The B.S. in Dance Studies is a degree with a rigorous foundation in both the arts and sciences. The program has a strong emphasis on both the “how” and “why” of dance, with a solid grounding in not only the physical, but also the cultural, historical, aesthetic, entrepreneurial, therapeutic, and theoretical functions of dance. The Dance Studies program prepares graduates for employment, graduate degrees, and/or certification programs in such areas as dance performance, choreography, dance education, production management, arts administration, dance therapy, dance science/medicine, dance history, dance wellness, dance theory and research, somatic therapies, and movement analysis.

Emphasizing the development of the well-rounded dance artist living and working within a global and technological community, we are forwarding the concept of the “thinking dancer” through this program. The relatively small class sizes allow our professional faculty to work closely with each dancer, guiding them individually in their preparation and career pathway. The spirit of creative investigation, original research, and development of connections are main themes - courses stress personal creativity, individual growth, and strong dance training, within a greater context of collaboration and social awareness. The Dance Studies program will provide an excellent means of gaining in-depth knowledge of the art form and its related fields through multi-faceted training in performance, theory, wellness, interdisciplinarity, pedagogy, and current modes of research. The Dance Studies major can be easily paired with a minor or potentially another major in the student’s area of interest.

  also available.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will possess the following competencies:

• Core knowledge of essential principles of biomechanics, injury prevention, somatic awareness and of anatomy as applicable to work in dance and with other bodies.
• The ability to analyze multiple techniques with an inclusive and unbiased approach, be versed in their historical development, and differentiate the pedagogical methods for realizing a variety of diverse dance styles.
• Proficiency in identifying and working conceptually with the elements of dance, and realizing their framework and application in creative, performance, therapeutic, and educational realms.
• Immersion and practice with differing choreographic processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by pluralistic and cultural ideas and contexts.
• Comparative knowledge of the intersections of dance with history, culture, science, art, politics, therapy, education, and technology, and how these are informed by issues of equity/power structures, and diversity.
• Competency in developing and defending critical evaluations, collaborating and engaging with multiple perspectives, self-reflection, and self-assessment.

Dance Studies Program Requirements

Total credits required to fulfill major: 57.5