Course Syllabus

DANC 1054 Pilates Mat/Conditioning

Course Description

Based on the pioneering work of Joseph Pilates, this class consists of a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed to develop muscle tone, flexibility, and posture. The class will also include some cardio work. Repeatable for credit.

Justification

Pilates is a mind, body, and spirit practice. Its benefits include improved posture, better coordination and balance, increased lung capacity, improved concentration and focus, increased body awareness, stress management, and injury prevention. This class may fulfill the conditioning for dance requirements for students pursuing a dance degree at a four-year college.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Proficiency in beginner to intermediate-level mat exercises.
2. Understanding of pilates-based principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow.
3. An improvement in posture and muscle tone.
4. An improvement in endurance.
5. An improvement in flexibility.
6. An increased understanding of the relationship between strong core muscles and movement.

Course Content

Each class will begin with a warm-up series (core activation, pelvis, and shoulder stabilization) and gradually progress to the more physically demanding mat work series meant to lengthen and strengthen all the body's major muscles, including the core, torso, arms, and legs.This class welcomes students of all abilities and backgrounds. While the teacher serves as a model, he/she/they also encourage each student to progress at their own pace. The students are also empowered as teachers as they will work in small groups and lead certain class sessions.