Program Overview

Dance, BA

The Dance BA offers dance and movement studies rooted in anti-racist practices and pedagogical approaches with an emphasis on dance as a universal human experience and cultural activity. Courses include choreography, performance, and somatic approaches to dancing, with supporting courses in dance and theatre history, teaching methodologies, anatomy for dancers, global perspectives in dance, technical theatre, and special topics. The Dance Program is committed to equitable, accessible and inclusive learning environments where all are welcome.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Develop a deep understanding of dance as a universal human experience and cultural activity.
• Cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through dance and movement studies.
• Develop technical proficiency in dance techniques, including choreography, performance, and somatic approaches.
• Understand the historical and cultural contexts of dance and its relationship to other art forms.
• Develop teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches that promote inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Phase I, Required for Dance, B.A. (First-year and sophomore years)

The Department of Theatre Arts & Dance requires all prospective Dance majors to complete an audition. Students must complete Phase I before Phase II.

Recommended General Education

• Area A3 and C3 courses (year-long course)
  • THAR 160A - Performance, the Artistic Process, and You Unit(s): 4
  • THAR 160B - Performance, the Artistic Process, and You Unit(s): 4

Required History Courses

• DANC 210 - Dance for Everybody Unit(s): 3 GE Area E
• DANC 271 - Global Perspectives in Dance Unit(s): 3

Required Dance Courses

• DANC 211 - Beginning Dance Forms Unit(s): 2
• DANC 240 - Choreography I Unit(s): 2
• 2 units of the following:
  • DANC 115A - Dance Styles (Hip Hop) Unit(s): 1
  • DANC 115B - Dance Styles (Ballet) Unit(s): 1
  • DANC 115C - Dance Styles (Jazz) Unit(s): 1
  • DANC 115D - Dance Styles (African) Unit(s): 1

Required Technical Theatre Courses

• Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment:
  • THAR 143 - Stagecraft Unit(s): 2
• One of the following:
  • THAR 144C - Costumes Unit(s): 2
  • THAR 144L - Lighting Unit(s): 2
  • THAR 144S - Scenery Unit(s): 2

Phase II, Required for the Dance, B.A. (junior and senior years)

• DANC 301 - Dance Ensemble Unit(s): 1-3
• DANC 310A - Dance Forms - Intermediate Unit(s): 2
• DANC 310B - Dance Forms - Intermediate Unit(s): 2
• DANC 310C - Dance Forms - Intermediate Unit(s): 2
• DANC 310D - Dance Forms - Intermediate Unit(s): 2
• DANC 333 - Anatomy for Dance Unit(s): 3
• DANC 334 - Teaching Methodologies Unit(s): 3
• DANC 340 - Choreography II Unit(s): 2
• DANC 345 - Choreography III Unit(s): 2
• DANC 371 - Contemporary Dance History Unit(s): 3
• DANC 410A - Dance Forms - Advanced Unit(s): 2
• DANC 410B - Dance Forms - Advanced Unit(s): 2
• DANC 410C - Dance Forms - Advanced Unit(s): 2
• DANC 410D - Dance Forms - Advanced Unit(s): 2
• THAR 300 - Theatre in Action Unit(s): 3
• THAR 311 - Actor / Dancer Collaboration I: Core Technique & Practice Unit(s): 1
• THAR 312 - Actor / Dancer Collaboration II: Movement & Improvisation Unit(s): 1
• THAR 400 - Career Paths and Planning Unit(s): 1

Units

• Total units in Phase I: 14
• Total units in Phase II: 35
• Total units in the dance concentration: 49

Program Roadmaps

• Dance, BA, Sample Four-Year Plan
• Dance, BA, Sample Two-Year Plan