The mission of the Dance Department is to link critical thinking, analysis, craft, history and creativity with the distinct movement skills derived from studio practice and stage performance. Students are required to work toward proficiency in the particular movement language of Western and/or Eastern dance forms: classical ballet, modern/contemporary dance, jazz dance, and Bharata Naytam (temple dance of India). Students learn to recognize and distinguish the many diverse sources of dance, such as culture (both ancient and pop), mythology, society and nature. Students select a specific area of study within the major: general dance, performance/choreography, or dance history/criticism. The major leads to a bachelor of science degree.
In studying dance technique, choreography, production, history, biography and criticism, students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship of body, mind and spirit in the multi-cultural world of dance. Students acquire the critical skills necessary to make informed judgments about dance as an art form. The dance major prepares students for further study or careers in the fields of performance, choreography, dance education, dance history/criticism and arts administration.
Dance Center
The Dance Center adjoins the Sports and Recreation Center. It consists of three areas including two spacious studios; a large dance, sport, and recreation area; and the fully equipped Dance Theater with adjoining dressing rooms.
The two dance studios (50'x50') have sprung wood floors covered with marley, large windows, ballet barres, mirrors, baby grand pianos, and sound systems.
The Dance Theater is a 184-seat auditorium with a 40' (wide) and 20' (deep) sprung stage floor covered with marley. The theater has a repertory dance lighting plot, controlled by a ETC Express 125 light board with 120-2.4k dimmers. The sound system is powered by a Mackie 16-channel mixing board, and a wraparound speaker system that creates a balanced sound reproduction both in the house and on stage. The Dance Theater is the center for dance activities during the academic year, and hosts professional dance companies throughout the year.
