This course, open to all students, introduces basic practices and principles of contemporary dance practices. Classes begin with a slow warm-up focused on anatomical landmarks and alignment principles, but then progress to vigorous, rhythmic movement patterns. A primary focus is to help each student find a connection to the floor from which she or he can stretch and move out into space. The course, which utilizes movement practices that are being utilized by some of the field's most progressive choreographers, will give students experience learning choreographed sequences, while also fostering students' ability to self-direct as movers. Prerequisites: None.