DANCE (DAN)

Division of Fine Arts

The goal of the dance minor is to give students an understanding and appreciation of the basic principles of dance performance and to develop each student's individual movement style. A total of 18 hours are required. All dance minors will take a variety of dance techniques classes to gain a broad base of movement knowledge. This knowledge will be the basis for developing performance ability. Furthermore, participation in a variety of dance performances will allow the student to put classroom theories into practice.

Minor Requirements

To earn a dance minor, students must complete a total of 18 hours from three groups:

All first-time dance students wishing to take a dance class on the 200-level must take a placement class to determine each student's technical level.

Courses in Dance

DAN 101 Beginning Modern/Ballet(1)

DAN 111 Beginning Tap (1)

DAN 121 Beginning Jazz (1)

This course is a study of basic jazz vocabulary, combinations, and technique while introducing style, musicality, strength, flexibility, and correct alignment specifically for jazz. May be repeated for credit. Offered every Spring Semester.

DAN 151 Ballroom Dance (1)

Ballroom dance consists of an introduction to American and Latin American ballroom dances. It includes the waltz, fox trot, cha cha, swing, shag, and rhumba and is designed to help the student become a competent social dancer. Same as PE 151. Offered periodically based upon student need.

DAN 201 Intermediate-Advanced Modern/Ballet (1)

This course is a study of more advanced ballet vocabulary and combinations to refine technique and increase strength and flexibility. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered every Spring Semester.

DAN 211 Intermediate-Advanced Tap (1)

This course is a study of more advanced tap vocabulary and combinations while focusing on clarity, speed, rhythm, and individual style. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered every Spring Semester.

DAN 221 Intermediate-Advanced Jazz (1)

This course is a study of more advanced jazz combinations and style to refine technique while enhancing musicality and creative expression. May be repeated for credit. Offered every Fall Semester.

DAN 241 Dance for Musical Theatre (1)

This course is a study of the various styles of dance found in musical theater. Dances will be learned in the context of the shows in which they appear. May be repeated once for credit. Offered every Spring Semester.

DAN 302 Dance Ensemble (1)

This performing ensemble combines concert and musical theatre style dance. Student choreographed works may also be performed. Prerequisite: dance audition. May be repeated four times for credit. Offered every semester.

DAN 351 Dance History (3)

This course is a study of the development of dance from the beginning of mankind through present day. Political, sociological, and psychological attitudes will be examined as well. Offered periodically based upon student need.

DAN 361 Choreography (3)

This course is a study of basic concepts in creating dances in a variety of styles from musical theatre to concert dance. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered every Fall Semester.

DAN 450 Special Topics in Dance (1)

This course presents special topics in dance. Such topics include, but are limited to, African Dance Technique, Chinese Dance Technique, Cape Breton Step Dance Technique, Indian Dance Technique, Acting Technique for Dancers, Current Trends in Dance, and The Dancer's Body. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered every semester.

DAN 471 Directed Study in Dance (1-3)

This course is for advanced students who have developed a sense of direction and maturity in dance. Objectives of this course are defined individually by the student in consultation with the faculty supervisor, and a proposal is submitted to the faculty supervisor for approval within two weeks of the beginning of the semester. Students are expected to be self-motivated and to produce a sequence of work which demonstrates maturity, originality of concept, and technical proficiency. Regular conferences with the faculty supervisor including mid-term review of progress and final evaluation are required. Prerequisite: advanced status and permission of dance faculty. May be repeated once for credit. Offered every semester.