Program Overview

Certificate in Dance and Movement

The Certificate in Dance and Movement introduces students to the broad context of dance as a performance art and to the various skills that encompass movement and dance techniques. Through both practical and theoretical studies, students will develop an understanding of dance composition and movement for the stage, and will develop the vocabularies necessary to communicate in the field of dance and movement. This Certificate will be of interest to any student who wishes to expand their knowledge of Dance and Movement, gain foundational performance skills, and improve physical wellness.

Program Overview

The Certificate in Dance and Movement is a 15-credit-hour certificate. It is open to currently registered students in all Faculties.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate, students will:

• Achieve proficiency in the basic skills of the performing artist: interaction with the performing space, creation of character through movement and gesture, collaboration, and ensemble-building.
• Understand the broad vocabularies of dance and movement techniques.
• Learn a variety of dance and movement techniques through practical application.
• Gain a foundation in dance composition and be able to create choreographic sequences.
• Develop confidence as performers by participating in a range of in-class and public performance opportunities.
• Improve physical skills and wellness through exploration of alignment, healthy movement, and mind-body connection.
• Gain an appreciation for, and be able to effectively explain both orally and in writing, the historical development of various dance styles and their importance to the cultures in which they developed.

Requirements

All students must complete:

• Introduction to Acting and Performance 1
  • PLUS 6 credit hours chosen from one of the following pairs:
    • Basic Dance Skills and Techniques and Elementary Dance Skills and Techniques
    • Dance and Movement 1 and 2
  • AND these two courses (can be taken in any order):
    • Intermediate Dance Skills and Techniques
    • Dance and Movement Composition

Optional Experiential Learning Component

Students majoring in Theatre, Music, or Cinema and Media Studies may add an Experiential Learning component to the Certificate in Dance and Movement. This can be done by adding a Short or Long Apprenticeship elective. Acceptance into apprenticeships is by application only and approval is given on a case-by-case basis. These electives are optional and are not required for completion of the Certificate in Dance and Movement.

Course Offerings

The following courses are available:

• Summer
  • PERF/THEA 2023: Basic Dance Skills and Techniques
  • PERF/THEA 2024: Elementary Dance Skills and Techniques
• Fall
  • PERF/THEA 2023: Basic Dance Skills and Techniques
• Winter
  • PERF/THEA 2024: Elementary Dance Skills and Techniques
  • PERF/THEA 3830: Introduction to Dance Composition