Body and Earth This course is designed to bridge the relationship between the human body and the environment. The goals of the course are to deepen knowledge of physical faculties and sensory possibilities, heighten sensitivity to natural processes and forms in the Vermont bioregion, and engage awareness through the study of perception of and interaction with the non-human world. Learning modalities include analytical reading and formal writing assignments for the lecture section, place-based exploratory journaling, experiential movement-based practices, site-specific dance making, and regular field trips and outdoor activities during the lab section, culminating in final performative research projects.

Modern Dance History in the United States: Early Influences to Postmodern Transformations In this seminar we will focus on the emergence and development of 20th century American concert dance--especially modern and postmodern dance forms--from the confluence of European folk and court dance, African and Caribbean influences, and other American cultural dynamics. We will look at ways in which dance reflects, responds to, and creates its cultural milieu, with special attention to issues of gender, race/ethnicity, and class. Readings, video, and live performance illuminate the artistic products and processes of choreographers whose works mark particular periods or turning points in this unfolding story. Our study is intended to support informed critical articulations and an understanding of the complexity of dance as art.

Writing the Body In this course we will examine the dialogue between the language of the dancing body and the written word through the mediums of movement, contemplative practice, and creative writing, with a focus on poetry and spoken word. Our principal modalities of somatic investigation, textual analysis, reflective writing prompts, and a final performance project all serve to facilitate the discovery of authentic artistic expression in bridging body and voice. This is an experientially based seminar aimed at building a creative process: connecting the insights that emerge from physical discovery to the artful design of language.

Dancing Culture In this course we will engage with how the practice and performance of contemporary dance both reflects cultural meaning and produces cultural change. Using case studies from around the world, we will investigate dances in their local historical and social contexts, and how they shift and change amidst global political economies and communication networks. This course consists of both seminar discussion of readings and viewings, as well as studio work where students will learn the fundamentals of contemporary dance technique and composition in order to synthesize learning into embodied form.

The Creative Process In this course, students will have the opportunity to dig deeply into their own creativity and explore the processes by which ideas emerge and are given shape in the arts. The experiential nature of this course integrates cognition and action, mind and body.  Students will engage in a range of modes of discovering, knowing, and communicating, which are designed to push them beyond their present state of awareness and level of confidence in their creative power.  Practical work will be closely accompanied by readings and journaling, culminating with the creation and performance of a short project.

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)

Technique & Composition  This is the first course in the studio sequence for students entering Middlebury with significant previous dance experience. It is also the course sequence for those continuing on from DANC 0160 and provides grounding in the craft of modern dance needed to proceed to more advanced levels. Modern dance movement techniques are strengthened to support an emerging individual vocabulary and facility with composition. Students regularly create and revise movement studies that focus on the basic elements of choreography and the relationship of music and dance. Readings, journals, and formal critiques of video and live performance contribute to the exploration of dance aesthetics and develop critical expertise.

Introduction to Dance This entry-level dance course introduces movement techniques, improvisation/composition, performance, experiential anatomy, and the history of 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.

Choreography & Performance This course involves concentrated intermediate-advanced level work in contemporary dance technique and choreography culminating in production. Theoretical issues of importance to the dancer/choreographer are addressed through readings, writings and practice.

Karima Borni

Reviews and ratings for Karima Borni at Middlebury College.Karima Borni teaches Body & Earth, Modern Dance History in U.S., Writing the Body and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Karima Borni good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The class was a comprehensive look into modern dance history. We looked at different styles of dance and watched a lot of videos. Class was a combination of lecture style content and discussions. There were readings for each class, but most were very short. Our main projects were papers which were graded very easily if you tried. 

Really enjoyed this class as an intro to dance. Plus, hearing how the FYS’ of my friends went, this class was pretty chill by comparison. We met two days a week, with one day discussion based on a reading, and one day in the studio working on rhythm and different movements. Class wrapped up with a performance at the first year symposium, which honestly was a bit rough due to some factors out of our group’s control, but all in all I enjoyed my time and felt as if I got to know my classmates well compared to other classes.

Went in completely blind and searching for an interesting PE credit, and came out with new friends and a new perspective and dance and nature as a whole. Despite being three times a week, every hour spent in this class was worth it. Readings are not too difficult and usually interesting, often relating to psychology, nature, and other relevant topics. Even if you don't consider yourself a dancer or an outdoorsy person, Karima creates such a comfortable environment to explore that, and with the right classmates, you might find yourself falling in love with practices you weren't accustomed to before. She is also just such a kind professor, I would recommend any class with her.