Dance
Chair, Department of Dance: Mary Rotella, B.F.A.
Dance Faculty:
Visiting guest artists
The Department of Dance offers the bachelor of fine arts in dance, a performance
degree that qualified students can earn in three years and two summers.
Dance at Stephens College combines professional training, discipline and creative
expression within a liberal arts environment. Steeped in tradition, the department
is known for developing a well rounded dancer who can explore many job possibilities
in the professional world. The students are encouraged to achieve their greatest
potential through high expectations, gentle guidance, and excellent training.
Our outstanding professional faculty provide training in modern dance, classical
ballet, theatre jazz and tap. Guest artists broaden the dancer's technical foundation
with study in world dance forms such as Flamenco, East Indian, African, and Russian
Character. Pointe work and partnering are also offered to complement ballet and
modern training. Students develop self-expression as they explore improvisation
and learn the basics of choreography.
Students are also introduced to other aspects of dance as a performing art form
through such courses as lighting for dance, music for dance, and dance history.
Advanced choreography classes in which actual works are created culminate with
studio showcases. The Student New Works Concert and the Senior Capstone Concert
are fully produced in the Warehouse Theatre and offer the students a venue to
present their choreographic expression to the public. As a dance major, the student
becomes a member of Stephens College Dance Company. It is a faculty-directed
company that performs works created by the faculty and guest artists. The company
performs fully produced concerts in the Macklanburg Playhouse. Students may also
audition for the Dimensions Repertory Dance Company, a select group of dancers
that represent the department in community performances and for special events
at Stephens. Other performing opportunities include lecture demonstrations, children's
concerts, community arts festivals, American College Dance Festival performances,
and two musicals a year produced by the Theatre department.
Stephens Summer Dance is an intensive six weeks of study divided into two parts:
the Dance Performance Workshop and the Dance Techniques Workshop. During the
Dance Performance Workshop, students explore the creative process of musical
theatre, modern and ballet with internationally renowned, innovative choreographers.
The Dance Techniques Workshop is a conservatory approach offering two technique
classes daily taught by our faculty and guest artists. A concert of all choreographic
works created during this intensive study is performed at the close of Stephens
Summer Dance.
Dance degree candidates are evaluated each semester to encourage their artistic
and technical development. A career in the performing arts is a challenging choice
and this is a very professional program which demands a strong work ethic, discipline,
and high level of proficiency. Those students who fail to display these necessary
attributes could be put on probation or asked to leave the program.
Dance graduates have found careers performing in concert companies, and on Broadway.
They have become teachers, choreographers and directors. Many continue the study
of dance in professional or graduate schools.
Requirements for the B.F.A. Major in
Dance
The bachelor of fine arts major in dance requires completion
of liberal arts requirements including 2.0 required liberal arts courses
as specified and 25 courses in the major. This must include two summers of
Stephens Summer Dance and 12.0 courses of technique credit, regardless of
original placement, with a minimum of 4.0 credits at the Tech III level.
Program responsibilities include ushering, backstage work and strikes for
all dance concerts.
NOTE: In the following course listings
(1c) = 1.0 course or 3 semester hours.
Required Courses
BIO 301: Structural Kinesiology (1c)
DAN 111: Dance Techniques I - World Dance (.5c)
DAN 112: Freshman Techniques (1.5c)
DAN 113: Dance Techniques I (2c)
DAN 170: Choreography I (1c)
DAN 220: Improvisation (.5c)
DAN 231: Dance Techniques II (2c)
DAN 233: Dance Techniques II (2c)
DAN 351: Dance Techniques III (2c)
DAN 353: Dance Techniques III (2c)
DAN 360: Choreography II: Solo (.5c)
DAN 360: Choreography II: Group (.5c)
DAN 460: Senior Seminar (.5c)
DAN 465: Senior Project (.5c)
MUS 105: Fundamentals of Music (1c) or
MUS 110: Music Theory I (1c)
Electives
Choose 2.5 courses from the following:
DAN 242: Pointe (.5c)
| DAN 280: Topics: | Pointe and Partnering (.5c) |
| Repertoire (.5c) | |
| Theatre Dance (.5c) | |
| World Dance (.5c) | |
| Performance Techniques (.5c) |
| DAN 380: Topics: | Choreography II (.5c) |
| Pedogogy (.5) | |
| Advanced Pointe and Partnering (.5c) | |
| Advanced Repertoire (.5c) | |
| Advanced Theatre Dance (.5c) |
Required Liberal Arts Courses
DAN 324C: History of Dance (1c)
THA 122F: Acting I (1c)
Required Summer Courses
(On-campus housing required)
First Year: (2.5c)
DAN 225: Dance Techniques Workshop I (1c)
DAN 238: Lighting and Production (.5c)
DAN 267: Dance Performance Workshop I (1c)
Second Year: (2.5c)
DAN 137: Music for Dance (.5c)
DAN 325: Dance Techniques Workshop II (1c)
DAN 367: Dance Performance Workshop II (1c)
Dance Courses
DAN 101F: Introduction to Modern Dance
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
A class of modern techniques for the non-major. Recommended for students who
have some previous dance training. Especially beneficial for students majoring
in other performing arts.
DAN 103: Beginning Ballet Techniques
(.5 course)
(Open to all students, may be repeated for credit)
Introduction to ballet for the non-major. Recommended for other performing
arts majors to become conversant with the fundamentals of dance and dance vocabulary.
DAN 104: Beginning Modern Techniques
(.5 course)
(Open to all students, may be repeated for credit)
A class of modern dance techniques for the non-major student. Recommended for
students with some previous dance training and for students interested in becoming
a dance major. Especially beneficial for students majoring in other performing
arts.
DAN 105: Beginning World Dance Techniques
(.25 course)
(Open to all students, may be repeated for credit)
World dance techniques for the student who is interested in multi-cultural
understanding through dance. Techniques offered have included: jazz and tap,
African and Caribbean, Haitian, East Indian, Spanish/flamenco, Russian and
Irish.
DAN 111: Dance Techniques I
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: Dance majors only; nonmajors must have permission of instructor.)
The study of World Dance with special guest artists in techniques such as Flamenco,
African, East Indian, Russian Character and traditional Japanese and Kabuki
Dance.
DAN 112: Freshman Techniques
(1.5 courses)
(Freshman dance majors or permission of instructor.)
This course is designed to introduce the freshman dance major to the philosophies
of the Department of Dance. The core technique course will provide instruction
and training in Ballet, Modern and Jazz dance.
DAN 113: Dance Techniques I
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 112 or permission of instructor.)
Course emphasizes techniques as well as flexibility and strength, coordination
and control. Includes classes in Ballet, Modern and Jazz.
DAN 137: Music for Dance
(.5 course)
(Summer only)
Study of the relationship of music to dance, basic rhythmic form and analysis
of the elements of music and techniques of accompanying dance.
DAN 170: Choreography I
(1.0 course)
(Open to students with dance training)
Study of the organization of movement and the relationship of different elements
of dance composition.
DAN 220: Improvisation
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: DAN 112 or permission of instructor)
Exploration of movement expression through a variety of approaches experienced
and performed spontaneously to broaden movement range individually and in groups.
Students also learn the role of improvisation leading to choreography.
DAN 225: Dance Techniques Workshop I
(1.0 course)
(Summer only)
(Prerequisite: audition or permission of instructor)
Daily classes: modern, ballet and jazz.
DAN 231: Dance Techniques II
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 113 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 113 involving the development of space-time coordination
in more complex dance phrases.
DAN 233: Dance Techniques II
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 231 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 231.
DAN 238: Lighting and Production
(.5 course)
(Summer only)
Introduction to the theory and practice of stage lighting. The course also
introduces the student to all the aspects of a stage production from the backstage
perspective.
DAN 240: Variations
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: DAN 112 or audition.)
This class will offer the study of important solo dances from the classical
ballet repertory, commonly called "variations". The practice of variations
is especially beneficial to the student dancer by enabling her/him to make
important esthetic connections between the practice of classroom ballet technique
and the art of performance. The student dancer will learn style, technique,
coordination and strength by practicing iconic solo choreography chose from
landmark ballets.
DAN 242: Pointe
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: DAN 112 or audition.)
Development of classical pointe technique including relevés, piqués, bourées,
pirouettes, and petits sautés sur les pointes through barre and center work.
DAN 267: Dance Performance Workshop I
(1.0 course)
(Summer only)
A studio course in modern, ballet and musical theatre dance techniques; repertory
and participation in creating new works to understand the craft of choreography;
the inclusion of performance skills and rehearsals leading to a concert performance.
DAN 280: Topics in Dance
(.5 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses such as Repertoire, Performance Techniques, Pointe and Partnering
and Theatre Dance.
DAN 324C: History of Dance
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior or senior standing)
Study of the development of dance, including dance forms, major choreographers
and major dancers. Cultivation of cultural historical perspective. Writing
Intensive.
DAN 325: Dance Techniques Workshop II
(1.0 course)
(Summer only)
(Prerequisites: audition and permission of instructor)
A continuation of DAN 225.
DAN 351: Dance Techniques III
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 233 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 233, with emphasis on the development of individual style.
Students are expected to be able to learn more complex phrases quickly.
DAN 353: Dance Techniques III
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 351 or permission of instructor)
A continuation of DAN 351.
DAN 360: Choreography II
(.5 course each)
(To be taken two times)
(Prerequisite: DAN 220 or permission of instructor)
Students create two dances that are thematically developed, using prior knowledge
of phrasing and the elements of design, rhythm, dynamics and motivation. Dances
must include a solo and a group.
DAN 365: Internship
(0-1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of dance faculty)
A dance internship experience in various aspects of dance to be planned by
the cooperating company/organization, dance faculty and student. Experiences
such as assisting choreographers, production management, and outside performing
opportunities are possible.
DAN 367: Dance Performance Workshop II
(1.0 course)
(Summer only)
A continuation of DAN 267.
DAN 370: Practicum
(.25-1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of faculty sponsor and program chair.)
Recommended for dance majors who are interested in teaching or other dance
related applications.
DAN 380: Topics in Dance
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
These courses include advanced Pointe and Partnering, Pedagogy, Repertoire,
and Theatre Dance.
DAN 460: Senior Seminar
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: DAN 360, senior standing or permission of instructor)
A synoptic course that synthesizes the senior's knowledge and experiences in
dance, related arts and the liberal arts. Components include (1) a solo for
professional auditions, (2) professional portfolio (resume, photo, video documentation
of choreography and performances) and (3) practical applications and discussions
regarding career options, unions, contracts, auditions, networking, etc. with
professional dancers, choreographers, artistic directors and other professionals.
DAN 465: Senior Project
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: DAN 460, senior standing or permission of instructor)
The continuation of DAN 460 Senior Seminar. Students culminate their choreographic
and performance experience in the major to create their capstone choreographic
work for performance in the Senior Showcase production in the Warehouse Theatre.
In addition to the creative aspect, which is the main focus of the course,
students will be required to plan and produce the concert which involves everything
from advertising, ticket sales and hanging lights to working with lighting
designers.
DAN 471: Dance Techniques IV
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 353 or permission of instructor)
Advanced studies in modern, ballet and world dance techniques.
DAN 473: Dance Techniques IV
(2.0 courses)
(Prerequisite: DAN 471 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 471.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials,
readings, projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate
a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent study
may be obtained in the department office or in the Office of the Registrar.
