Theatre, Dance Major, B.A.
Program Description
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a major in dance with a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a diverse range of career paths. We work with each student to help define and shape their individual path, and endeavor to create a positive and collaborative environment that is inclusive and responsive to the needs and goals of the 21st-century artist. The intensive curriculum prepares dancers to create, perform, produce, analyze and teach the art of dance.
Special Admission and Retention Requirements
Admission to the dance, theatre and musical theatre majors are competitive and an audition/interview is required. Please see the School of Theatre and Dance website for more information.
All School of Theatre and Dance majors must complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the General Education program. Theatre/Musical Theatre majors cannot take THEA 210 to meet the visual and performing arts requirements. Dance majors cannot take DANC 215 to meet the visual and performing arts requirement. Courses from other academic units may not be counted both for the School of Theatre and Dance majors and for another major.
A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses that apply to Theatre, Dance Major, B.A.
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education 1 | 41 |
| Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 2 | 0-12 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) | 3 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 48-49 |
| University electives | 15-28 |
| Total | 120 |
- 1
The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
- 2
The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student's chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of World Languages and Cultures' placement test.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| STAD 171 | Performance Production | 3 |
| STAD 273 | Design Aspects of Performance | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 2-3 | |
| International Folk Dance (0, 4) 1 | ||
| Topics in Dance | ||
| Dance in Community | ||
| Directed Projects | ||
| Acting I: Basic Acting | ||
| Subtotal | 8-9 | |
| Dance Courses | ||
| DANC 245 | Dance Improvisation (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 248 | History of Dance: Renaissance Through the 20th Century | 3 |
| DANC 320 | Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer | 3 |
| DANC 345 | Dance Composition I (2, 2) | 3 |
| DANC 445 | Dance Composition II (2, 2) | 3 |
| DANC 449 | The Dance Professional | 3 |
| DANC 479 | Methods of Teaching Dance | 3 |
| Subtotal | 20 | |
| Technique Courses | ||
| The student is required to complete 10 credits in modern and four credits in ballet technique, with placement to be assessed in conference with dance faculty. Modern, ballet and jazz technique classes all have an advanced level course in the curriculum. The requirements listed below are the minimum level expected of dance major students. Most majors will take additional technique courses as university electives throughout their study in the dance program. | ||
| DANC 240 | Intermediate Modern Dance I (0, 4) (Two semesters for a total of four credits) | 4 |
| DANC 340 | Intermediate Modern Dance II (0, 4) (Two semesters for a total of four credits) | 4 |
| DANC 440 | Advanced Modern Dance (0, 4) (One semester for a total of two credits) | 2 |
| Choose four credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Intermediate Ballet I (0, 4) | ||
| Intermediate Ballet II (0, 4) | ||
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| DANC 110 | Associate Group Dance Repertory I (0, 4) | 1 |
| DANC 210 | Associate Group Dance Repertory II (0, 4) | 1 |
| DANC 211 | Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 311 | Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II (0, 4) | 2 |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 48-49 | |
- 1
DANC 143 fulfills the folk dance requirement for students pursuing dance teacher licensure.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DANC 110 | Associate Group Dance Repertory I (0, 4) (fall) | 1 |
| DANC 210 | Associate Group Dance Repertory II (0, 4) (spring) | 1 |
| DANC 240 | Intermediate Modern Dance I (0, 4) (fall and spring, total of 4 credit hours) | 4 |
| DANC 242 | Intermediate Ballet I (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 245 | Dance Improvisation (0, 4) | 2 |
| STAD 171 | Performance Production | 3 |
| Madison Foundations (three courses) | 9 | |
| Language courses for B.A. requirement (2 courses required) | 6 | |
| Credits | 28 | |
| Second Year | ||
| DANC 143 |
International Folk Dance (0, 4) or Directed Projects or Dance in Community |
2 |
| DANC 211 | Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I (0, 4) (fall) | 2 |
| DANC 248 | History of Dance: Renaissance Through the 20th Century | 3 |
| DANC 340 | Intermediate Modern Dance II (0, 4) (fall and spring, total of 4 credit hours) | 4 |
| DANC 342 | Intermediate Ballet II (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 345 | Dance Composition I (2, 2) | 3 |
| Language courses for B.A. requirement (2 courses required) | 6 | |
| University or dance electives | 7 | |
| Credits | 29 | |
| Third Year | ||
| DANC 311 | Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 320 | Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer | 3 |
| DANC 440 | Advanced Modern Dance (0, 4) | 2 |
| DANC 442 | Advanced Ballet (0, 4) (optional) | 2 |
| DANC 445 | Dance Composition II (2, 2) | 3 |
| DANC 479 | Methods of Teaching Dance | 3 |
| General Education and / or degree requirements | 12 | |
| University or dance electives | 4 | |
| Credits | 31 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| DANC 449 | The Dance Professional | 3 |
| University or dance electives | 6 | |
| General Education | 23 | |
| Credits | 32 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |