Florida State University Graduate Bulletin 2007-2009

Department of Dance

College of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance

Interim Co-Chairs: Patricia Phillips, Russell Sandifer; Professors: Davis, Farrell, Fichter, Morgan, Phillips, Sommer, Wagner, Young, Zollar; Associate Professors: Austin, Corbin, Humphreys, Perpener, Sandifer, Welsh; Assistant Professor: Glenn; Assistant in Dance: Houlihan

The Department of Dance offers work leading to the master of fine arts (MFA) degree in dance and the master of arts (MA) degree in dance with a major in studio and related studies and the master of arts (MA) degree in American dance studies. Currently these are the only graduate dance programs in Florida. Graduate study in dance began at Florida State University in the mid-1960s, and over the decades has continued to develop its mission: to provide work leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Master of Fine Arts and the Master of Arts degrees in dance in an environment conducive to the highest caliber of dance training, practice and scholarship. The vision of the Department of Dance in higher education entails fluidity between the living art form and scholarly investigation, and dynamic interaction between the training of dancers and the development of scholars. This approach is intended to foster cultivation of the individual's creative, performance and scholarly voice through exposure to diverse practical and philosophical approaches to dance studies and the development of critical thought processes. Outstanding artists, teachers, and scholars serve on the dance faculty and are committed to the individual mentoring of each graduate student's course of study.

The emphasis of the MFA in dance program is choreography and performance, and the curriculum for each candidate culminates in a graduate thesis concert fully produced in The Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre. The creative component of the degree program is complemented by required work in dance history and criticism theory.

The emphasis of the MA in dance with a major in studio and related studies is choreography and performance with the opportunity for significant investigation into one or more areas of study beyond but related to traditional studio studies. The program should prepare the student to move fluidly through at least one area of specialty into application to the traditional studio life of a dancer.

The emphasis of the MA degree in American dance studies is on the preparation of the scholar. This is a unique program based in research that investigates a wide range of dance practices, from the vernacular and religious to stage forms. The major focus is on American dance forms that are used as a lens to illuminate the deeper background of the inter-textual culture that shapes American art. As the integration of theory and practice enhances both art-making and academic inquiry, the student is encouraged to take advantage of the rich array of courses offered across the curriculum.

Visiting artists, guest choreographers, an outstanding dance lecture series and film series are regular enhancements of the curriculum. An ongoing performance and repertory project brings outstanding dance masterworks to campus for performance by the Florida State University dancers, linking the artistic and technical development of dancers to their understanding of the cultural and historical context of the art. The recently established Maggie Allisee National Center for Choreography, a creative research center on the university campus, also hosts numerous internationally recognized dance artists.

Requirements for an MFA in Dance

The master of fine arts degree candidate must have completed an undergraduate major in dance or must demonstrate an equivalent level of achievement. Admission into the graduate dance program is determined on the basis of the candidate's audition, interview, writing samples, and credentials. Careful scrutiny will be given to any candidate who does not meet either of the following two University admission requirements: 1) a minimum of 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale on all work attempted while registered as an upper-division student working toward a baccalaureate degree; or 2) a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the general aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination. If a 3.0 GPA has been attained, the GRE is not required. The student's progress is assessed continuously throughout the graduate program. Specific assessment occurs at the end of the first year of graduate study. A probationary period may be established if a student is having difficulty and needs special attention. A student who cannot meet the departmental proficiency standards will be discontinued from the dance major program. The amount of work required, in addition to the minimum dance curricular requirements and the minimum University-wide requirements, depends upon the student's undergraduate preparation and level of achievement.

The graduate student in dance is expected to maintain continuous participation at the appropriate level in ballet and contemporary dance classes and must achieve designated proficiency levels required for graduation. A graduate candidate who is a returning dance professional with demonstrated technical proficiency may tailor a course of study which will allow more work in the research (both creative and theoretical) and/or production areas.

Summary of Minimum Requirements

The master of fine arts degree in dance requires a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours, normally constituting a three-year course of study. This minimum must contain fifty-two to fifty-four (52–54) semester hours of dance courses, including twenty-two to twenty-four (22–24) semester hours of technique, three (3) semester hours of seminar in dance history and research, twenty-one (21) semester hours of specified theoretical and studio courses, and six (6) semester hours in a final project (creative thesis: graduate concert) in choreography and/or performance. The student must earn six to eight (6-8) semester hours in electives. Expertise in any of the subject areas and/or proficiency in technique may allow individual candidates the option of designing a course of study which is tailored to the candidate's research, performance, or production interests. This will be done in consultation with the graduate faculty.

  1. Dance Technique: Twenty-two to twenty-four (22–24) semester hours and fulfillment of proficiency requirement: DAA 5118, 5218.
  2. Seminar: Studies in Dance History and Research, Three (3) semester hours: DAN 5191.
  3. Other Dance Courses: Twenty-One (21) semester hours to include: DAA 5618 Choreography, three (3) semester hours; DAN 5158 Theory of Dance Performance and Directing, three (3) semester hours; DAN 5190 Theory and Practice of Technique, three (3) semester hours; DAA 5648 Choreographic Project, three (3) semester hours; DAN 5510 Visual Design for Choreography, three (3) semester hours; Dance history, with specific courses to be selected in consultation with adviser, six (6) semester hours.
  4. Final Project in Choreography and/or Performance: Six (6) semester hours: DAN 5972 (creative thesis: graduate concert). All MFA candidates must fulfill a prerequisite by performing or understudying in at least one choreography or restaging produced by graduate faculty or commissioned guest artist before producing his/her own creative thesis. Any exceptions to this prerequisite will be determined by the graduate adviser in consultation with the graduate faculty.
  5. Electives: Six to eight (6–8) semester hours.

Total: Sixty (60) semester hours.

Comprehensive Examination

To fulfill graduation requirements, the successful completion of a final examination is required: DAN 5960r.

Requirements for a MA in Dance with a major in Studio and Related Studies

The master of arts degree candidate with a major in studio and related studies must have completed an undergraduate major in dance or must demonstrate an equivalent level of achievement. Admission into the graduate dance program is determined on the basis of the candidate's audition, interview, writing samples, and credentials. Careful scrutiny will be given to any candidate who does not meet either of the following two University admission requirements: 1) a minimum of 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale on all work attempted while registered as an upper-division student working toward a baccalaureate degree; or 2) a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the general aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination. If a 3.0 GPA has been attained, the GRE is not required as the audition, interview, and writing samples provide alternate methods of assessing qualifications for admission. The student's progress is assessed continuously throughout the graduate program. Specific assessment occurs at the end of the first year of graduate study. A probationary period may be established if a student is having difficulty and needs special attention. A student who cannot meet the departmental proficiency standards will be discontinued from the dance major program. The amount of work required, in addition to the minimum dance curricular requirements and the minimum University-wide requirements, depends upon the student's undergraduate preparation and level of achievement.

Summary of Minimum Requirements

The master of arts in dance with a major in studio and related studies requires a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate level course requirements, normally constituting a two-year course of study. This minimum must contain eleven (11) semester hours of technique, three (3) semester hours of seminar in dance history and research, five (5) semester hours of choreography and choreographic project, and two to three (2–3) credit hours of directed individual study (capstone experience). Additionally, the student must earn fifteen (15) semester hours of elective courses in one or more studio related courses. Elective courses must be approved by the student's adviser. Students are required to investigate possibilities for elective courses that relate to their areas of interest, deepen their understanding of dance studio studies, and provide a significant investigation into one or more related areas of study that will impact their particular contribution to the field of dance upon graduation. Individual programs are planned by the student with approval of the student's faculty adviser. Students must achieve at least an intermediate proficiency level in either ballet or contemporary dance technique. Students must develop an appropriate capstone experience that substantively synthesizes their unique curricular experience. The capstone project must meet the approval of the graduate adviser and the graduate faculty mentoring the candidate's individual program.

Requirements for a MA in American Dance Studies

The master of arts in American dance studies degree candidate should have an extensive background in dance and an undergraduate degree in an appropriate area of study such as (but not limited to) fine or performing arts, history, American studies, cultural studies, anthropology, or humanities. A minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average is required for admission. Admission into the degree program will be determined on the basis of these university-wide requirements, three required letters of recommendation, and the applicant's required essay. The students' progress is assessed continuously throughout their graduate study. A probationary period may be established if a student is having difficulty and needs special attention. The amount of work required, in addition to the minimum dance curricular requirements and the minimum University-wide requirements, depends upon the student's undergraduate preparation.

Summary of Minimum Requirements

The master of arts in American dance studies requires a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate-level course requirements, normally constituting a two year course of study. This minimum must contain twenty-four (24) semester hours of required courses, including three (3) semester hours of seminar in dance history and research, nine (9) semester hours in American dance history, three (3) semester hours in theory of dance, and three (3) semester hours in special topics in dance, and six (6) semester hours of thesis work. Additionally, the student must earn twelve (12) semester hours of electives courses outside the Department of Dance (e.g. in American and Florida studies, history, African American studies, women's studies, humanities, music, theatre, art history.) The student is required to include some movement experience in his or her degree program. The kind and scope of practical work will vary from student to student depending on his or her professional and educational background, and the individual program of study developed with the adviser. The student must also complete the University-wide requirement regarding foreign language proficiency. This requirement may be met by one of the following: (1) Achieving a satisfactory performance on the Graduate School Foreign Language Test; (2) Completing twelve (12) semester hours of college level foreign language, Labanotation, or Laban Analysis (Effort-Shape) with a 3.0 ("B") average; (3) Four years of a single language at the high school level; (4) Achieving an intermediate level certification in Labanotation or Laban Analysis. Credit for foreign language courses may not be counted toward elective requirements.

  1. Seminar: Studies in Dance History and Research, Three (3) semester hours: DAN 5191.
  2. Dance History: History of American Dance 1492–1892, History of American Dance 1892–1960, History of American Dance 1960–2000, three (3) semester hours each to total nine (9) semester hours: DAN 5147, DAN 5148, DAN 5149.
  3. Theory of Dance: Three (3) semester hours: DAN 5128.
  4. Special Topics in Dance: Three (3) semester hours: DAN 5930.
  5. Masters Thesis in Dance History: Six (6) semester hours: DAN 5973.
  6. Electives: Twelve (12) semester hours.

Total: Thirty-six (36) semester hours.

Comprehensive Examination

To fulfill graduation requirements, the successful completion of a final examination is required: DAN 5960r.

Graduate Apprenticeship/Assistantship Program

Completion of the graduate apprenticeship/assistantship program is required to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. In special cases, this requirement may be modified or waived if there is sufficient knowledge of candidate's teaching ability.

Definition of Prefixes

DAA—Dance, Emphasis on Activity

DAE—Dance Education

DAN—Dance

Graduate Courses

DAA 5118r. Contemporary Dance (1–3). Faculty placement or consent of instructor required. May be repeated to a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours.

DAA 5218r. Ballet (1–3). Faculty placement or consent of instructor required. May be repeated to a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours.

DAA 5618. Choreography (3). Study of aesthetic issues in choreographic process; development and critical analysis of choreographic etudes; delineation of prospectus for extended choreography.

DAA 5648r. Choreographic Project (2–6). (S/U grade only.) Conception, development, and production of an extended choreographic work. May be repeated to a maximum of ten (10) semester hours.

DAA 5688r. Dance Ensemble (1). (S/U grade only.) Experience in dance ensemble and performance work. Official casting and faculty approval required. May be repeated to a maximum of three (3) semester hours.

DAA 5698r. Dance Performance (1–2). Preparation and public performance of selected roles in the repertory of dance theatre and/or dance studio theatre. Official casting and faculty approval required. May be repeated to a maximum of ten (10) semester hours.

DAA 5950r. New York City: Arts and Resources as the Art Event (3). This course investigates, experientially and academically, New York City's resources. Using performances and exhibitions as the center point, the relationships among the various elements that compose an urban art event are explored. May be repeated within the same semester.

DAE 5387. Dance History Pedagogy (3). This course introduces students to basic skills necessary to teach dance history and dance appreciation at the undergraduate level.

DAE 5940. Supervised Teaching (2). (S/U grade only.) A maximum of two (2) hours may apply to a master's degree.

DAN 5126. Current Issues in Dance History, Theory, and Research (1-3). This course introduces students to current state-of-the-art trends in dance history, theory and research methodology. As the field of dance scholarship is currently undergoing dramatic, paradigm-shifting changes, the content of the course changes each semester to include the most current information. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

DAN 5128. Theory of Dance (3). Course focuses on the study of theoretical approaches to dance as evidenced by the work of influential scholars in the field of dance theory.

DAN 5147. History of American Dance 1492–1892 (3). A course of study covering the evolution of American dance history from 1492–1892. A maximum of three (3) semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5148. History of American Dance 1892–1960 (3). A course of study covering the evolution of American dance history from 1892–1960. A maximum of three (3) semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5149. History of American Dance 1960–2000 (3). A course of study covering the evolution of American dance history from 1960–2000. A maximum of three (3) semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5158. Theory of Dance Performance and Directing (3). Previous technical experience preferred. Study of historical development and theoretical bases of performance and directing.

DAN 5190. Theory and Practice in Dance Technique (3). The study and studio exploration of principles of selected dance technique systems, with specific reference to their historic, kinesthetic, and aesthetic parameters.

DAN 5191r. Seminar Studies in Dance History and Research (3). Development of advanced research skills in the area of dance history. Dance majors only. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

DAN 5193. History of African American Social Dance of the Twentieth Century (3). Traces the major African-American social dance styles of the twentieth century. These dance styles are examined in a context that facilitates understanding their relationsip to the culture(s) and events that produced and influenced them.

DAN 5194. Dancing in the Movies (3). Traces the evolution of dance in the American popular film industry. Emphasis is placed on how movies encapsulate popular sterotypes and icons, revealing the roles of gender, race, fashion, economic and political forces.

DAN 5486. Documentation Techniques (3). Prerequisite: DAN 4418. This course combines hands-on experience with reading, discussion, and critique to develop technical skills and aesthetic awareness related to the documentation of concert dance. The course requires a significant research paper on current practices in dance documentation and a directing project for a dance concert documentation.

DAN 5508. Visual Design for Choreography (3). Critical analysis of the relationship between visual design and dance choreography. Study of current status of theatre design and technology.

DAN 5905r. Directed Individual Study (2–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours. May be repeated during the same semester.

DAN 5910. Supervised Research (2). (S/U grade only.) A maximum of two (2) hours may apply to a master's degree.

DAN 5930r. Special Topics in Dance (1–3). Prerequisite: variable, depending on topic. Topics may vary from term to term. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

DAN 5940r. Dance Internship (1–12). This course consists of a supervised internship to provide students with professional experience in their field. Design of the internship will be developed by the student and intern host in consultation with the academic adviser. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

DAN 5960r. Master's Comprehensive Examination (0). (P/F grade only.)

DAN 5972r. Creative Thesis: Graduate Concert (2–6). (S/U grade only.) For MFA degree candidates in dance only. The development and production of the graduate concert. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours. A minimum of six (6) semester hours is required.

DAN 5973r. Master's Thesis in American Dance Studies (1–6). Prerequisite: DAN 5791. An individualized course of study leading to completion of a formal masters thesis in American dance history. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours. May be repeated during the same semester.

DAN 8976. Master's Thesis Defense (0). (P/F grade only.) Prerequisite: DAN 5973. Thesis topic to be arranged with adviser.