DNCE 210: Introduction to Pilates
Credit Hours: (2)
Covers fundamental theoretical and movement principles of the Pilates Method, including studio work in the Pilates Method of mat exercises and the Universal Reformer. Strengthens and stretches the total body, emphasizing control from the core center or powerhouse. Students learn to protect the body in all movement forms by developing a strong link between the physical and the mental aspects of movement and applying them to daily activity.
Note(s): May be taken for a total of four semester hours of credit.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1) Fundamentals of Pilates
a) Theory, including conception, control, center, fluidity, precision, and breath
b) Movement concepts, including imprinting, pelvic bowl, knee sway, knee folds,
knee stirs, leg slide, spinal bridging, prom hip extension, cervical nod, nose circles,
head float, ribcage arms, rotating arms, torso twist, flight, and cat.
c) Imagery, including scooping, zipping up, tucking the wings, drawing to the
midline and strengthening the powerhouse.
2) Pilates mat exercises may include
a) The Hundred
b) Roll-up
c) Roll over
d) Leg circles
e) Rolling
f) Single leg stretch
g) Double leg stretch
h) Spine stretch
i) Open leg rocker
j) Corkscrew
k) Saw
l) Swan
m) Single leg kick
n) Double leg kick
o) Neck pull
p) Spine twist
q) Jackknife
r) Side kick
s) Teaser
t) Swimming
u) Leg pull front support
v) Leg pull back support
w) Twist
x) Seal
y) Push up
3) Reformer and other equipment, may include
a) Footwork series
b) The hundred
c) Shoulder girdle and upper torso series
d) Rowing
e) Stomach massage
f) Posh stretch
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This is a practical course that introduces a system of movement exercises originally designed by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the 20th century. Material is presented by instructor's demonstration and explanation of exercises, followed by students' practice of exercises. The majority of every class period is devoted to movement. Time is given for conversation and reflection on the organic mature of this system and its pertinence to movement in all other physical experiences. Library materials such as books and video tapes that present varying view points on Pilates and other body therapy modalities may be included.
1) Introduces Pilates fundamentals
2) Proceed to mat exercises, applying each appropriate fundamental
3) Move to equipment exercises again applying appropriate fundamental and also
mat exercises
4) Emphasizes integration of components of course in every class meeting
5) Connect theory and movement principles of Pilates to dance movement vocabulary
and to everyday living
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to
1) Explain theories of Pilates orally and/or in writing.
2) Apply principles to Pilates exercises and to traditional dance vocabulary and
to daily movement experience through demonstration and verbal explanation
3) Demonstrate selected Pilates mat and equipment exercises.
Assessment Measures
1) Daily observation of students' performance during class
2) Observation of students as they perform in other dance technique classes
3) Informal question and answer sessions in class
4) Written examinations, both objective and essay
5) Periodic formal assessment of students' progress in acquiring theoretical and
practical understanding of Pilates movement
6) Journals
7) Papers
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY March 2003