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.)

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.

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)

Improvisational Practices In this course students will gain an embodied understanding of the practices and techniques needed to proceed to advanced improvisational work. Research into forms such as partnering, ensemble work, text, musical exercises, compositions, and scores/projects will focus on mapping the moving body in the moment. Readings, journals, and responses to video viewings and live performances contribute to the exploration of historical contexts, aesthetics, and cultural improvisations.

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.

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.

Collaborating Across the Arts Collaborating Across the Arts invites students to playfully research and practice cooperative methodologies. This course centers on the idea that interdisciplinary dialog sparks original thinking and generates creative material. During the semester, we will participate in live interdisciplinary performance events through workshops, performance viewings, and reflective writing. The semester will culminate in a student performance. By studying and practicing cooperative tools for artistic creation, we engage a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity for what can be discovered when we collaborate. Both experienced artists and beginners are welcome.

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.

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.

Laurel Jenkins

Reviews and ratings for Laurel Jenkins at Middlebury College.Laurel Jenkins teaches Dance Company Dance Company Lab, Technique & Composition, Anatomy and Kinesiology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Laurel Jenkins good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course is a must-take for anyone who likes dance. It's a good balance of technique classes and individual/group choreographic assignments. Laurel gives great feedback and helps you through course material and your choreographic journey. She is very enthusiastic and a great teacher overall. 

Laurel is such a sweet person, and a very talented and enthusiastic dancer. It has been such an honor to take her course. If you have the chance to take it, it is a great addition to your schedule. The classes always made my day better!

Professor Jenkins is so sweet and understanding. She really looks out for her students and is involved in their growth and development. I felt as though I went in with no dance experience and she helped me learn and develop.