Embodied Art Making and Conflict Transformation In this immersive, interdisciplinary course we will connect the skills and dispositions of Conflict Transformation (CT) to the performing arts. Through dance, storytelling, visual art, and dialogue, we will explore interpersonal and political conflicts by placing art at the center of our work. Some of the questions we will address are how embodiment and art can foster empathy across political differences and whether non-verbal expression can transform how we engage with conflict and each other. Through readings, writing, interviews, discussions, and weekly embodied practice we will cultivate essential CT skills such as deep listening and non-verbal communication. At the conclusion of this course students will have a heightened capacity to use creative intelligence and embodiment for civic engagement.

Intermediate/Advanced Dance IV: Advanced Dance Improvisation Students will gain rigorous training in the simultaneous conception, composition, and performance of dance works.  This will include units in techniques such as contact improvisation, performance improvisation, site specific work, musical collaboration, and elemental integration. The body will be developed as an articulate, responsive instrument while the mind is honed toward quick, clear perception of potential form with a willingness to act and react. Personal philosophy and dance aesthetics will be cultivated and formally articulated in writing. Musicians proficient with their instrument and interested in improvisation are strongly encouraged to seek admission. (DANC 0261) 6 hrs lect.

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.

Conflict Transformation: Approaches and Skills This course will introduce to students to a variety of approaches to conflict transformation (CT), including intercultural competence, mediation, restorative practices, and structured dialogue. CT skills enrich classroom learning and prepare students to be effective citizens in a polarized public square. To transform conflict, we must first understand the nature of conflict and then develop tools to build healthy relationships and communities – locally, nationally, and globally. Students will learn about the drivers of conflict and then practice CT skills in the course. This course is part of a Middlebury-wide CT initiative, and this course foundational for students who wish to pursue practicum or research opportunities in other CT programs.

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.

Dance Company of Middlebury Dance company of Middlebury (0381) is a continuation of Dance Company Lab (0380) taken in the fall. Both 0380 & 0381 are required to participate in the Dance Company of Middlebury. Dancers work with the artistic director and guest choreographer as part of a dance company, learning, interpreting, rehearsing, and performing repertory dances. Participants can expect daily rehearsals plus technique classes, campus performance, and a tour. Appropriate written work is required. Auditions are held in the spring semester for the next fall (DCM 0380). Approval Required; limited to sophomores through seniors by audition.

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 each term of participation. Performances and tour(s) are scheduled in January. (Limited to sophomores through seniors, by audition.)

Children & the Arts: Teaching Movement & Arts Integration in the Classroom This course will examine the integration of the arts and kinesthetic learning in elementary curriculum. Students will teach standards-based lessons that include the literary, dance, theater and visual arts. Activities will include art projects, sketch journals, reading assignments, and the exploration of community and teaching resources. Students will gain an understanding of the important role the arts integration and hands-on learning can play in the development and implementation of the curriculum.

Children & the Arts  This course will examine the integration of the arts in elementary curriculum. Students will teach standards-based lessons that include the literary, dance, theatre and visual arts. Activities will include art projects, sketch journals, reading assignments, and the exploration of community and teaching resources. Students will gain an understanding of the important role the arts integration and hands-on learning can play in the development and implementation of the curriculum.

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.

Lida Winfield

Reviews and ratings for Lida Winfield at Middlebury College.Lida Winfield teaches Art & Conflict Transformation, Advanced Dance Improvisation, Technique Workshop Technique Workshop Lab and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Lida Winfield good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

It was a nice class, but if you have taken improvisational dance, it is very similar. I think the content felt repetitive at times. It is always nice to dance though, and Lida is a great professor and someone you can count on. It is easy and there's not that much work outside of class.

I had the opportunity to take this course my first semester and it was great, I would definitely recommend especially with Lida she is such an amazing professor. You also get to get more comfortable in your body and it's such a great class to have along with others. It's more than dance we got to learn and go over great material and talked with one another in the class. I still talk to some students from the class and Lida is always available. 

Very informative, and a very good class to take to fill a requirement. No outside work, self-graded, and a very fulfilling community created in the class. No exams, few outside readings. Not for someone who does not want to engage in the material.