Session Description

Dance – Bachelor of Arts The Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance provides an excellent education in performance, choreography, and teaching, with additional components of wellness for dance, dance technology, and intercultural experience, preparing students for their chosen profession and entrepreneurial role in society. This nationally renowned and rigorous program provides a comprehensive dance education that is compatible with other academic disciplines for students desiring a double major. The BA in dance can be completed in four years or on a compressed 3-year accelerated schedule for those completing summer study and/or bringing an Associate’s Degree. Bachelor of Arts in Dance: 40-42 credits The BA program attracts a diverse population of students who are interested in a well-rounded program that allows for multiple performance and choreography opportunities, including both live and virtual (dance for the camera) performances. In addition to the many performing and choreography opportunities, Dance BA students will learn to expand and perfect artistic and research abilities through various courses in technique, performance, choreography, dance history, wellness for dance and teaching. Dance BA students complete a capstone course in the senior year, ensuring a well-rounded education relevant for dance professionals in the 21st century. Our graduates are employed in many careers in dance, including dance company members, dance teachers and professors, independent dance artists, wellness and fitness specialists, art administrators, adaptive dance instructors, costume and lighting designers, and other related careers. The application and synthesis of practice and theory competencies are required for employment in the dance field. It is recommended that BA students be enrolled in a minimum of one technique class per semester. Competency based assessments will be used to determine level of proficiency, advancement in technique and performance, and synthesis of knowledge. The systematic assessment procedures developed by the dance faculty were created in conjunction with the National Association of Schools of Dance standards for liberal arts degree programs. By the end of the final year, BA dance students must demonstrate the following technical proficiency requirements: Level IV in Modern Dance (required) Level III in Ballet (recommended) Level III in Jazz Dance (recommended) Program Learning Outcomes Choreography: Create and organize movement into artistic and aesthetic choreography. Communication and Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to communicate and think critically in the areas of performance, choreography, and teaching. Cultural Diversity: Synthesize the social, political, and artistic role of dance in world cultures. Degree Program Writing Competency: Demonstrate writing that is clear, cohesive, and relevant to the dance field, utilizing appropriate vocabulary, grammar, research, and citation methods. Teaching: Organize the knowledge, skills, aesthetics and art of dance into effective, ethical and responsible teaching practices. Technique: Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts in dance technique and performance in DANC 420 (modern dance technique IV). Wellness: Students will apply dance wellness principles in the areas of performance, teaching, and choreography.