As part of the African American Heritage Celebration throughout the month of February, an African American dance class will be offered detailing the history of the dance to students.

The course,”African American Influences on Dance in the United States” will be held on the weekends of Jan. 25 and 26, Feb. 15 and 16 and Feb. 22 and 23.

“There are plenty of days available to anyone who wants to enroll,” Mitze Dunn, academic adviser of Minority Student Affairs, said.

Contrary to what people might think, this is a history class.

“(The students) are not going to actually dance, just learn,” Dunn said.

Dunn also commented that this class will show the influence of “dance styles and techniques that originated from African American slaves.”

The class will cover over 400 years of dance, from 1518 to the 1990s, he said.

Only those who are enrolled in the class will be able to attend and will have to pay a fee, Dunn said.

Dunn was not sure where the class will actually be held, but said that students will be informed of the location after they enroll.

“African American Influence on Dance in the United States” is sponsored by the School of Adult and Continuing Education, African American Studies Department and Siddall and Ray Foundations Inc.

Those interested in taking the class can contact the School of Adult and Continuing Education at 581-5116.