Program Overview

Introduction to the Dance Program

The Dance program at Western Washington University offers a comprehensive education in dance, including technique, choreography, dance science, somatics, dance history, arts activism, and pedagogy. The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of dance-related careers after college.

Why Consider a Dance Major?

The BA degree in Dance provides students with a well-rounded education in dance, allowing them to tailor their coursework to their individual interests. This degree is ideal for students who wish to double-major in dance and another discipline.

Program Requirements

The Dance program requires a minimum of 69-72 credits, including:

Dance Core Curriculum (37 credits)

• DNC 231 - Introduction to Dance History (3 credits)
• DNC 232 - Movements for Change (3 credits)
• DNC 242 - Choreography I (3 credits)
• DNC 257 - Performance (2 credits)
• DNC 339 - Functional Alignment (3 credits)
• DNC 340 - Anatomy for Dancers (4 credits)
• DNC 342 - Choreography II (4 credits)
• DNC 431 - Dance History (4 credits)
• DNC 433 - Creative Movement for Educators With Lab (4 credits)
• DNC 434 - Dance Pedagogy (3 credits)
• THTR 212 - Introduction to Stage Technology (4 credits)

Technique and Theory (32-35 credits)

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits from the following list, with at least 12 credits being upper division. Students must take at least two classes in each style: Hip-hop, Ballet, and Contemporary.

• DNC 100 - Hip-hop Level 1 (2 credits)
• DNC 111 - Ballet I - Level 1 (2 credits)
• DNC 112 - Ballet I - Level 2 (2 credits)
• DNC 113 - Ballet I - Level 3 (2 credits)
• DNC 121 - Contemporary Dance I - Level 1 (3 credits)
• DNC 122 - Contemporary Dance I - Level 2 (3 credits)
• DNC 123 - Contemporary Dance I - Level 3 (3 credits)
• DNC 200 - Hip-hop Level 2 (2 credits)
• DNC 203 - Jazz Dance (2 credits)
• DNC 211 - Ballet II - Level 1 (2 credits)
• DNC 212 - Ballet II - Level 2 (2 credits)
• DNC 213 - Ballet II - Level 3 (2 credits)
• DNC 221 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 1 (3 credits)
• DNC 222 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 2 (3 credits)
• DNC 223 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 3 (3 credits)
• DNC 240 - Movement Practices: Special Topics (2 credits)
• DNC 311 - Ballet III - Level 1 (3 credits)
• DNC 312 - Ballet III - Level 2 (3 credits)
• DNC 313 - Ballet III - Level 3 (3 credits)
• DNC 321 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 1 (3 credits)
• DNC 322 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 2 (3 credits)
• DNC 323 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 3 (3 credits)
• DNC 345 - Fundamentals of Contemporary Partnering (2 credits)
• DNC 357 - Repertory (2 credits)
• DNC 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
• DNC 403 - Senior Seminar (1 credit)
• DNC 421 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 1 (3 credits)
• DNC 422 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 2 (3 credits)
• DNC 423 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 3 (3 credits)
• DNC 442 - Advanced Choreography (4 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Career Opportunities

The Dance program prepares students for a variety of dance-related careers, including:

• Dance
• Artistic Director
• Arts Management
• Dance Teacher
• Community Dance Activist
• Choreographer

Admission and Declaration Process

To declare a major in Dance, students must meet with the Program Advisor and submit an audition video for acceptance into the BA in Dance degree. Students may start this process at any time, regardless of completed credits. It is recommended that students seek early departmental advising from the Dance Program Advisor. A grade of C- or better is required for a student's major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.