Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance provides a comprehensive education in performance, choreography, and teaching, preparing students for careers in dance and related fields. The program emphasizes wellness, dance technology, and intercultural experience, and culminates in a senior capstone project demonstrating technical proficiency and knowledge synthesis. Graduates are equipped for roles as dance company members, teachers, independent artists, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance provides a comprehensive and rigorous dance education compatible with other academic disciplines for students seeking a double major. The BA in dance prepares students for their chosen profession and entrepreneurial role in society.

Objectives:

• Provide students with an excellent education in performance, choreography, and teaching.
• Equip students with additional components of wellness for dance, dance technology, and intercultural experience.

Outline:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Core Dance Courses: Wellness for Dancers, Modern Dance Technique, Ballet, Jazz Dance, Dance Composition, Principles of Dance Production, Teaching of Dance, Music for Dance, Dance Kinesiology, Field Experience in Dance Technique, Dance in Contemporary Times, Senior Capstone I: Dance Research.
• Dance Theory and Practice (Technique): Ballet, Jazz Dance, Contemporary Partnering.
• Composition and Technology: Dance Technology, Dance Composition.
• Social and Historical Perspectives: Society and Social Dance, Dance in the Political World.

Assessment:

The program utilizes competency-based assessments to determine students' proficiency levels, advancement in technique and performance, and synthesis of knowledge. These assessments align with the National Association of Schools of Dance standards for liberal arts degree programs. By the end of their final year, students must demonstrate the following technical proficiency requirements:

• Level IV in Modern Dance (required)
• Level III in Ballet (recommended)
• Level III in Jazz Dance (recommended)

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members employ various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and practical training. The program also offers unique opportunities for students to participate in guest artist residencies, repertory experiences, and high-impact practice courses.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are employed in a wide range of careers in dance, including:

• Dance company members
• Dance teachers and professors
• Independent dance artists
• Wellness and fitness specialists
• Art administrators
• Adaptive dance instructors
• Costume and lighting designers