French by Dancing
Course Description
Summary
This course is designed for anyone interested in interdisciplinary artistic practices with a focus on dance creation, and improving the French language. Through the study and practical exploration of works by African choreographers and dancers, students will engage in both the analysis and creation of movement, developing skills in composition, improvisation, and performance.
Focusing on French-speaking colonize countries, the course examines how dance functions as a tool for decolonization, cultural expression, and social transformation. Students will explore how movement can communicate political and cultural narratives, challenge colonial legacies, and contribute to contemporary social change.
The course will be conducted in French, providing students the opportunity to practice and strengthen their language skills within a creative and collaborative environment.
Learning Outcomes
- By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Compose original dance works inspired by African choreographic practices.
• Apply improvisation, composition, and collaborative techniques in choreography.
• Strengthen French language proficiency through discussion, critique, and creative exercises.
• Analyze and interpret the work of influential African choreographers and dancers
• Understand the historical, political, and cultural contexts of dance in Francophone Africa.
• Examine dance as a medium for political expression, social commentary, and cultural activism.
• Reflect on the role of performance and choreography in processes of decolonization and social change.
Prerequisites
Contact the faculty for registration.
Please contact the faculty member : kaolackndiaye@bennington.edu
Cross List
- Anthropology
- Dance
- French