Enjoy watching spectacular dances in old and new movies and explore what ideas are reflected about society. Discuss the effect of technological, social changes, and economy on modern society over the past century and how that is expressed and revealed through dance in film. Each week we will watch together at least 5 video clips from the films selected for that day's class. Gain new perspectives through discussion and analysis of the stories behind these dances, music, lyrics, costuming, casting, direction, and dance styles. Enjoy the company and perspectives of other people interested in these movie dances, led by an instructor who has specialized in this topic. View, analyze, dissect and discuss the work of Busby Berkeley, Fred Astaire, Ray Bolger, Donald O’Connor, Gene Kelly, Dick Van Dyke, Moira Shearer, Cyd Charisse, Gower Champion, Jerome Robbins and lesser known but equally fascinating dance professionals from the film industry. You will enjoy learning about the fascinating back stories, intention and meaning behind the dances and the dance makers. Step behind the scenes to learn the secrets of these incredible dances from Hollywood films.

This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain an understanding of the history of dance in the movies
• Learn about technology and the movie industry’s learning curve as it relates to the technicalities of making dance work on film
• Understand the social implications of how and why certain dance styles have been accepted or rejected over the past 12 decades 
• Gain insight into the economic impact of movie musicals in Hollywood and beyond, including the launching of new fashion businesses, influence on the travel industry, music industry, fitness industries, manufacturing, and more
• Develop knowledge about the role of international relations on movie dances

Who Should Take this Class?

• Anyone who enjoys music, dance, and film
• People interested in the course’s selected dances, dancers, and choreographers
• History buffs and anyone interested in the development of social norms and cultural change

One hundred years ago, astronomers discovered the true shape and size of our home galaxy. A few years later, we discovered that our galaxy is one of trillions in an expanding universe. Enjoy a seminar style class exploring the foundations of astronomy as well as recent discoveries. You will be encouraged to suggest topics that interest you to explore. No prior knowledge is required.

This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students and offered during the daytime on diverse topics.

Suggested reading:
Grinspoon, David. Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet’s Future. Grand Central Publishing; 2016.

Tyson, Neil deGrasse. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. W.W. Norton & Co.; 2017

Learning Outcomes

• Participate in learning about our universe
• Engage in a personal exploration of the planets of our solar system, as well as those of neighboring stars
• Appreciate how the science of geology was adapted to planetary science
• Ability to critically evaluate media reports on space exploration

Who Should Take This Class?

• Everyone who is curious about the universe and our place in it

• Anyone who would like to critically read reports about planetary exploration and possibly participate in citizen science.