Dance Minor

Program Overview

---

Through coursework and practical experience, students gain a deep understanding of dance techniques, history, and choreography. The program is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing students for careers in professional dance, choreography, teaching, and other dance-related fields.

Program Outline

Through a combination of coursework and practical experience, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of dance techniques, history, and choreography.

---

Objectives:

The Dance Minor aims to:

• Equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for dance creation.
• Foster students' creativity and critical thinking through dance practice and theory.
• Provide opportunities for students to collaborate with other artists and dancers.

---

Description:

The Dance Minor is designed to be flexible and accessible to students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Students can choose from a variety of dance forms, including ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. The curriculum includes courses on anatomy, music theory, dance history, choreography, and performance.

---

Outline:

---

Program Content:

The Dance Minor curriculum consists of 18 credit hours, including:

• 3 credits: BIO 112 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (or BIO 220 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BIO 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab)
• 3 credits: MUS 181 Foundations of Music Theory and Musicianship (or THE 215 Acting)
• 3 credits: THE 213 Introduction to Dance History
• 3 credits: THE 413 Dance Choreography & Composition
• 6 credits: Elective Courses in dance forms such as ballet, jazz, modern, and tap

---

Structure:

The Dance Minor is designed to be completed in conjunction with a major in another field. Students typically take 2-3 dance courses per semester.

---

Course Schedule:

Specific course offerings and schedules vary from semester to semester. Students should consult the York College of Pennsylvania course catalog for the most up-to-date information.

---

Modules:

• BIO 112/BIO 220/BIO 221: These courses provide students with a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, essential for safe and effective dance practice.
• MUS 181/THE 215: These courses introduce students to the basic principles of music theory and performance, providing valuable tools for understanding and creating dance pieces.
• THE 213: This course explores the history of dance from its ancient origins to the present day, placing dance in a broader cultural and historical context.
• THE 413: This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their own choreographic skills, working with other dancers to create original pieces.
• Elective Courses: Students can choose from a variety of dance forms to tailor their minor to their specific interests and goals.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods for the Dance Minor may vary depending on the specific courses taken. However, some common assessment methods include:

• Performance: Students may be assessed on their technical proficiency, creativity, and expression through performance in dance classes and productions.
• Written Assignments: Students may be required to write papers, reviews, or other written assignments on topics related to dance history, theory, or criticism.
• Presentations: Students may be asked to give presentations on their own choreographic work or other research projects.

---

Teaching:

The Dance Minor is taught by experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in dance performance, choreography, and education. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Technical Instruction: Students receive rigorous training in dance technique and vocabulary, focusing on proper alignment, body mechanics, and movement control.
• Creative Exploration: Students are encouraged to experiment and explore their own creativity through improvisation and choreography exercises.
• Critical Analysis: Students engage in discussions and analysis of dance history, theory, and aesthetics.

---

Careers:

The Dance Minor can prepare students for a variety of careers in the dance industry, including:

• Professional Dancer: Students may choose to pursue a career as a dancer in a professional dance company, musical theatre production, or cruise line.
• Choreographer: Students can develop their choreographic skills and work with professional dancers or create their own independent dance works.
• Dance Teacher: Students can teach dance at studios, schools, or other organizations.
• Dance Critic/Writer: Students can use their knowledge of dance history and theory to write reviews, essays, or other critical works.
• Dance Therapist: Students can combine their passion for dance with their desire to help others by pursuing a career in dance therapy.

---

Other:

• The Dance Minor is open to all York College of Pennsylvania students, regardless of major.
• Students in the Dance Minor have the opportunity to participate in York College's dance productions, which are held throughout the academic year.
• The Dance Minor provides students with a strong foundation in dance, preparing them for further study at the graduate level or for professional careers in the field.