Dec 26, 2024  
Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Course Catalog 2024-2025

Dance Major


The major consists of a minimum of 9.5 full courses (or the equivalent) and a production crew requirement.

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.


arrow View the catalog page for the dance department.    


Summary of Requirements


Declaring the Major


Students planning to major in dance must secure the approval for a program of study from a member of the dance faculty who thereby agrees to act as the student’s academic advisor.

At the time of their major declaration and in consultation with their academic advisors, students will provisionally specify those courses that will meet the focused study requirement.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major


Before credit is awarded for off-campus study, students must obtain tentative prior approval from the department chair and Study Away. After the study is completed, the student must supply evidence of satisfactory participation.

A maximum of three courses of off-campus study may be applied to the dance major.

Course Sequence Suggestions


Potential dance majors are advised to complete the breadth of study requirement first.

Honors in Dance


In the second semester of the junior year qualified students may be admitted to the Honors Program in Dance. The honors project may be either:

  • a creative project in dance performance or choreography;
  • a research in dance history, criticism; or
  • a theory resulting in a substantial written thesis.

Please note, a creativity-focused project must also include a significant research and written component.

At the completion of the honors project, a panel consisting of the honors candidate’s faculty advisor and at least two other faculty members—including a faculty member from outside the department—will examine the student’s work.

Contact the dance department for application and other information concerning honors work.

Detailed Major Requirements


Breadth of Study Requirement


Return to the summary of requirements.

Focused Study Requirement


Return to the summary of requirements.

Students consult with their advisors when selecting focused studies courses.

The focused study requirement provides concentrated preparation in an area of dance related to the student’s personal and professional goals. The requirement may be met by courses in any of the four areas of study offered by the department: critical inquiry, physical techniques, creation and performance, or somatic studies (generally at the 200-level and above). Up to two courses taken outside the dance department can be used toward this requirement provided those courses relate directly to the chosen area of study and that they will meaningfully inform the student’s senior capstone project. All such considerations and decisions are at the discretion of the program chair.