Dance is a universal language of art, at once both basic and complex. Through movement and choreography, dance transmits both the essence of a culture and the expression of the individual. As with other art forms, the study of dance involves mastery of theory, history, and applied dance (technique). The curriculum is arranged so as to give the student the best possible study in the tradition of a liberal arts environment. Students also have ample chance both to perform and to work with visiting guest artists. With a comprehensive background in dance, a major may decide to pursue a career in such diverse fields as performance or teaching or with a double major in a related field arts management, expressive arts therapy or dance medicine.

The Dance Major
The Dance Minor(s)
Course Descriptions

(Please find the requirements for Musical Theatre here. Course desscriptions for the musical theatre major will be found in Theatre, Music and Dance)

The Dance Major
(45-46 semester hours)

Required:
DANC 111    (1)    Beginning Modern Dance
DANC 211    (1)    Intermediate Modern Dance
DANC 221    (3)    Dance History I
DANC 222    (3)    Dance History II
DANC 223    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition I
DANC 224    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition II
DANC 301    (3)    Intermediate Dance Composition I
DANC 302    (3)    Intermediate Dance Composition II
DANC 351    (3)    Anatomy and Kinesiology
DANC 415    (3)    Methods of Teaching Creative Movement and Dance
DANC 467    (3)    Aesthetics Dance Criticism
MUSC 107    (3)    Rudiments of Music I
THTR 105    (3)    Introduction to Technical Theatre I

Senior Exercise:
DANC 463    (3)    Senior Project

Choose the following course twice in two different semesters:
DANC 311    (2)    Advanced Modern Dance Technique

Choose 1 of the following courses:
ARMG 105    (4)    Introduction to Arts Management
ARTH 115    (3)    Survey of Art History I
ARTH 116    (3)    Survey of Art History II
MUSC 126    (3)    The Appreciation of Music
MUSC 127    (3)    World Music
Any three-credit course in the studio art department

NOTES: It is expected that a student majoring in dance take one dance course each term. Applied dance technique courses are DANC 107, DANC 109, DANC 111, DANC 207, DANC 211, and DANC 311. For the major in dance, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations heading of the catalog.

The Dance Minor Teaching Option
(22 semester hours)

Required:
DANC 221    (3)    Dance History I
DANC 222    (3)    Dance History II
DANC 223    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition I
DANC 224    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition II
DANC 415    (3)    Methods of Teaching Creative Movement and Dance

Choose the following course twice in two different semesters:
DANC 311    (2)    Advanced Modern Dance Technique

Choose 1 of the following courses:
DANC 301    (3)    Intermediate Dance Composition I
DANC 351    (3)    Anatomy and Kinesiology
DANC 467    (3)    Aesthetics-Dance Criticism

NOTE: For the minor in dance, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations section of the catalog.

The Dance Minor–Performance Option
(14 semester hours)

Required:
DANC 221    (3)    Dance History I
DANC 223    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition I

Choose 3 of the following courses of which 2 must be at the 300-level or above:
DANC 107    (1)    Beginning Ballet
DANC 109    (1)    Beginning Jazz
DANC 111    (1)    Beginning Modern Dance
DANC 207    (1)    Intermediate Ballet
DANC 211    (1)    Intermediate Modern Dance
DANC 311    (2)    Advanced Modern Dance Technique

Choose 1 of the following courses:
DANC 222    (3)    Dance History II
DANC 224    (3)    Introduction to Dance Composition II
DANC 351    (3)    Anatomy and Kinesiology

NOTE: For the minor in dance, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations heading of the catalog.

Teacher Licensure in Dance
Students seeking licensure in dance must satisfy all requirements for the major in dance, must take a special study (DANC 361) on the topic of folk dance, and must complete two additional special studies (DANC 361) on the following topics: kinesiology, and injury prevention and care for dance. See the additional professional studies requirements listed under the Department of Education.

Course Descriptions