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Dance

Department Chair:  Bob Boross, M.A.

Dance Faculty:
Jan Miller, Ballet Instructor

Deborah Carr, B.F.A., Modern Instructor

Visiting guest artists

• BFA in Dance
• Dance Minor
• Dance Course Descriptions

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, jazz dance, musical dance, and tap dance. 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 in ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, and musical theatre 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 dance. A fully staged concert of choreographic works created by all five guests teaching artists 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; in Broadway and touring musicals; and with the Radio City Music Hall 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.

Dance Courses

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
(3 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
(3 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.