency of movement and alignment through laboratory sessions, supported by assigned readings, exams, and written projects.

Technique Workshop This advanced physical and theoretical study of a variety of movement techniques will further prepare dance majors and minors for the rigors of performance, technical craft, and physical research.  Exercises and discussions will revolve around increased subtlety, strength, flexibility, musicality, and dynamics with the goal of heightening the communicative range of the moving body.  Rotating movement aesthetics taught by dance faculty. (Major/Minor Only)

Dance Company of Middlebury Dancers work with the artistic director and guest choreographers as part of a dance company, learning, interpreting, rehearsing, and performing repertory dances. Those receiving credit can  expect daily rehearsals  plus technique classes, campus performance, and tour. Appropriate written work is required. Auditions are held in the fall semester for the full year; one credit will be given for two semesters of participation.

Dance Company of Middlebury Dancers work with the artistic director and guest choreographer as a member of a dance company, learning, interpreting, rehearsing, and performing dances created for performance and tour. Those receiving credit can expect four to six rehearsals weekly. Appropriate written work, concert and film viewing, and attendance in departmental technique classes are required. One credit will be given for two terms of participation. Performances and tour(s) are scheduled in January. (Limited to sophomores through seniors, by audition.)

Performance & Production In this course we will investigate three aspects of place in relation to dance: where we source movement, the relevance of dance in culture, and the effects of place on the moving dancing body. Material covered will include body systems dance technique at the intermediate/advanced level, improvisation and composition toward choreography and site specific work, readings and reflective writing, and performance viewing.  The course culminates in formal and informal showings of performance work. The emergence of a personal philosophy and dance aesthetic will be engaged and formally articulated in writing. (DANC 0260, DANC 0360) 4.

Jason Chavez

Reviews and ratings for Jason Chavez at Middlebury College.Jason Chavez teaches Introduction to Butoh Dance, Introduction to Dance, Anatomy and Kinesiology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jason Chavez good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Meshi was a great instructor for this class and was remarkably knowledgable about the human body. The class was largely activity based with lots of physical partner work that could be uncomfortable for people who do not like physical touch. If this is something you're ok with though, the experience will be very valuable.

This class was really interesting, despite being very far outside of my comfort zone. Although I did not learn the most about detailed anatomy, I learned a lot about how my body works and the way it is all connected. Classes were really relaxed.

Meshi is really nice. There will be a final performance at the end of the course, and you will need to choreograph something. Overall a very relaxed and enjoyable class and highly recommend if you want to fulfill your ART distribution.