Dance, B.S. - University of W

The Bachelor of Science in Dance at UW-Madison provides a comprehensive foundation in dance as an art form and academic discipline. Students gain in-depth knowledge through coursework in dance technique, theory, history, and composition. The program offers opportunities for performance, collaboration, and interdisciplinary study, preparing graduates for careers in professional dance, education, entrepreneurship, and other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in dance gain in-depth knowledge of dance as an art form and an area of scholarly inquiry. The degree provides a foundation for eventual careers in professional dance, dance teaching in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, dance/movement therapy, Pilates, the health and fitness industry, arts administration, as well as many other fields. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dance requires a minimum of 57 major credits and is designed for students who wish to pursue a degree in dance and another major or degree program in a second area of interest. A dance degree at UW–Madison offers opportunities to: Study with a world-class faculty, with excellent teacher-student ratios. Perform frequently in faculty and student-choreographed works, in state-of-the-art facilities. Pursue an additional major or degree in a second area of interest. Experience an interdisciplinary, rigorous approach that connects dance to the arts and humanities, as well as the social, biological, physical, and biological social sciences. Earn scholarship and award funding for study in the academic year and summer, including departmental awards for honors study. Work with nationally and internationally renowned guest artists and master class instructors, such as the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Pilobolus, Meredith Monk, Elizabeth Streb, David Parsons, Sean Curran, Danielle Russo, Carrie Hanson, Joe Goode, Susan Marshall, Kun-Yang Lin, and Tim Miller, Abdel Salaam/Forces of Nature. Train intensively in choreography to create solo and group works for performance.

Outline:

The B.S. degree in dance has four components: Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study. Discipline-related coursework provides an interdisciplinary foundation contributing to the performance and understanding of this art form. Major requirements offer an in-depth study of dance. Elective credits allow students to pursue areas of interest and complete the minimum number of credits required for the degree.

Discipline-Related Requirements:

DANCE 200 Writing the Moving Body3 Major Requirements: Complete a minimum of 57 credits. At least 15 upper-level major Dance credits (numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence on the UW–Madison campus. Dance Technique and Theory: Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory Select a minimum of 14 credits from the following; 6 credits must be numbered 211 or higher. DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, 3–5 credits, DANCE 112 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory II, 1-3 credits, DANCE 211 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory III, 1-3 credits, DANCE 212 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory IV, 1-3 credits, DANCE 311 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory V, 1-3 credits, DANCE 312 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory VI, 1-3 credits Ballet Technique Select a minimum of 8 credits from the following; 4 credits must be numbered 225 or higher: DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, 1-2 credits, DANCE 126 Ballet Technique I-B, 1-2 credits, DANCE 225 Ballet Technique II, 1-2 credits, DANCE 226 Ballet Technique II-B, 1-2 credits, DANCE 325 Ballet Technique III, 1-2 credits, DANCE 326 Ballet Technique III-B, 1-2 credits Additional Techniques: Select a minimum of 2 credits. Students may also select from Additional Techniques workshops listed under

DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity

DANCE 560 Current Topics in Dance: Workshop

. Jazz and Ballroom courses do not count toward this requirement. DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity (Hip Hop), 1-2 credits, DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity (Tai Ji), 1-2 credits, DANCE 116 Workshop in World Dance, 2 credits, DANCE 118 African Dance, 1 credit, DANCE/ASIAN AM 121 Asian American Movement, 3 credits, DANCE/THEATRE 218 African Dance Performance, 2 credits, DANCE/AFROAMER/MUSIC 318 Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas, 3 credits, DANCE/FOLKLORE/THEATRE 321 Javanese Performance, 2 credits, DANCE/FOLKLORE/THEATRE 421 Javanese Performance Repertory, 2 credits Additional Required Courses: DANCE 131 Somatic Theory and Practices, 2 credits, DANCE 140 Dance Production, 2 credits, DANCE 156 Movement as Material Through Improvisation, 2 credits, DANCE 157 Introduction to Movement Analysis, 2 credits, DANCE 162 First Year Workshop, 1 credit, DANCE 240 Dance Production Laboratory, 1 credit, DANCE 241 Music Fundamentals for Dancers, 3 credits, DANCE 255 Movement Composition for the Performing and Visual Arts, 2 credits, DANCE 265 Dance History I: Dance in the Modern Era, 3 credits, Design - Complete one of:, 3-4 credits DANCE/ART 341 Sound Design for the Performing and Visual Arts, DANCE 345 Video Design for the Performing and Visual Arts, ART 318 Introduction to Video, Performance & Installation Art, ART 518 Artist's Video, ART 531 Screen Performance, DANCE 355 Dance Composition II, 2 credits, DANCE 365 Dance History II: Directions and Issues of Contemporary Dance, 3 credits, DANCE 462 Senior Seminar, 3 credits, DANCE 463 Senior Project, 1-2 credits, Select 3 credits from the following:, 3 credits DANCE 451 Dance Repertory Theater, DANCE 452 Dance Repertory Theater

Elective Coursework:

Complete additional coursework, if necessary, to reach the minimum of 124 credits.

Careers:

Potential careers for Dance majors include: professional dance, production, dance education in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, and dance/movement therapy. Our graduates also work in the health and fitness industry, Pilates, arts administration, dance advocacy, as well as many other fields. Students develop important skills that employers look for including: Diverse forms of communication, personal expression and connection Collaboration Creative problem solving/critical thinking Adaptability, versatility, and improvisation Resilience; ability to receive and provide feedback Discipline and accountability Applied experiences, including paid internships, apprenticeship programs, career treks, and professional networking events, are available to UW Dance students.