Leaders Build Teams
This collaborative, hands-on class explores the dynamic relationship between teams and leaders. Through activities, media, and reflection, students will examine how leadership emerges from team settings and how strong leaders foster team performance. The course is designed for all students—athletes and non-athletes alike—who are preparing to contribute to and lead teams.
Badminton- This class will cover the basic strokes, serves, and footwork of the game. This class is open to all regardless of prior playing experience. All equipment is provided by the PE Department.
Ballet I (DANC 104) ’62 Center Dance Studio In this class, students learn the fundamentals of ballet technique, in a manner both safe and challenging. This is an absolute beginning course: EVERYONE is welcome! In barre work and center/traveling exercises, the class will begin to develop a working understanding of basic positions of the arms and legs; individual steps such as turns and jumps; and simple combinations. Through repetition and logical progression artistry, musicality, strength and coordination will develop and grow. Usually participants with NO prior ballet experience take Ballet I at least twice before moving into Ballet II. FULL SEMESTER- 2 PE credits
Ballet II (DANC 204) ‘62 Center Shared Studio This course is for those who have reached a beginning/intermediate level of ballet and are serious about continued progression in their technique and artistry. Permission of instructor required, but anyone with adequate prior knowledge is welcome! Classes will follow the proven, safe format of barre work proceeding into center work; vocabulary, ability and stamina will be built in a safe but challenging atmosphere. Participants are guided in ways that enable them to work safely and correctly within their individual abilities. Ballet courses may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit or partial academic credit FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits
Ballet III (DANC 304) ’62 Center Dance Studio Designed for dancers who have achieved an intermediate/advanced level of ballet technique. Permission of instructor required, but anyone with adequate prior knowledge is welcome! Class includes barre work, center and traveling exercises that incorporate adage, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro. Proper alignment and rigorous but safe application of technique are expected. Students are encouraged to work safely and correctly within their individual abilities so that artistry, musicality and the dynamics in ballet are explored. Ballet courses may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit or partial academic credit (For full academic credit, see DANC 30o in the course catalog.) FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits
Canoeing: We’ll paddling on nearby waterways and lakes, watching fall come as trees change color, geese gather and hawks fly overhead. You’ll learn about different paddling strokes and confidently paddle your canoe to whatever destination you choose!
Golf (Beginner)- focus on basic golf skills and progression from the putting green to the driving range. No experience or equipment necessary.
Golf (Advanced)– Designed for the avid golfer. Student meet weekly with instructor for 6 weeks. Additionally, student will play 4 weeks of 9 holes – Total of 36 holes must be played in 6 weeks to earn PE credit. MUST sign in at pro shop each time you play. Own clubs or rent at pro shop.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)- take your workout to the next level with the fun and active PE class designed to get you moving and your heartrate up.
Int/Adv Modern Dance This course is designed for students ready to optimally develop their modern/contemporary dance skills. The course will focus on the application of movement principles appropriate/essential for building an advanced dance practice, including improved anatomical awareness and refined alignment, the integration of complex movement patterns and internal connections, developing a more sophisticated rhythmic awareness, and emphasis on using dance as a form of expression. Live musical accompaniment will challenge students to work closely with nuances of sound and to develop their personal musicality. Longer phrases of movement and excerpts from choreography will be taught in order for students to fully embody the art form. This course may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit OR partial academic credit (course appears on transcript but does not go toward the 32 credits required for graduation). FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits
IWISE is a three-part program: a highly interactive and experiential PE class focused on living well and performing well; one-to-one mentorship with a dedicated well-being advisor; and monthly community gatherings like shared meals and team challenges. Expect in every class embodied practices like tai chi, mindful walking, or play; Space to reflect deeply and grow with others; invitations to make meaning of life experiences; and, belonging to a community committed to co-creating a more sustainable kind of excellence, together. (Full Semester- 2 PE credits)
Lifeguard Training Make waves this semester — literally! In this lifeguard PE class, you’ll dive into exciting, real-world rescue training including CPR, first aid, and in-water saves. If you can swim 300 yards, tread water for 2 minutes, and recover a brick from 9 feet deep, you’re ready to take on this course. At the end of the class, you have the opportunity to earn an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification by passing both a written exam and an in-water skills test.The certification fee is just $50, and if you pass, you’ll be qualified to join the campus lifeguarding staff!
3 on 3 Basketball- Half court, 1 hoop, teams of 3. A great fast paced game with lots of passing, moving and attacking.
Muscle Fitness– a group exercise class focusing on use of cardiovascular equipment and pin loaded weight machines in the fitness center. Students will work with instructor to develop a fitness plan that best suits their current fitness level and future goals.
Nordic Skiing- Also known as cross-country skiing, this class is geared towards all levels. Depending on snow conditions, we will ski locally or travel 30-minutes north to Prospect Mountain.
Pickleball- students will develop basic knowledge and skills to play the sport of pickleball. Technical skills include forehand and backhand groundstrokes, volleys, serves, lobs, overheads, dinks, and proper footwork.
RAD- rape aggression defense. A basic physical defense class that focuses on education and awareness. The course includes lecture discussion and self defense techniques. WOMEN ONLY
Rucking- Hate running? But need/want some cardio in your life. Hate doing abs? But want a stronger core. Stronger legs without all the squats? Then rucking is for you. This class will never move faster than a walking pace. But you will build cardio, core, and strength.
Run Fitness – Eager to explore the Purple Valley and improve your fitness in a group running setting? Run Fitness will build up your experience, strength, stamina, and show you the best running in Williamstown while you meet some new people. In this six week course we’ll cover a variety of great routes on and off campus, with an emphasis on smooth, enjoyable terrain – track, roads, and gravel. Each session will cover 2-5 miles, with some flexibility based on experience levels.
Ski Patrol certification course: The curriculum is based on the National Ski Patrol’s Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC, 6th Edition) textbook and associated materials. While focusing on emergency care and rescue in outdoor/winter settings, the curriculum emphasizes the leadership skills and actions required when responding to a variety of emergency medical situations. Students who complete the PE course MAY choose to continue developing as ski patrollers by taking the Ski Patrol winter study course and joining the Williams Ski Patrol. (NOTE: This is not required but is encouraged.) A final exam (written and practical portions) will be offered in January for students who wish to complete their OEC certification. Total cost for National Ski Patrol registration and course fee is $245, of which most or all is typically reimbursed by FAST. FULL SEMESTER 2PE credits!
Spinning- A high intensity “indoor cycling” exercise class that focuses on building strength and endurance. Rides are set to fun music tracks and all levels of experience are welcome. Please wear athletic clothing/shoes and bring a water bottle! Note: You will probably sweat a lot in this class!
Squash- A fast-paced indoor racquet sport that will make it’s Olympic debut 2028. Whether you are just learning the basics or hoping to play in LA, all are welcome. Please wear non-marking athletic shoes. All equipment is provided.
Swim for Fitness- This class is designed to use lap swimming as a cardiovascular workout. Feedback is provided to improve strokes, but this is not a learn-to-swim class. Different workouts are provided each session, and participants will swim anywhere from 1 mile to more than 1½ miles per class
Trail Building- Each week students will help build mountain biking trails in the beautiful Berlin Mountain area in support of the Purple Valley Trail Association, a new organization building a professionally-designed mountain bike trail network in Williamstown. Following a short hike to the project site, students will dig, rake, carve turns, move rocks, and more. Beyond getting our hands dirty and enjoying the outdoors, this class provides a great opportunity to connect with fellow students. No experience necessary, plus possible guest appearances by Maple the golden retriever!
Trail Running – Explore local running trails that bring you to some of the natural highlights of the northern Berkshires. Run at your own pace or with other students in a relaxing outdoor environment. Students can expect to run 3-5 miles per session depending on pace and terrain.
Walk for Fitness – Explore local paths and trails that bring you to some of the best locations in town. This is a brisk walking class where you’ll move with other students in a beautiful outdoor environment. Students can expect to walk 2-3 miles per session depending on pace and terrain.
Women’s Weight Training- offers instruction and practice in proper techniques of the development of muscular strength, endurance. (women only)
Wellness- Designed to help students adopt and maintain the behaviors associated with an active and healthy lifestyle. Students will learn through lectures, discussions and physical activity labs.
Zena Rommett Floor Barre™, Dance Studio, ’62 CTD A subtle but deep, calming yet powerful conditioning/training tool used by many dancers and athletes; the work is done entirely on one’s back, side, and front body (that is, no standing) and is designed for subtle strengthening/lengthening and safe alignment throughout the body. People who study the technique almost immediately benefit from the calm, somewhat meditative manner in which participants are encouraged to work. You can wear whatever you’d wear for ballet class (though the work is done in bare feet or in socks); for those who prefer a yoga mat, feel free to bring your own but we also have a large quantity of mats to use while you’re in the ’62 Center. Previous ballet training required for this session — please contact jmp2@williams.edu to inquire about eligibility. NOTES: 1. This is a full-semester class that meets once a week so participants who fulfill attendance requirements will receive one PE credit. 2. This is NOT the same thing as other classes called “Barre” or “PureBarre.”