Dance students perform on stage in Mitrani Hall

Dance (Minor)

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Dance gives us a lens through which to view humanity, as dance has been around as long as people, in every culture around the world.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Department
College
Program Contact
Director of Dance, Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance
illustration of Carver Hall

Dance addresses the only universal language — body language (a concept widely discussed by dance practitioners, body language experts, and those who work in various health fields.) It allows us to operate through an alternate mode of study — physicality, in order to develop our creativity, attention to detail, mind/body coordination, and sense of expression. 

Our dance minor covers a broad range of topics aimed at developing technique, exploring the history of the form, expanding performance skills, exploring multi-cultural forms, and practicing the craft of dance-making. The program seeks to instill students with knowledge of current and contemporary practices and philosophies within the field, while revealing potential career possibilities both directly and indirectly related to the art form itself.

Through analytic, critical, physical, artistic and practical experiences, students will digest a broad view of dance, while having the ability to select electives appropriate to their direct interests and/or area of major studies. Elective options include courses such as anatomy, nutrition, theatre, exercise science studies, among others, and will complement many career opportunities and directions.

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Courses and Curriculum

The Minor in Dance program consists of 21 credits which cover a broad range of topics aimed at developing technique, exploring the history of the form, expanding performance skills, exploring multi-cultural forms, and practicing the craft of dance-making. The program seeks to instill students with knowledge of current and contemporary practices and philosophies within the field, while revealing potential career possibilities both directly and indirectly related to the art form itself. Through analytical, critical, physical, artistic and practical experiences, students will digest a broad view of dance, while having the ability to select electives appropriate to their direct interests and/or area of major studies.

Required Courses: (6 total credits)

  • DANCE.111 Dance History Topics
  • DANCE.224 Choreography I

Choose 3 technique courses: (8 to 9 total credits required)

  • DANCE.221 Ballet II
  • DANCE.222 Modern I/II
  • DANCE.223 Jazz II
  • DANCE.117 Beginning Jazz I and Ballet

Options: Choose 6 credits from the lists below: (Include Repertory and/or Ensemble)

(Note: Select 7 credits below if taking DANCE.117 above for 2 credits.)

  • BIOLOGY.173 Anatomy & Physiology (Note: BIOLOGY.173, BIOLOGY.174 & PHYSICS.111 are prerequisites for EXERCISE.351)
  • BIOLOGY.205 Introduction to Nutrition
  • *DANCE.228 Ensemble (credit requires approved faculty mentored project)
  • *DANCE.229 Repertory (May be Repeated for Credit)
  • DANCE.290 Special Topics: May include Tap, Improvisation, African Dance or Other
  • EXERCISE.270 Exercise and You
  • EXERCISE.278 Yoga
  • EXERCISE.351 Kinesiology
  • THEATRE.200 Voice and Movement
  • THEATRE.112 Fundamentals of Acting

*Students must enroll at least once in either Repertory or Ensemble. Ensemble does not have to be taken for credit to satisfy the requirement, and it may be repeated.

The Husky Difference

Alumna Kim Davis performs on stage with Meghan Trainor
Rising Star
Christina Davis '13, a dance minor graduate, has been performing on tour for years as a backup dancer for many top talents, such as Meghan Trainor.

Careers

The study of dance as an art form develops superb intellectual, artistic, physical and emotional competencies. Dedication, precision, shared collaboration, and critical body awareness are just a few of the skills students may gain. Such work is highly transferable to many fields including nursing, teaching, counseling, physical therapy, and theatre among others.

Potential Job Opportunities

  • Arts Therapy
  • Dance Therapy
  • Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Choreography and Performance
  • Educational Psychology
  • Cultural Studies and Anthropology

Top Skills Employers are Looking For

  • physicality
  • creativity
  • attention to detail
  • coordination
  • sense of expression

Dance Documentary

Dance Contact

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