Program Overview

Introduction to the Dance Program

The Dance program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of dance and its related arts. Through their studies, students will develop a physical and intellectual understanding of the language of movement, reflective of and insightful toward the human condition.

Why Consider a Dance Major with a Bachelor in Fine Arts Degree?

The BFA degree in Dance is a selective program that supports exceptional students interested in pursuing a professional career as a performer or choreographer. BFA students engage in numerous creative opportunities related to dance making and performing, including working with guest artists and interdisciplinary collaborations. Coursework includes advanced study of contemporary technique, dance science, somatics, dance history, arts activism, and pedagogy.

Student Resources

• Department website: Theatre and Dance
• Department advising: Visit the Prospective Dance Students webpage for more information.
  • Dance Program Advisor: Pam Kuntz
  • Director of Dance: Susan Haines
• Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
• Sample Careers:
  • Professional Dancer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Activist
  • Artistic Director
  • Dance Educator
  • Dance Notation
  • Professor

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)

The BFA requires students to meet with the Program Advisor, submit an audition video for acceptance into the BFA in Dance degree track, and placement in DNC 421-423 Contemporary IV during their Junior or Senior year. Students may begin this process at any time regardless of completed credits but are encouraged to apply for the BFA degree during their first year to ensure a timely progression through the required course work.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements (87 credits)

Dance Core Curriculum (37 credits)

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

Technique and Theory (50 credits)

• DNC 221 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 1 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 222 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 2 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 223 - Contemporary Dance II - Level 3 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 321 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 1 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 322 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 2 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 323 - Contemporary Dance III - Level 3 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 357 - Repertory (Credits: 2)
• DNC 403 - Senior Seminar (Credits: 1)
• DNC 404 - Capstone Preparation (Credits: 1)
• DNC 421 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 1 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 422 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 2 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 423 - Contemporary Dance IV - Level 3 (Credits: 3)
• DNC 442 - Advanced Choreography (Credits: 4)
• 15 credits from:
  • DNC 100 - Hip-hop Level 1 (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 200 - Hip-hop Level 2 (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 203 - Jazz Dance (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 211 - Ballet II - Level 1 (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 212 - Ballet II - Level 2 (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 213 - Ballet II - Level 3 (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 240 - Movement Practices: Special Topics (Credits: 2)
  • DNC 311 - Ballet III - Level 1 (Credits: 3)
  • DNC 312 - Ballet III - Level 2 (Credits: 3)
  • DNC 313 - Ballet III - Level 3 (Credits: 3)

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