This class will look at diverse examples of Popular Dance on Film including golden-age hollywood musicals, narrative films, music videos, commercials, and social media content. Together we will learn to recognize various social and/or popular dance forms like tap, street dance forms, mambo etc.. and consider how the historical and contemporary cultural contexts of these forms play into the readings of the films in which they appear. We'll talk about why popular dance on film is such an engrossing medium, and how the camera shapes visual pleasure. These questions will lead us into a deeper and more nuanced appreciation of both familiar and new examples of popular dance in film and on the screen.

• This program is free for all! Membership is not required.