Dance
Department
Chair: Mary Rotella, B.F.A.
Dance Faculty:
Jan Miller, Ballet Instructor
Deborah Carr, B.F.A., Modern Instructor
Visiting
guest artists
The Department of Dance offers a bachelor of fine arts, 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 provides 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 the dancer's
training. Students develop self-expression as they explore improvisation
and learn the process 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 several community performances
and for special events at Stephens. Other performing opportunities
for both companies include lecture demonstrations, children's concerts,
community arts festivals, and the American College Dance Festival
performances . Dance majors are also allowed to audition for 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 three technique classes
daily taught by our faculty and guest artists in ballet, modern
and jazz . A concert of choreographic works created by all five
guests 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 advised to choose another major, put on probation
or asked to leave the program.
Stephens dance graduates have found careers performing in a variety
of venues. Many dance with professional modern, ballet and jazz
dance companies, have been on Broadway, and with the Rockettes.
They have become teachers, choreographers and directors. Some have
had their own companies and 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 and 74 hours in the major. This must
include two summers of Stephens Summer Dance and 30 hours of technique
credit, regardless of original placement, with a minimum of 10 hours
at the Tech
III level. Program responsibilities include ushering, backstage
work and strikes for all dance concerts.
Required Courses
DAN 112: Dance Techniques I (5 hrs.)
DAN 113: Dance Techniques I (5 hrs.)
DAN 170: Improvisation and Choreography Fundamentals (3 hrs.)
DAN 220: Choreography I : Solo (3 hrs.)
DAN 231: Dance Techniques II (5 hrs.)
DAN 233: Dance Techniques II (5 hrs.)DAN 324: History of Dance (3 hrs.)
DAN 351: Dance Techniques III (5 hrs.)
DAN 353: Dance Techniques III (5 hrs.)
DAN 360: Choreography II: Trio (2 hrs.)
DAN 360: Choreography II: Group (2 hrs.)
DAN 460: Senior Seminar (2 hrs.)
DAN 465: Senior Project (3 hrs.)
MUS 105: Fundamentals of Music (3 hrs.) or
MUS 110: Music Theory I (3 hrs.)BIO 301: Structural Kinesiology (3 hrs.) or
DAN 310: Functional Anatomy for Dancers (3 hrs.)
Electives
Choose 4 hours from the following:
| DAN 242: Pointe (2 hrs.) | |
| DAN 247: Tap (1 hr.) | |
| DAN 250: Musical Theatre Dance (1 hr.) | |
| DAN 280: Topics: | Partnering (1 hr.) |
| Repertoire (1 hr.) | |
| Performance Techniques (1 hr.) | |
DAN 355: Dimensions Repertory Dance Company (0-2 hrs.) (by audition only) |
|
| DAN 365: Internship (0-3 hrs.) | |
DAN 370: Practicum (0-3 hrs.) |
|
| DAN 380: Topics: | Choreography III (2 hrs.) |
| Pedagogy (1 hr.) | |
| Advanced Pointe and Partnering (1 hr.) | |
| Advanced Repertoire (1 hr.) | |
| Acting for Dance (1 hr.) | |
Required Summer Courses
(On-campus housing required) First Year: (8 hrs.)
DAN 225: Dance Techniques Workshop I (3 hrs.)
DAN 238: Lighting and Production (2 hrs.)
DAN 267: Dance Performance Workshop I (3 hrs.)
Second Year: (8 hrs.)
DAN 137: Music for Dance (2 hrs.)
DAN 325: Dance Techniques Workshop II (3 hrs.)
DAN 367: Dance Performance Workshop II (3 hrs.)
Requirements for a Minor in Dance
Required Courses (15 hrs)
DAN 112 and DAN 113: Dance Techniques I (4 hrs.)
Minors must take one section of ballet one semester and one section of modern in the other. World dance is not required.
DAN 231 & DAN 233: Dance Techniques II (4 hrs.)
Minors must take one section of ballet one semester and one section of modern the other. World dance is not required.
DAN 351& DAN 353: Dance Techniques III (4 hrs.)
Minors must take one section of ballet one semester and one section of modern the other. World dance is not required.
DAN 324: Dance History (3 hrs.)
Recommended electives:
DAN 170: Improvisation and Choreography Fundamentals (3 hrs.)
DAN 220: Choreography I (3 hrs.)
DAN 250: Musical Theatre Dance (1 hr.)
DAN 247: Tap (1 hr.)
Minors must audition for placement into the major classes. If they are not of a level to participate in these dance major classes they will be advised to take dance for non-majors. This will protect the integrity of our BFA program and must be carefully monitored. Also, the minor may audition and participate in student choreographic works only. Since the focus of our BFA is performance based, the faculty and guest artists works are opportunities that must be limited to the students who will pursue a professional dance career or will be teaching on the professional level later in their careers.
DAN
101: Introduction to Modern Dance
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
A modern techniques class 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
(2 hrs.)
(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
(2 hr.)
(Open to all students, may be repeated for credit)
A class of modern dance techniques for the non-major student. Especially
beneficial for students majoring in other performing arts.
DAN 105: Beginning World Dance Techniques
(1 hr.)
(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: African
and Caribbean, Haitian, East Indian, Spanish/Flamenco, Russian and
Irish.
DAN
112: Dance Techniques
I
(5 hrs.)
(Freshman dance majors or permission of instructor.)
This course is designed to introduce the freshman dance major to
the philosophies and expectations of the Department of Dance. The
core technique course will provide instruction and training in Ballet,
Modern and World dance.
DAN 113: Dance Techniques I
(5 hrs.)
(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
World Dance.
DAN 137: Music for Dance
(2 hrs.)
(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: Improvisation and Choreography Fundamentals
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: must be in DAN 112 or permission of instructor)
The study of movement expression through a variety of approaches
experienced and performed spontaneously to broaden the range of
movement vocabulary. This will be accomplished individually
and in groups. Students also learn the role of improvisation leading
to choreography and will learn the fundamental tools for creating
dance phrases which prepares them for Choreography I.
DAN 220: Choreography I:
Solo
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 170.)
Study of the organization of movement and the relationship of different
elements of dance composition which will culminate in the creation
of a dance solo.
DAN 225: Dance Techniques Workshop
I
(3 hrs.)
(Summer only)
(Prerequisite: DAN 112 and 113 or by audition)
Daily classes: modern, ballet and jazz.
DAN 231: Dance Techniques II
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 113 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 113 involving the development of space-time
coordination in more complex dance phrases with more advance technical
demands.
DAN 233: Dance Techniques II
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 231 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 231.
DAN 238: Lighting and Production
(2 hrs.)
(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
242: Pointe
(2 hrs.)
(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
247: Tap
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisites: DAN 112 or audition.)
This class is designed to acquaint the dancer with tradition of
musical theatre and rhythm tap dance. Warm-up and exercises in tap
technique with attention to proper use of weight, balance, articulation
of footwork and full upper body involvement will be taught in order
to prepare the dancer for auditions and work in musical theatre
and tap companies.
DAN
250: Musical Theatre Dance
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisites: DAN 112 or audition.)
The course
is designed to introduce the students to the many styles of dance
required for the Broadway Stage and American Musical Theatre.
This is a technique class geared toward the demands of the art form.
Attention is given to the awareness of the line, detail and the
dynamics within the dance combinations and performance technique
is stressed.
DAN
267: Dance Performance Workshop
I
(3 hrs.)
(Summer only)
A studio course designed to give the major an understanding of the
rehearsal and creative process leading to performance through learning
historic works or new pieces created for them by visiting guest
artists.
DAN 280: Topics in Dance
(1 hr.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses. They may include Repertoire, Performance
Techniques, Partnering and Acting for Dance.
DAN 310: Functional Anatomy for Dancers
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 231 or permission of instructor)
Study of the human structure, its form and its function; allows
the student to arrive at a more expansive approach to total dance
training.
DAN
324: History of Dance
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Summer only)
(Prerequisites: DAN 225 or audition.)
A continuation of DAN 225.
DAN 351: Dance Techniques III
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 233 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of DAN 233, with emphasis on the development of individual
style and artistry. Students are expected to be able to learn more
complex phrases quickly and bring them to performance level in the
class. This course is designed to be the final preparation
for the professional world.
DAN 353: Dance Techniques III
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 351 or permission of instructor)
A continuation of DAN 351.
DAN
355: Dimensions Repertory Dance Company
(0-2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: audition and permission of department. May
be repeated up to 6 hours of credit.)
Dimensions
Repertory Dance Company serves as a training experience for the
professional company. Dancers must audition and are cast as
members or apprentices in the company. Several performances
will take place throughout the year for community events, demonstrations
in schools and for Stephens' functions and concerts.
DAN
360: Choreography II
(2 hrs.)
(To be taken two times)
(Prerequisite: DAN 170, 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 trio and a group
piece.
DAN 365: Internship
(0-3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Summer only)
A continuation of DAN 267.
DAN 370: Practicum
(1-3 hrs.)
(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
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
These courses could include advanced Pointe and Partnering, Pedagogy,
and Repertoire.
DAN 460: Senior Seminar
(2 hrs.)
(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 and/or audition techniques,
(2) professional portfolio (resume, photo, video documentation of
choreography and performances) and (3) practical applications and
discussions regarding career options, ethical choices, personal
finances, unions, contracts, auditions, and networking.
DAN 465: Senior Project
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of instructor)
Students may 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. Students may also decide to do
a more individualized project involving teaching, arts administration
or an internship experience.
DAN 471: Dance Techniques IV
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DAN 353 or permission of instructor)
Advanced studies in modern, ballet and world dance techniques.
DAN 473: Dance Techniques IV
(5 hrs.)
(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.
