Dance
"They are poets of gesture."
- George Balanchine (choreographer) on his dancers; Life, May 1984
Dance majors develop their abilities through a progression of courses that include orientation, history, composition, production, tap, ethnic dance (African), four levels of a Vaganova-based ballet technique and three levels of modern dance. A rigorous professional teaching approach equips dance majors physically and mentally to pursue a dance career. In addition, classes with master teachers focus on areas not emphasized in the curriculum. (The Physical Education requirement is satisfied by select dance courses.) Upon graduation, dance students are encouraged to continue their training at a higher level. Some begin their performance careers immediately.
Click here for department handbook.
Curriculum
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet I | Ballet II | Ballet III | Ballet IV |
| Dance I | Dance II | Dance III | Dance IV |
| Dance Orientation* | Dance History* | Dance Improvisation* | Senior Project |
| Potpourri* | Dance Technique* | Dance Composition* | |
| 3 Credits | 3 Credits | 3 Credits | 3 Credits |
| Course | Instructor | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| African Dance Technique I | Charles Augins, Dance | View Syllabus |
| African Dance Technique II | Charles Augins, Dance | View Syllabus |
| Ballet I | Katherine Smith | View Syllabus |
| Ballet II | Charles Augins, Dance | View Syllabus |
| Dance History | Katherine Smith | View Syllabus |
| Dance Improvisation | Treanna Alexander-Reid | View Syllabus |
| Dance Orientation | Treanna Alexander-Reid | View Syllabus |
| Dance Technique I | Charles Augins, Dance | View Syllabus |
| Modern I | Treanna Alexander-Reid | View Syllabus |
| Modern II | Nikki Sutton-Mackey | View Syllabus |
| Modern III & IV | Katherine Smith | View Syllabus |
| Potpourri | Charles Augins, Dance | View Syllabus |
| Senior Project | Katherine Smith | Syllabus coming soon |
Department Chair
