Faculty:

• Ken Clothier, M.F.A.
• Joseph Domencic, M.M.
• Karen Glass, M.F.A.
• Nicole Jones, B.A.
• Denise Pullen, M.F.A.
• Shana Simmons, M.A.
• TaMara Swank, M.S.
• Kellee Van Aken, Ph.D.

The major in dance offers multidisciplinary training that prepares students for maximum flexibility in career choices upon graduation. The dance performance degree is geared toward students whose primary goal is to pursue careers as performers. Students pursuing the dance performance degree must choose a commercial dance or concert dance concentration. The choreography degree is for students most interested in dance composition. The integrated dance studies degree provides the student with the flexibility to pursue a second major (or minor) in another area of study. The Dance Education concentration, which explores dance in a variety of settings, prepares students to become certified Dance Educators (PreK - 12) in Pennsylvania. Additional certifications, including Elementary (PreK - 4), may be added through testing. The pre-dance/movement therapy concentration prepares the student for graduate degree study in dance/movement therapy. The major also provides excellent preparation for students who hope to further their dance studies in graduate school. Dance is a kinesthetic discipline in which extensive physical participation and engagement is necessary for learning to occur. Students who major in dance or who enroll in dance courses must be able to meet the kinesthetic technical elements for each course.

Learning Objectives: Dance

1. Identify and review terminology, dance history and research related to the study of dance.
2. Investigate and practice a repertoire of individualized movement through creative practice and choreographic experiences.
3. Develop and measure technical proficiency in various styles of dance. 
4. Utilize and respond  to music through performance, choreography, and pedagogy practices.
5. Synthesize technique, performance, choreographic and pedagogical knowledge and skills acquired in the design and planning for professional work and graduate studies.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in dance must complete the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements, the capstone assessment requirement, and the required courses for the major.

Acceptance into the dance major is based on the successful completion of an audition and interview with dance faculty, as well as admission to the University. Completion of this process enables the applicant to compete for merit-based scholarships in dance. The audition process also provides an assessment of the applicant’s proficiency levels for class placement.

The capstone assessment includes successful completion of required coursework and assignments; completion of a first year goal-setting assignment in relation to the integration of dance and university learning objectives; effective fulfillment of required performance work; and achievement of designated proficiencies. Students must also complete required internships where applicable, a major entrepreneurially-oriented project in the student’s chosen area of professional focus, and a statement on how the attainment and integration of major and University learning objectives informed the project and the student’s plans for the future.

A minimum of 120 credits is required.