Florida State University 2008-2009 General Bulletin Undergraduate Edition
Department of Dance
College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance
Co-Chairs: Patricia Phillips, Russell Sandifer; Professors: Davis, Farrell, Fichter, Morgan, Phillips, Sommer, Wagoner, Young, Zollar; Associate Professors: Austin, Corbin, Glenn, Houlihan, Humphreys, Perpener, Sandifer, Welsh
The Department of Dance offers work leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in dance in an environment conducive to the highest caliber of dance training, practice, and scholarship. Our vision of dance in higher education encourages 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 voices through exposure to diverse practical and philosophical approaches to dance studies and the development of critical thought processes.
The curriculum is designed to prepare the student who wishes to enter dance as a profession. Of the many professional avenues in which dance can be pursued and practiced, performance and choreography constitute the emphasis of the undergraduate major curriculum at this University. The theoretical aspects of dance (pedagogical, historic, aesthetic) are also stressed.
To fulfill the purpose of the program, the faculty consists of outstanding artist-teachers and scholars who are committed to the model of intensive professional training within the context of a broad University education. A full production schedule offers extensive opportunities for repertory study, performance, and choreography, complemented by work with guest choreographers and visiting lecturers. Part of the department's mission is to serve as a regional repertory center for the reconstruction and production of dance masterworks and the creation of original repertory. The program's facilities include spacious studios and The Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre.
In addition to the dance major degree program, the department offers some liberal studies course work and elective course work for the general University student. The department also offers work leading to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in dance and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in dance with a major in studio and related studies, as well as a Master of Arts (MA) degree in American dance studies. Interested students should consult the Graduate Bulletin for details.
The Florida State University Department of Dance is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.
Audition and Screening
All undergraduate students who wish to major in dance must audition for admission into the dance major program. Auditions are held at designated periods throughout the year.
Assessment of every dance major occurs at various times throughout each year to evaluate the student's progress in the major program. Such assessment is part of a continuous advisement and monitoring procedure. 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.
Placement and Proficiency
Intrinsic to the development of a dancer is the technical command of the instrument and the expansion of the vocabulary of movement; therefore, dance majors are continually assessed during their curricular experiences in order to be placed at the correct level of studio work in dance technique. All students are assigned an appropriate placement level in ballet and contemporary dance upon entrance into the program and must maintain continuous participation in ballet and contemporary dance technique classes throughout enrollment in the curriculum. Students who demonstrate the skill necessary for the next level of work upon completion of a studio technique course will be permitted to enroll at the next level. If not, they will be expected to continue in designated courses at their level of technique until they are ready to advance. To meet graduation requirements, the student must achieve and maintain the ballet III level and the contemporary dance II level or the contemporary dance III level and the ballet II level; the advanced proficiency level (III) must be achieved by one semester prior to graduation.
Performance
The dance major is required to participate in a minimum of four performing experiences sponsored by the department.
Florida Teacher Certification in Dance
A program will be designed for the BFA degree-seeking student who wishes K–12 teacher certification in dance. Additional hours beyond the one hundred twenty-eight (128) semester hours required for the BFA degree are necessary to achieve full certification.
Liberal Studies
All students working toward a degree in dance are required to meet the liberal studies requirements.
Computer Skills Competency
All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in dance satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in DAN 4418.
State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites
The State of Florida has identified common course prerequisites for this University degree program. These prerequisites are lower-level courses that are required for preparation for the University major prior to a student receiving a baccalaureate degree from Florida State University. They may be taken either at a community college or in a university lower-division program. It is preferred that these common course prerequisites be completed in the freshman and sophomore years.
The following lists the common prerequisites or approved substitutions necessary for this degree program:
Dance—BFA Track
Any twenty-four (24) semester hours from the following thirty (30) semester hours will be accepted toward the major:
- DAN X610 (3) or DAN X600 (3)
- DAN X611 (3) or DAN X601 (3)
- DAA X610 (2)
- DAA X611 (2)
- DAA X680 (2) and DAA X681 (2), or any lower level repertory courses in the 400–499 series up to four (4) semester hours
- Eight (8) semester hours of any lower level ballet technique courses (with the DAA prefix) within the 200–209 taxonomy
- Eight (8) semester hours of any lower level modern technique courses (with the DAA prefix) within the 100–109 taxonomy
Note: Although credit toward the major will be given for these, placement in upper level technique classes will continue to be based on individual student proficiency.
Minimum Requirements for the BFA in Dance
- Dance Technique. Thirty (30) semester hours and fulfillment of proficiency requirement. Dance technique courses include DAA 3108r, 3109r, 3208r, 3209r, 4110r, 4210r. The student enrolls in both ballet and contemporary dance throughout enrollment as a dance major except in the following two instances: a) during summer session, students may elect to take only one of the technique courses (either ballet or contemporary dance); b) if students have achieved and maintained the required proficiency levels in technique for at least one semester they may elect to take only one of the technique courses (either ballet or contemporary dance) during one of the last two semesters before graduation.
- Dance Composition and Repertory. Ten (10) semester hours including DAA 2610, 3614, 3654r, DAN 2611
- Other Dance Courses. Thirty-seven (37) semester hours, including Dance Ensemble (four [4] semester hours of DAA 1680r, 2681r, 3684r, or 4685r); DAE 3384; DAN 2100, 2500, 2610, 3144, 3145, 3146, 3400, 3504, 3584r, 3714, 3744, 4418 and 4935
- Liberal Studies. Thirty-six (36) semester hours. Three (3) hours of the history and philosophy of dance courses—DAN 3144, 3145 or 3146—may be applied to Area IV of liberal studies requirements.
- Electives: Fifteen to eighteen (15–18) semester hours. Students exercising the option under requirement four above will complete eighteen (18) elective semester hours.
Total: One hundred twenty-eight (128) semester hours.
The applicability of previous course work to dance curricular requirements is assessed and determined by the Department of Dance. A transfer student need not earn the maximum semester hours in dance technique but must fulfill the curricular requirement of maintaining continuous participation in ballet and contemporary dance throughout enrollment in the curriculum and must achieve and maintain the required technical proficiency levels.
Undergraduate dance majors need not earn the maximum semester hours in dance technique if they are able to complete successfully all other University and departmental course requirements for graduation and if they have achieved the required technical proficiency levels prior to accumulation of the maximum hours in technique.
Honors in the Major
The Department of Dance offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research or creative work. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Definition of Prefixes
DAA—Dance, Emphasis on Activity
DAE—Dance Education
DAN—Dance
Undergraduate Courses
DAN 4900r. Honors Study in Dance (1–6). Admission to honors in dance program required. Written thesis for creative or academic research done as part of the honors in dance program. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.
DAN 4935r. Special Topics in Dance (1–3). Prerequisites: Vary depending on topic. Topics may vary from term to term. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
Dance Technique
The following courses offer a progression of study to develop technical and performance skills, as well as concepts in dance.
Ballet
DAA 1200r. Beginning Ballet I–Nonmajors (2). Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 1201r. Beginning Ballet II–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 1202r. Beginning Ballet III–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 2203r. Intermediate Ballet–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAA 3208r. Ballet I (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAA 3209r. Ballet II (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester hours.
DAA 4210r. Ballet III (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester hours.
Contemporary Dance
DAA 1100r. Beginning Contemporary Dance I–Nonmajors (2). Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 1101r. Beginning Contemporary Dance II–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 1102r. Beginning Contemporary Dance III–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAA 2103r. Intermediate Contemporary Dance–Nonmajors (2). Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAA 3108r. Contemporary Dance I (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAA 3109r. Contemporary Dance II (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester hours.
DAA 4110r. Contemporary Dance III (1–3). Majors only. Faculty placement or instructor permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester hours.
Jazz
DAA 1500r. Jazz Dance I—Nonmajors (2). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This practical studio course introduces Jazz Dance as an art form while developing the basic skills and vocabulary of Jazz Dance. It is intended for non-dance majors only. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAA 1501r. Jazz Dance II—Nonmajors (2). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This practical studio course explores Jazz Dance as an art form while developing the more advanced skills and vocabulary of Jazz Dance. For non-dance majors only. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
Aspects of Dance Performance
DAA 1680r. 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 2681r. Special Dance Performance (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 3684r. 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 3695r. Dance Performance (1–2). Majors only. Preparation and public performance of selected roles in dance repertory. Official casting and faculty approval required. May be repeated to a maximum of sixteen (16) semester hours.
DAA 4685r. 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.
Dance Composition and Repertory
DAA 2610–2611. Dance Composition [two (2) hours each]. Majors only. Prerequisite: DAN 2610. Exploration of basic rhythmic, spatial, and dynamic materials in the designing of dance movements; improvisation and exploration of various ideological and aesthetic sources.
DAA 3614. Dance Composition (3). Prerequisite: DAN 2611. Study of choreographic forms and structures, musical forms, extended temporal and dynamic studies, components of dramatic and stylistic forms, use of dance technology compositionally.
DAA 3654r. Choreography–Repertory (2). The study and practice of selected works of dance repertory. May be repeated to a maximum of sixteen (16) semester hours. Instructor permission required.
DAA 4615. Dance Composition (3). Prerequisite: DAA 3614. Extended choreographic process: production of extended choreographic works. Instructor permission required.
Rhythmic and Musical Theory
DAN 2610. Rhythmic Analysis (3). Analysis of rhythmic structures and their relationship to dance form and composition.
DAN 2611. Music and Choreography (3). Prerequisite: DAN 2610. Analysis of various elements of music with relationship to dance performance and/or choreography.
Notation and Movement Analysis
DAN 3400. Movement Analysis (3). Prerequisite: DAN 2610. This course introduces and develops a basic understanding of movement-analysis concepts and systems of documentation and reconstruction. An historical survey of dance notation systems and movement analysis theories is conducted. Theoretical materials are examined through emphasis on movement observation, writing and reading skills, and creative use of concepts.
DAN 3445. Labanotation (5). Prerequisite: DAN 2610. Beginning through intermediate skills are introduced and developed. Theoretical materials in labanotation are examined with emphasis on writing and developing reading skills.
DAN 3714. Movement Theory and Body Alignment (3). The study of movement theories and body alignment for the technical aspects of dance performance.
DAN 3744r. Dance Conditioning (2). Studio laboratory for concepts in movement theory and body alignment. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) semester hours.
Dance Production
DAN 2500r. Introduction to Design (1). This course examines the basic vocabulary, understanding, and appreciation of the design process in dance production. May be repeated to a maximum of two (2) semester hours.
DAN 3504. Dance Production (2). Study of technical aspects of production. Instructor permission required.
DAN 3584r. Dance Theatre Laboratory (1). Assigned problems in connection with current dance theatre production. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) semester hours.
DAN 4418r. Survey of Dance Technologies (3). This course provides training and aesthetic guidance for dance artists through the generation of computer-assisted imagery. It sets a foundation for future work in the areas of dance documentation, preservation, creation, promotion, and multimedia performance. May be repeated a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
DAN 4484. Documentation Techniques (3). Prerequisite: DAN 4418. This course instructs students in capturing the art of motion, combining hands-on experience with reading, discussion, and critique to develop technical skills and aesthetic awareness related to the documentation of concert dance.
History and Theory of Dance
DAN 2100. Introduction to History and Appreciation of Dance (3). A survey of the development of dance in human culture with emphasis on dance as an art form. The major periods of dance history, choreographic masterworks, and artists in choreography and performance will be explored through readings, discussion, media presentation, live performances, and movement laboratories. No prior dance experience is required.
DAN 3144, 3145, 3146. History and Philosophy of Dance [three (3) hours each]. 3144–Origins and development of dance; ritual and social components of dance; dance in early cultures. 3145–Evolution of dance as a theatrical art form; ballet history. 3146–Dance in contemporary times.
DAN 3185. African-American Dance in American Culture (3). Using African-American dance as a central focus, this course examines how cultural and artistic expressions can both integrate and divide different groups of people along lines of race and class.
DAN 4182. Dancing in the Movies (3). This course traces the evolution of dance in the American popular film industry. Emphasis will be placed on how movies encapsulate popular stereotypes and icons, revealing the roles of gender, race, fashion, economic and political forces.
DAN 4183. History of African-American Social Dance of the Twentieth Century (3). The class traces the major African-American social styles of the twentieth century. These dance styles are examined in a context that facilitates understanding their relationship to the culture(s) and events that produced and influenced them.
Pedagogy
DAE 3384. Methods and Materials in Dance Education (3). The study of the principles of learning and how they inform the processes of designing lessons and teaching dance. Includes a 5-week teaching practicum in local schools in addition to coursework on campus.
Other Courses
DAN 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
DAN 4910r. Dance Internship (1–6). (S/U grade only). Supervised internship to provide students with professional experience in their field. Design of the internship is developed by the student and intern host in consultation with the academic adviser. May be repeated in the same semester with instructor permission to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
Graduate Courses
DAA 5118r. Contemporary Dance (1–3).
DAA 5218r. Ballet (1–3).
DAA 5618. Choreography (3).
DAA 5648r. Choreographic Project (2–6). (S/U grade only.)
DAA 5688r. Dance Ensemble (1). (S/U grade only.)
DAA 5698r. Dance Performance (1–2).
DAA 5950r. New York City: Arts and Resources as the Art Event (3).
DAE 5387. Dance History Pedagogy (3).
DAE 5940. Supervised Teaching (2). (S/U grade only.)
DAN 5126r. Current Issues in Dance History, Theory, and Research (1–3).
DAN 5128. Theory of Dance (3).
DAN 5147. History of American Dance 1492–1892 (3).
DAN 5148. History of American Dance 1892–1960 (3).
DAN 5149. History of American Dance 1960–2000 (3).
DAN 5158. Theory of Dance Performance and Directing (3).
DAN 5190. Theory and Practice in Dance Technique (3).
DAN 5191r. Seminar Studies in Dance History and Research (3).
DAN 5193. History of African-American Social Dance of the Twentieth Century (3).
DAN 5194. Dancing in the Movies (3).
DAN 5486. Documentation Techniques (3).
DAN 5508. Visual Design for Choreography (3).
DAN 5905r. Directed Individual Study (2–3).
DAN 5910. Supervised Research (2). (S/U grade only.)
DAN 5930r. Special Topics in Dance (1–3).
DAN 5940r. Dance Internship (1–12).
For listings relating to master's examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.