Faculty:

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

The major in dance offers a broad foundation of training that prepares students for maximum flexibility in career choices upon graduation. All students must choose an area of concentration: the performance track is geared for students whose primary goal is to pursue careers as performers; the choreography track is for students most interested in dance composition; and the pedagogy track prepares students to teach dance in a variety of settings; and the pre-dance/movement therapy track 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 involvement is necessary for learning to occur. Students who major in dance or who enroll in dance courses must be physically able to complete the requirements for each course.

Learning Objectives: Dance

1. Identify, define and practice basic terminology and skills in text and/or music analysis, performance, production, management, and design.
2. Identify, execute & evaluate production and performance roles through the collaborative creation of original work in the Performing Arts.
3. Identify, analyze, & interpret a wide selection of artistic, choreographic, and/or theatre repertory and history, including: principal eras, genres, and cultural practices.
4. Evaluate, critique, and reflect upon performance and production experiences both as a participant and an observer
5. Identify and review terminology, dance history and research related to the study of dance. 
6. Investigate an practice a repertoire of individualized movement through creative practice and choreographic experiences.
7. Develop and measure technical proficiency in various styles of dance. 
8. Utilize and respond  to music through performance, choreography, and pedagogy practices.
9. 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 in Modern Dance, Tap, Ballet, and Jazz; any necessary remediation that would be required through level one courses is established as a condition of admission.

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; completion of at least one of the highest level of course offerings in the student’s chosen area of concentration; 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.