The Department of Theatre and Dance provides intensive exposure to several artistic forms. Students electing a major can expect to pursue, depending on their area of focus, some combination of acting, directing, design, playwriting, dramatic literature, dance or screenwriting.
Required for the Major: All majors take the following course: Independent Project (TH 500 Dance, TH 701 or TH 705 Theatre). In addition to this, students majoring in this department will focus in theatre or dance.
Central to the dance emphasis is the development and understanding of the creative artist through critical study and regular practice in contemporary dance techniques, improvisation and choreography, history, theory, experiential anatomy and kinesiology, and performance. Individual talents and interests will draw a student toward advanced study/application of dance in many possible areas within the department and/or broad College curriculum. The dance major is designed to provide a solid and extensive base of intellectual and experiential expertise in dance, applicable widely, as well as necessary flexibility to accommodate individual educational goals.
Course Requirements for a Dance Major
· ARDV 0116 The Creative Process
· DANC 0284 Dance History
· DANC 0376 Anatomy and Kinesiology
· Four terms of technique at or above the 200 level
· Two other courses at the 200 level or above are carefully selected in consultation with a dance faculty advisor to complete the major and to deepen expertise in the dimension of dance study appropriate to the individual student. Suggested are courses in history of art and architecture, creative writing, music, theatre, design, or film/media.
· DANC 0500 Independent project, normally undertaken in the second semester of the junior or senior year.
· A 700-level independent project may be approved for the senior year if supported by prior exemplary work and careful planning.
Course Requirements for a Joint Major
· Three courses in dance technique and choreography, two of which are at or above the 200 level
· ARDV 0116 The Creative Process
· DANC 0284 Dance History
· DANC 0376 Anatomy and Kinesiology OR DANC 0277 Body and Earth
· DANC 0500 Senior Independent Project
Course Requirements for a Dance Minor
· Three courses in dance technique and choreography at or above the 200 level
· DANC 0284 Dance History or DANC/SOAN 0272 Performing Culture
· DANC 0376 Anatomy and Kinesiology OR DANC 0277 Body and Earth
One additional course from theatre, dance, and film/video course listings