School of Dance

Graduate Programs

College of Fine Arts

Website: https://dance.fsu.edu

Chair: Anjali Austin; Associate Chair: Russell Sandifer; Professors: Austin, Farrell, Glenn, Sandifer, Welsh, Zollar; Associate Professors: Atkins, Goldman, Schwadron, Welliver; Assistant Professors: Ishangi, Malianga, Mitchell, Rhynard, Smith; Associate in Research: Burdick; Research Faculty III: Peterson; Instructional Specialist II: Davis-Craig; Emeriti: Davis, Fichter, Houlihan, McCullough, Morgan, Phillips, Sommer, Wagoner, Young.

The School of Dance offers graduate 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. The mission of the Florida State University School of Dance is to provide an environment conducive to the highest caliber of dance training, art making, and scholarship. Our approach encourages fluidity between the processes of making art, honing craft, and deepening intellectual explorations. We cultivate the individual creative voice with exposure to diverse technical and philosophical approaches. Such an environment nurtures exceptional dance practitioners, allows us to make creative and intellectual contributions to the larger dance community, and fosters collaborative endeavors within and beyond our field. 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 Master of Fine Arts in dance includes choreography, performance, dance sciences, dance production design, and dance technology, complemented by required work in dance history and theory. The curriculum for each candidate culminates in a graduate creative project designed by the student in consultation with a mentor. Elective work may include dance administration, community engagement, and/or more advanced studies in the core curriculum. The creative project reflects each student's focus in any one or a combination of these areas of study.

The emphasis of the Master of Arts in dance with a major in Studio and Related Studies entails investigation into one or more of the diverse areas within the field of dance that extends studio practices beyond performance and choreography. This degree is ideal for the focused pre-professional or returning professional whose interest is in broadening their preparation for areas of the field that may include, but are not limited to: community engagement, dance sciences, dance production design, dance pedagogy, and dance technology.

Visiting artists, guest choreographers, and an outstanding dance lecture and film series are regular enhancements of the curriculum. Ongoing performance and repertory projects bring exceptional dance masterworks to campus for performance by the Florida State University dance majors, linking the artistic and technical development of dancers to their understanding of the cultural and historical context of the art. The Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC), a dance and choreographic research center affiliated with the School of Dance, also hosts numerous internationally recognized dance artists. The program's facilities include spacious studios and the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre.

Florida State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Requirements for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance

The MFA degree candidates must have completed an undergraduate major in dance or have a significant experience in the field. Admission into the graduate dance program is determined on the basis of the candidates' auditions, interviews, writing samples, and credentials. Each candidate must meet the University admission requirement of a minimum 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. The GRE is not required as the audition, interview, and writing samples provide alternate methods of assessing qualifications for admission.

The students' progress is informally assessed throughout the graduate program while formal assessments occur 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. The amount of work required, in addition to the minimum dance curricular requirements and the minimum University-wide requirements, depends upon the students' undergraduate preparation and level of achievement.

MFA students are expected to maintain continuous participation at the appropriate level in dance technique classes for graduation.

Summary of Minimum Requirements

The MFA degree in dance requires a minimum of sixty-six (66) semester hours, normally constituting a three-year course of study. This minimum must contain twelve semester hours of technique, three semester hours of seminar in dance research, twenty-five semester hours of specified theoretical and studio courses, six semester hours in a final creative thesis project, and twenty semester hours in electives. Expertise in any of the areas and/or proficiency in technique may allow individual candidates the option of designing a course of study that is tailored to the candidate's research, performance, or production interests. This will be done in consultation with the graduate faculty. Coursework in Musculo-Skeletal Anatomy is a prerequisite for the degree. Remedial work in Dance Kinesiology outside of the program map will be required if this condition has not been met by the start of the program.

1. Dance Technique: Twelve semester hours.
2. Seminar: Three semester hours: DAN 5191 Seminar in Dance Research.
3. Other Dance Courses: Twenty-five semester hours to include: DAA 5618 Choreography, three semester hours; DAN 5158 Theory of Dance Performance and Directing, three semester hours; DAN 5190 Theory and Practice of Dance Technique, two semester hours; DAA 5647 Choreographic Process, two semester hours; DAN 5508 Visual Design for Choreography, three semester hours; dance history (with specific courses to be selected in consultation with advisor), three semester hours; DAE 5305 Science of Dance Training, three semester hours; DAN 5650 Music Praxes in Dance, two semester hours; DAN 5592 Screendance Composition, two semester hours; and DAN 5590 Studies in Dance Technology, two semester hours.
4. Final Creative Project: Six semester hours: DAN 5972 (creative thesis: graduate concert). Candidates must fulfill a prerequisite by performing or understudying in at least one choreographic or restaged work, produced by graduate faculty or commissioned guest artists, or by serving as a rehearsal assistant in a faculty or guest artist work, before producing his/her own creative thesis. Any exceptions to this prerequisite will be determined by the graduate advisor in consultation with the graduate faculty. Each creative project may reflect a range of choreographic work in combination with other areas of focus that the candidate may have pursued.
5. Electives: Twenty semester hours.
6. MFA Creative Project Defense: Zero semester hours: DAN 5970. Students are required to successfully complete a creative project defense.
7. Comprehensive Examination: Zero semester hours: DAN 5960r. Students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination consisting of two phases, written and oral.

Total: Sixty-six semester hours.

MFA Returning Professional

The MFA Returning Professional track allows career dance artists to design a curriculum that will enhance and augment current skills, deepen existing knowledge, and provide opportunities for exploring new areas of interest. Acceptance is at the faculty's discretion and on a case-by-case basis. Students who are designated returning professionals by the faculty have some latitude in shaping their curriculum, with faculty approval. The following criteria are considerations for admittance into the returning professional track:

1. Substantial professional dance career at the national or international level;
2. Demonstrated choreographic and/or restaging experience with dance repertory;
3. Demonstrated maturity and commitment to the field of dance;
4. Ongoing engagement and currency in the field of dance.

MFA Returning Professional Timeline

Sixty semester hours are required for the MFA in Dance. Returning Professionals can choose an accelerated 2-year track or a 3-year track.

MFA Returning Professional Accelerated 2-Year Track

For the accelerated 2-year Returning Professional Track, the candidate is granted flexibility to satisfy program requirements through a combination of Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, which is tailored to the unique objectives of the individual student. The following is an example of how the accelerated 2-year track might be divided:

1. Summer 1: 0–3 credit hours
2. Fall 1: 12 credit hours
3. Spring 1: 12 credit hours
4. Summer 2: 3–9 credit hours
5. Fall 2: 12 credit hours
6. Spring 2: 12 credit hours
7. Summer 3: 3–9 credit hours

MFA Returning Professional 3-Year Track

The Returning Professional 3-year track is three Fall and three Spring semesters. The following is an example of how this track might be divided:

1. Fall 1: 9 credit hours
2. Spring 1: 9 credit hours
3. Fall 2: 9–12 credit hours
4. Spring 2: 9–12 credit hours
5. Fall 3: 9–12 credit hours
6. Spring 3: 9–12 credit hours

Requirements for a Master of Arts (MA) in Dance with a Major in Studio and Related Studies

The MA 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. Each candidate must meet the University admission requirements of a minimum 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. The GRE is not required as the audition, interview, and writing samples provide alternate methods of assessing qualifications for admission.

The students' progress is informally assessed throughout the graduate program while formal 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. Students who cannot meet School and academic standards will be discontinued from the program. The amount of work required, in addition to the minimum dance curricular requirements and the minimum University-wide requirements, depends upon the students' undergraduate preparation and level of achievement.

Summary of Minimum Requirements

The MA in dance with a major in studio and related studies requires a minimum of thirty-six semester hours of graduate level course requirements, normally constituting a two-year course of study. This minimum must contain eight semester hours of technique, three semester hours of seminar in research, five semester hours of choreography and choreographic process, three credit hours of MA Capstone and seventeen semester hours of elective courses in studio-related courses. Elective courses must be approved by the students' advisor. Students are required to investigate possibilities for electives 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 students with their faculty advisor. Students must develop an appropriate capstone experience that substantively synthesizes their unique curricular experience. The capstone project must meet the approval of the graduate advisor and the graduate faculty mentoring the candidates' individual programs.

1. Dance Technique: Eight semester hours.
2. Seminar: Three semester hours: DAN 5191 Seminar in Dance Research.
3. Other Dance Courses: Five semester hours in choreography to include: DAA 5618 Choreography and DAA 5647 Choreographic Process. Other composition/theory courses may better support a candidate's studio and related studies research trajectory and must be approved by the graduate advisor.
4. Final Capstone Project: Three semester hours: DAN 5971 MA Capstone. Each capstone project may reflect the individual areas of focus that the candidate pursued.
5. Electives: Seventeen semester hours.

Total: Thirty-six semester hours.

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). Prerequisite: Faculty placement or instructor permission. May be repeated to a maximum of eighteen semester hours.

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

DAA 5228r. Graduate Pointe Technique and Repertory (1). Prerequisite: Instructor Permission. This course offers instruction in the theory and practice of ballet and pointe technique. Students build the strength and technique necessary to execute classical and contemporary pointe variations, with a focus on artistry, individual interpretation, style, and musicality. Graduate students are expected to approach the class and variations from a pedagogical and analytical point of view and present a lecture on the historical context of one of the variations to the rest of the class. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours.

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

DAA 5647. Choreographic Process (2). This studio course is the first in a series of graduate level courses in choreography. The course provides a supportive environment in which students explore the creative process to define and refine their unique creative voice and vision. Guided by critical inquiry, the course is dedicated to exploring choreographic practice, method, and process through a variety of creative strategies including readings, assignments, and lab time.

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

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

DAA 5698r. Dance Performance (1–2). This course examines the 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 semester hours.

DAE 5305. Science of Dance Training (3). Prerequisite: DAN 3714 or equivalent. This course applies the movement sciences to the challenges of training dancers.

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 hours may apply to a master's degree.

DAN 5126r. 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 semester hours.

DAN 5127C. MANCC Experience (3). This course explores the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) experience with focus on ideas surrounding dance collaborations and process-oriented work, especially through a contextualization of and interaction with visiting MANCC artists and their current projects. This course engages students in considering the material in terms of their own artistic identity. Students learn more about MANCC programs and engage with dance history and issues pertinent to the current state of the dance field.

DAN 5128. Theory of Dance (3). This 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. Dance Practices of the Global Gulf (3). This course examines social, religious, and concert dance practices in the Gulf South and surrounding areas, including Mexico and Cuba, from a global perspective, tracing the inter-textual, cultural forces that shape American identities (broadly defined) with attention to questions grounded in diasporic, transatlantic, and transnational issues. A maximum of three semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5148. Dance Migrations and Mobilities (3). This course examines social, religious, and concert dance practices in the Americas, tracing the inter-textual, cultural forces that shape American (broadly defined) identities with special attention to questions surrounding issues of migration and mobility. A maximum of three semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5149. Contemporary Stage and Social Movements (3). This course looks at a range of dance forms that flourished in the United States in the second half of the 20th Century and through to the present day, seeking novel connections between street, social, and concert dance forms and their entanglements in public discourse. A maximum of three semester hours may apply toward the master's degree.

DAN 5158. Theory of Dance Performance and Directing (3). Recommended prerequisite: Previous technical experience. This course is a study of historical development and theoretical bases of performance and directing.

DAN 5190. Theory and Practice in Dance Technique (2). This course focuses on 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 in Dance Research (3–6). This course focuses on the development of advanced research skills in the area of dance history. Dance majors only. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

DAN 5193. History of African American Social Dance of the Twentieth Century (3). This course traces the major African-American social dance 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.

DAN 5194. Dancing in the Movies (3). This course traces the evolution of dance in the American popular film industry. Emphasis is placed on how movies encapsulate popular stereotypes 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 5507. Production and Stage Management for Dance (3). This course introduces students to the foundations of stage and production management for dance. Students cover basic coursework in resource and project management, as well as theoretical and practical experience in stage management.

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

DAN 5590. Studies in Dance Technology (2). This course addresses current issues in dance technology. Students develop fundamentals in media technologies while broadening their appreciation for technology in dance. This course facilitates the students' ability to expand creative expression, as well as enhance their ability to promote themselves as artists. Guest speakers offer exposure to technology applications in a number of related arts areas. Course topics are supported by video viewings, related readings, critiques, and group discussions. Value is placed on developing one's ability to speak and write about the creative process utilizing technology, as well as planning and executing technology-enhanced projects.

DAN 5591r. Dance and Video (2). Prerequisite: DAN 5590. This course includes the study of camera techniques for the screen and projection design for stage. The course is conducted in two units. The first unit explores concert dance documentation and videodance production. The second unit explores visual media design for the theater. The units may be taken concurrently in the same semester or sequentially for two credits each to a maximum of eight credit hours.

DAN 5592. Screendance Composition (2). This course combines theoretical inquiry and practical application to establish a working knowledge for creating art within the genre, screendance. Dance-specific concepts are reinforced as choreographic principles are transposed from stage to screen. The course follows the chronological progression of production from conception to dissemination, while addressing artistry in the creative process using industry-standard equipment and software.

DAN 5596. Photography for Dance (2). This course addresses the representation of dance and dancers in two dimensional non-time based photographic media. It involves hands-on camera work, post-production editing, and critical analysis of past or current photography.

DAN 5650. Music Praxes in Dance (2). This course examines a diverse range of histories and fundamentals of music through the lens of past and current dance practices while also exploring music-dance collaborations. Students develop skills in communicating with musicians as well as creating and editing sound scores.

DAN 5748. Targeted Cross-Training for Dancers (1-2). Prerequisites: Dance major status and instructor permission. This course provides a structure to help dancers (re)build the capacities they need to participate fully in dance technique classes, rehearsals, and performances following injury.

DAN 5765r. Gyrotonic Methodology (3). This course introduces students to the GYROTONIC® specialized exercise system. The course demonstrates how Gyrotonic offers enhanced freedom of movement with exercises executed on the professional Pulley Tower machine. Students learn how this approach systematically works joints and muscles while stimulating the body's internal organs with corresponding breathing patterns. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours.

DAN 5776Cr. Contact Improvisation (1-2). This course examines notions of community and human connection within the technical training of Contact Improvisation. Students look at how the skills of falling, being off balance, and fully trusting a partner prepare the dancer for improvisational dancing and partner work. May be repeated to a maximum of sixteen credit hours of eight times.

DAN 5905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). The Directed Individual Study provides students with an opportunity to investigate an area of interest in the field of dance. This self-initiated journey into research and/or creative activity begins with a proposal provided by the student. The faculty mentor acts as advisor providing consultation as needed. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours; repeatable within the same semester.

DAN 5910. Supervised Research (2). (S/U grade only). A maximum of two 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.

DAN 5940r. Internship (1–12). This course provides students with professional experience related to their field of study. The School of Dance at Florida State University offers internship placements with a variety of dance and arts-related organizations.

DAN 5950r. New York City: Arts and Resources (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. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

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

DAN 5970r. MFA Creative Project Defense (0). (P/F grade only.) This zero-credit hour course is intended for MFA candidates in the last semester of the program. Students meet with their creative project committee to deliver an oral defense of their Creative Project and present an analysis of the creative process and a self-examination of the culminating project. May be repeated two times. May be repeated within the same semester.

DAN 5971r. MA Capstone (3). This course facilitates MA students' progress in their final semester as they work toward completing a culminating capstone project as outlined in their research proposals defended the previous semester. Students work closely with the Committee Chair to fulfill independent research objectives. Capstone projects in both MA American Dance Studies and Studio and Related Studies may entail a wide variety of creative and scholarly activities tailored toward student interests, but they must include a public sharing of the project, a reflection and synthesis paper, and a defense of the research findings in a final meeting with the committee.

DAN 5972r. Creative Thesis (2–6). (S/U grade only). This course is for MFA degree candidates in dance only and oversees the research, development, and production of the graduate thesis project. A minimum of six semester hours is required.

DAN 5973r. Master's Thesis in American Dance Studies (1–6). This is an individualized course of study leading to completion of a formal master's thesis in American dance history. May be repeated within the same term to a maximum of six semester hours. May be repeated during the same semester.

DAN 7952r. MFA Creative Project (1–6). This course is designed to facilitate MFA student progress in their final two or three semesters as they work toward the completion of a culminating MFA Creative Project as outlined in their proposals defended in the second or third semester. Students enrolled in this course work closely with the MFA Creative Project Committee Chair to fulfill independent research objectives.

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