Dance Major (B.F.A.) - Undergraduate - 2014 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2014 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance program combines conservatory-based training in many genres of dance with a liberal arts curriculum to prepare students for careers as professional dancers. Students are offered ample opportunities to choreograph and perform in conjunction with their coursework. The program is based within the Department of Theatre & Dance.  For further information, go to BFA Dance. (note: All Theatre & Dance majors must pass yearly juries/portfolio reviews and faculty evaluation for continuation in the programs.)

Curriculum Requirements:

All university students must complete a set of General Education Requirements applicable to their specific degree.  Dance BFA students must, in addition: (a) attain the Advanced level in one dance technique and Intermediate in the other for at least one semester prior to graduation; and (b) complete the major course requirements listed below:



DANCE MAJOR

Complete 83 semester hours including the following 2 requirement(s):

  1. PERFORMANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY

    Complete 4 requirements:

    1. DANCE TECHNIQUE: MODERN

      Complete 24 semester hours from the following:

      DNCE 241 Dance Technique: Modern II (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio) 3
      DNCE 341 Dance Technique: Modern III (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio) 3
      DNCE 441 Dance Technique: Modern IV (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio) 3
    2. DANCE TECHNIQUE: BALLET

      Complete 24 semester hours from the following:

      DNCE 255 Dance Technique: Ballet II 2-3
      DNCE 355 Dance Technique: Ballet III (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio) 2-3
      DNCE 455 Dance Technique: Ballet IV (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio) 3
    3. DANCE REPERTORY

      Complete for 4 semester hours.

      DNCE 485 Dance Repertory (1 hour lecture, 3 hours studio) 0.5
    4. IMPROVISATION AND CHOREGRAPHY

      Complete 4 courses for 8 semester hours:

      DNCE 161 Choreography I (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio) 2
      DNCE 261 Choreography II (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio) 2
      DNCE 265 Dance Improvisation (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio) 2
      DNCE 361 Choreography III (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio) 2
  2. THEORETICAL STUDIES

    Complete 8 courses for 23 semester hours:

    DNCE 130 Dance Science (1 hour lab, 2 hours lecture) 3
    DNCE 150 Production Elements-Dance (4 hours lecture) 2
    DNCE 205 Rhythmic Analysis (3 hours lecture) 3
    DNCE 235 Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals (3 hours lecture) 3
    DNCE 245 World Dance (4 hours lab) 3
    DNCE 262 Visual Media Design and Technology for Live Performance (3 hours lab, 1 hour lecture) 3
    DNCE 317 Dance History: 1661-Present (3 hours lecture) 3
    DNCE 325 Dance Methods (3 hours lecture) 3

Course Descriptions:

DNCE130: Dance Science (1 hour lab, 2 hours lecture)

This course seeks to provide the dance student an educational experience where anatomical and kinesiological concepts are taught in the context of dance performance and injury prevention. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: For Dance (DANC), Dance Education Studio Teaching (DAST), Dance Education P-12 Teacher Certification (DAED) students only.

DNCE150: Production Elements-Dance (4 hours lecture)

Introduction to technical productions related to dance. Survey of terminology, application of production principles, and aesthetic potential for production. 2 sh.

DNCE161: Choreography I (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio)

Elements and methods of dance composition. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE 265.

DNCE205: Rhythmic Analysis (3 hours lecture)

All basic rhythmic structures (basic note values, meter, etc.) covered and immediately applied to movement; games, notational assignments, and choreographic studies used to create understanding of the inherent rhythm within all basic dance movement. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors only.

DNCE235: Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals (3 hours lecture)

Introduces principles and practical applications of Laban Movement Analysis and the Bartenieff Fundamentals. Presents LMA as a comprehensive system of analyzing, observing and notating human movement. Bartenieff Fundamentals, a body therapy used to increase body and movement efficiency with greater ease, explores the functional anatomy of body organization and patterning in human movement. Course includes both theory and practical application. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors only.

DNCE241: Dance Technique: Modern II (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio)

Further study and application of basic movement vocabulary, alignment, complex movement patterns, style and performance. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors or minors only.

DNCE245: World Dance (4 hours lab)

The distinctive techniques customarily related to specific non-western cultures. The groups studied will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for a maximum of twelve (12) credits. Meets the World Culture Requirement. If taken more than once, must be with a different cultural content. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. 3 sh.

DNCE255: Dance Technique: Ballet II

Further study of beginning ballet with emphasis on structural alignment, barre work and center floor exercises. DNCE majors: 3 credits. THMT majors: 2-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 2 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance and Musical Theatre majors and minors only.

DNCE261: Choreography II (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio)

Dance choreography with emphasis on small group works and solos, including form and structure. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE 161.

DNCE262: Visual Media Design and Technology for Live Performance (3 hours lab, 1 hour lecture)

An introduction to the design and technology of visual media for live performance events such as theatre, dance, and concerts. Cross listed with THTR 262. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 150 or THTR 152 or DNCE 150.

DNCE265: Dance Improvisation (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio)

Basic skills and problems in dance improvisation. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors or minors only.

DNCE317: Dance History: 1661-Present (3 hours lecture)

In this course, we will undertake the study of dance in its historical context, with reference to the development of ballet, modern dance, post-modernism, contemporary trends and musical theatre. We will focus on the development of Western Theatrical concert dance (ballet, modern, jazz) with a nod to the evolution of social dance in this country as it influenced and affected the concert dance. Dance history is not independent of "History" History so we will look at what was going on in the world at various times that influenced dance as we know it. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE 241 or DNCE 255.

DNCE325: Dance Methods (3 hours lecture)

Approaches, problems, resources and techniques for teaching and developing dance programs geared to grades 7-12 and various adult levels. Includes curriculum, unit and lesson planning as well as practical application of methodology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors only.

DNCE341: Dance Technique: Modern III (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio)

Further study and application of basic movement vocabulary, complex movement patterns, style and performance. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors and minors only and DNCE 141 and DNCE 241; or audition.

DNCE355: Dance Technique: Ballet III (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio)

Advanced technique in ballet with emphasis on individualized placement. Work on musicality, line, dynamics and stylistic refinement. DNCE majors: 3 credits. THMT majors: 2-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 2 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Musical Theatre Majors/Minors, Dance majors and minors only, DNCE 255, or by audition.

DNCE361: Choreography III (3 hours lecture, 1 hour studio)

Exploring and applying performance concepts and techniques used in choreographing for groups of varying sizes. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE 261.

DNCE441: Dance Technique: Modern IV (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio)

Continuation of DNCE 341. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors and minors only and DNCE 141 and DNCE 241 and DNCE 341; or audition.

DNCE455: Dance Technique: Ballet IV (2 hours lecture, 4 hours studio)

Advanced ballet technique with emphasis on individualized placement. Continuation of work with intricate, technically difficult sequences. Continuation of emphasis on musicality, line, dynamics, and stylistic refinement. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors and minors only and DNCE 155 and DNCE 255 and DNCE 355; or audition.

DNCE485: Dance Repertory (1 hour lecture, 3 hours studio)

Dancing, choreographing, or providing technical assistance for the MSU Repertory Dance Company. Must be taken every semester. 0.5 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance majors and minors only and audition.

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