Dance (BFA)

Summary

A rigorous degree intended for students looking for a highly focused pursuit of dance. The degree includes intense exploration of a student’s choreographic voice and performance skills combined with high-level execution in multiple dance forms.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major Credits

64

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, and Communications

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Program Requirements

Required General Education

A survey of dance in all its vibrant forms intended to develop student understanding and appreciation for the significant role dance plays in world cultures.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Performance scenes and exercises for the beginner.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Major Common Core

Cross-cultural survey of dance from around the world with emphasis on historical, social, and cultural dimensions. Includes western concert dance as one among many other forms. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: DANC 120 or DANC120W

Goal Areas: GE-08, GE-11

Diverse Cultures: Purple

The study of dance making, dance accompaniment, and dance criticism through the creation of dance works. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: DANC 228, DANC 322. Consent

Exploration of a variety of improvisational techniques for beginning Dance Majors and Minors. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Individualized teaching, performance, or choreographic experiences occurring on, or off-campus. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent.

Continuation of the principles and techniques of choreography with an emphasis on group forms.

Prerequisites: DANC 321

Rotation of a variety of topics in dance. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Capstone experience for all dance majors. Individually paced and directed, this project can be: choreographic, performance, or written.

Prerequisites: DANC 484W

Course will advance individual student's compositional skills through her/his solo and group projects in an self-paced manner. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Course will further advance individual student's compositional skills through her/his solo and group projects in an self-paced manner.

Prerequisites: DANC 430, consent

Investigation of concert dance history from diverse perspectives. Along with western European contributions, the legacies and traditions associated with the African diaspora, North American indigenous populations, vernacular and folk forms will also will be included. Sociopolitical ideologies of race, class, and gender will apply to this historical examination.

Prerequisites: DANC 225

Fundamental concepts of costume design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Fundamental concepts of lighting design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Fundamental concepts of sound design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Repertory - Choose 5 Credit(s). Course may be repeated for credit

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Major Restricted Electives

Contemporary Dance Technique - Choose 14 Credit(s). Choose courses in consultation with an advisor. A minimum of 4 credits of DANC 328 is required. Courses may be repeated for credit.

Fundamentals of modern dance technique, including an improvisatory component. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of modern dance technique, including floor work, elevations, inversions, and emerging performance skills. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Increasing complexity of modern dance technique, including floor work, partnering, elevation, inversions, and performance skills. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: none

Ballet Technique - Choose 14 Credit(s). Choose courses in consultation with an advisor. A minimum of 2 credits of DANC 326 is required. Courses may be repeated for credit.

Fundamentals of ballet technique, including knowledge and application of terminology. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Increasing difficulty of ballet technique with more complex combinations, multiple turns, pointe work, and greater emphasis on performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Theatre Activity - Choose 5 Credit(s). Choose 3 areas.

Acting in a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Work on stage or house management, or public relations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Serve as Dance Captain, to assist the Choreographer, for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Work on stage crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Work on costumes or wardrobe crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Work on lighting crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Work on sound crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Practicum - Choose 1 - 2 Credit(s).

Individualized teaching, performance, or choreographic experiences occurring on, or off-campus. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent.

A considerable production responsibility which utilizes skills in script analysis, actor coaching, design coordination and general production management; or assistant directing for a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

A considerable production responsibility dealing with the preparation and performance of a major acting role. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Special assignments in stage management, house, and/or concessions management, public relations or related areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Preparation and execution of a major scene design assignment. Requires a design and construction schedule, preliminary and final design concepts, and necessary drafting details. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

A considerable production responsibility dealing with some technical aspects including technical drawings, budget management, or construction techniques. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Full and assistant costume design assignments for theatre productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

The construction of costumes for theatre productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Preparation and execution of a major lighting design assignment. Requires a design with appropriate schedules, supervision of hanging, focusing and cues. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Preparation and execution of a major sound design assignment including all sound effects, reinforcement and amplification. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Serve as Choreographer for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose 4 Credit(s). Courses from the Common Core may be repeated for credit.

Fundamentals of African-based dance forms explored through West African and Caribbean roots. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of jazz dance technique with more direct application to musical theatre and concert dance, as well as focus on emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of tap technique, in musical theatre, as well as focus on emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Study and practice of specific techniques to improve dancers' performance, health, and teaching. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Increasing difficulty of jazz dance technique through complexity of combinations, multiple turns, and more developed performance skills as applied to musical theatre or concert dance. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

This course is first in a two-part series of courses required for the K-12 Dance Education license. It examines the theory and practice of dance education and applies this knowledge to simulated teaching and to selected clinical settings. Consent of instructor is required. Fall

Prerequisites: none

Increasing complexity of tap technique for musical theatre with greater emphasis on performance skills. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Expanding knowledge and skill in dance partnering, with the emphasis on styles used in performance of concert dance. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: none

Expanding knowledge and skill in dance partnering, with the emphasis on styles used in performance of theatre and musical theatre. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Fundamentals of ballet technique, including knowledge and application of terminology. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Fundamentals of modern dance technique, including an improvisatory component. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-11

Exploration of a variety of improvisational techniques for beginning Dance Majors and Minors. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Spring - 15 Credits

A survey of dance in all its vibrant forms intended to develop student understanding and appreciation for the significant role dance plays in world cultures.

Prerequisites: Consent

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of modern dance technique, including floor work, elevations, inversions, and emerging performance skills. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Fundamental concepts of sound design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Work on stage crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of modern dance technique, including floor work, elevations, inversions, and emerging performance skills. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Work on costumes or wardrobe crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 15 Credits

Performance scenes and exercises for the beginner.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Expanding knowledge and skill of modern dance technique, including floor work, elevations, inversions, and emerging performance skills. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Fundamental concepts of costume design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Study and practice of specific techniques to improve dancers' performance, health, and teaching. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Increasing complexity of modern dance technique, including floor work, partnering, elevation, inversions, and performance skills. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: none

Rotation of a variety of topics in dance. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: Consent

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Course will advance individual student's compositional skills through her/his solo and group projects in an self-paced manner. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Work on stage or house management, or public relations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 15 Credits

Cross-cultural survey of dance from around the world with emphasis on historical, social, and cultural dimensions. Includes western concert dance as one among many other forms. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: DANC 120 or DANC120W

Goal Areas: GE-08, GE-11

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Expanding knowledge and skill of ballet technique, with increasing development of centerfloor and across-the-floor variations, as well as emerging performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

The study of dance making, dance accompaniment, and dance criticism through the creation of dance works. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: DANC 228, DANC 322. Consent

Increasing complexity of modern dance technique, including floor work, partnering, elevation, inversions, and performance skills. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: none

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Increasing difficulty of ballet technique with more complex combinations, multiple turns, pointe work, and greater emphasis on performance skills. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Increasing complexity of modern dance technique, including floor work, partnering, elevation, inversions, and performance skills. May be repeated. Instructor consent is required.

Prerequisites: none

Individualized teaching, performance, or choreographic experiences occurring on, or off-campus. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent.

Continuation of the principles and techniques of choreography with an emphasis on group forms.

Prerequisites: DANC 321

Investigation of concert dance history from diverse perspectives. Along with western European contributions, the legacies and traditions associated with the African diaspora, North American indigenous populations, vernacular and folk forms will also will be included. Sociopolitical ideologies of race, class, and gender will apply to this historical examination.

Prerequisites: DANC 225

Work on lighting crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

Repertory experience in performance of the choreography by a variety of dance artists. May be repeated. Consent of instructor is required.

Prerequisites: none

Capstone experience for all dance majors. Individually paced and directed, this project can be: choreographic, performance, or written.

Prerequisites: DANC 484W

Course will further advance individual student's compositional skills through her/his solo and group projects in an self-paced manner.

Prerequisites: DANC 430, consent

Work on costumes or wardrobe crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

A considerable production responsibility dealing with the preparation and performance of a major acting role. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none