Major in Dance, B.F.A., Dance Education Concentration
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Dance with a Dance Education Concentration prepares students for teaching dance in various settings. It offers a holistic approach, emphasizing pedagogy, dance techniques, performance, choreography, and equitable teaching practices. Students gain extensive practical experience through supervised teaching and field work, and the program equips them to apply for dance teaching licensure in Colorado.
Program Outline
Program Details: Major in Dance, B.F.A., Dance Education Concentration
Degree Overview:
This program prepares students to teach dance in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and community settings. It provides extensive professional experience through supervised teaching and field work in all three areas. The degree equips students to apply for dance teaching licensure (grades P-12) in Colorado in conjunction with CSU's Center for Educator Preparation.
Key Features:
- Holistic Approach: In-depth training in pedagogy, classical, contemporary, and urban dance techniques, performance, choreography, anatomy and kinesiology, music for dance, production design, and career development.
- Performance Opportunities: Students are eligible to perform in four annual dance concerts starting in their freshman year.
- Dedicated Faculty and Staff: The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance boasts esteemed faculty and administrative and production staff dedicated to supporting student education in the arts.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
Develop Best Pedagogical Practices:
Apply research, assessment, critical thinking, and advocacy skills to develop best pedagogical practices as a dance teacher in various settings.
Plan Inclusive Curriculum:
Assess students' backgrounds, abilities, developmental levels, and individual identities to plan curriculum that considers their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Embrace Community Engagement:
Explore the multitude of ways in which community engagement is embedded in dance, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
Demonstrate Technical and Artistic Achievement:
Demonstrate technical and artistic achievement in classical, contemporary, and urban dance performance, teaching, and choreography.
Teaching:
- Supervised Teaching and Field Experience: Each dance education class involves supervised teaching and field experience, providing students with extensive professional experience.
- Practical and Theoretical Knowledge Application: Students have multiple opportunities to apply practical and theoretical knowledge in tangible ways.
Careers:
- Teaching: Students are prepared to teach dance in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and community settings.
- Dance Teaching Licensure: The degree equips students to apply for dance teaching licensure (grades P-12) in Colorado.
Other:
- Focus Areas: The program focuses on technique, performance, repertoire, choreography, improvisation, pedagogy, teaching methodologies, history, theory, technical production, design, guest artists, and masterclasses.
- Dance Audition: A dance audition is required for entrance into the B.F.A. and B.A. dance degrees. Admission is competitive, so early application is encouraged.
- Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum grade of C is required in all dance courses required for this major.
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Requirements: A successful audition is required prior to entrance into the B.F.A. in Dance.
- Minimum Grade: A minimum grade of C is required in all dance courses required for this major.
