Wayne State University

Aim Higher

Dance Curriculum

Admission to the dance program is by audition only; all dance majors must be enrolled in appropriate level modern and ballet technique classes each semester and evidence successful progress in their respective degree programs in order to maintain dance major status.

Any dance major who does not comply and/or does not register and complete appropriate dance coursework for one semester MUST AUDITION FOR THE DANCE PROGRAM for re-admission. Students out of the dance program for two semesters or more are rarely re-admitted to the program

From the University Undergraduate Bulletin
Degree Programs

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS with a major in dance

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE with a major in dance

DANCE MINOR
 

The Maggie Allesee Department of Dance prepares students for professional careers as performing artists, choreographers, dance teachers, and informed dance audience members within the urban, metropolitan context of Wayne State University. The Department offers curricular choices at the undergraduate and post-degree levels, integrating a thorough understanding of applied and theoretical principles of movement with the newest forms and ideas in contemporary dance performance, choreography, and dance education. Undergraduate studies in dance are reflected in the following major and minor designations: Major in Dance leading to the Bachelor of Science degree; Major in Dance leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; optional 6-12 State of Michigan teaching certification for either the B.S. or B.F.A. Major in Dance; secondary teaching Minor in Dance Education along with any secondary school teaching major such as music, art, special education, speech, and the like; teaching Minor or specialization in dance with a kinesiology (physical education) major; non-teaching Minor in Dance with any Wayne State major.

Dance (B.F.A. Program)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in dance provides a professional degree program for talented students with prior dance experience and skills who seek professional careers as performing artists, choreographers, or dance scholars. Dance technique and the history, philosophies, and aesthetics of dance are all central to this program.

Admission to this program is contingent upon satisfaction of the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University (see Admission Requirements and ACT Score Requirement) and a successful audition conducted by the Department faculty. Audition dates are scheduled each January and February in the year prior to admission, and prospective students should contact the Dance Office for audition schedule information. Entering students are required to consult the Departmental advising staff prior to their first registration for classes.

All dance majors must be enrolled in appropriate level modern and ballet technique classes each semester and evidence successful progress in their respective degree programs in order to maintain dance major status. Any dance major who does not comply and/or does not register and complete appropriate dance coursework for one semester MUST AUDITION FOR THE DANCE PROGRAM for re-admission. Students out of the dance program for two semesters or more are rarely re-admitted to the program.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in dance must complete a minimum of 120 credits in course work, including two semesters of performance in the University Dance Company, as well as satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements (see General Education Program) and College degree requirements (see Bachelor's Degree Requirements: Fine, Performing and Communication Arts). This program requires seventy-seven credits in dance courses (specified below), as well as thirty-one credits in University General Education courses and eleven credits in electives within or outside dance. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the University and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees (see sections under Bachelor's Degree Requirements, Academic Regulations, University, and Bachelor's Degree Requirements: Fine, Performing and Communication Arts), as well as with the requirements of the Maggie Allesee Department of Dance. The seventy-seven credits in specified dance courses must be completed with grades of 'C' or better; grades of 'C-minus' or below are not acceptable in any required dance course for dance majors. Students receiving the grade of 'C-minus' in any required courses will be placed on Departmental probation and may be denied continuation in the dance program. B.F.A. students receiving the grade of 'B' or below in dance technique and choreography courses will be placed on Departmental probation and may be denied continuation in the B.F.A. program.

B.F.A. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

DNC 1330 -- Production Practicum (two semesters): Cr. 2
DNC 2300 -- History of Dance to 1800: Cr. 3
DNC 2310 -- (VP) History of Dance from 1800 to the Present: Cr. 3
DNC 2311 -- Issues and Trends in Contemporary Dance: Cr. 2
DNC 2410 -- Music and Dance Relationships: Cr. 3
DNC 2500 -- Choreography I: Cr. 2
DNC 3180 -- Dance Kinesiology: Cr. 3
DNC 3190 -- Movement Analysis: Cr. 2
DNC 3310 -- Dance Production: Cr. 3
DNC 3500 -- Choreography II: Cr. 2
DNC 5110 -- Study in Dance Styles: Pilates (two semesters): Cr. 2
DNC 5120 -- Pilates Equipment Lab (six semesters): Cr. 0
DNC 5410 -- Dance Notation I: Cr. 2
DNC 5560 -- Choreography III: Cr. 2
DNC 5810 -- Creative Dance for Children: Cr. 3
DNC 5993 -- (WI) Writing Intensive Course in Dance: Cr. 0
Total: 34 credits

Performance

DNC 2010 --Technique Laboratory I: Part I: Cr. 2
DNC 2020 -- Technique Laboratory I: Part II: Cr. 2
DNC 1220 or 2210 or 2220 or 3210 or 3220 or 4220
  (eight semesters at two credits per semester with at least two semesters of 2220): Cr. 16
DNC 2460 -- Dance Improvisation: Cr. 2
DNC 3010 -- Technique Laboratory II (two semesters): Cr. 4
DNC 4010 -- Technique Laboratory III (four semesters): Cr. 8

Six Credits From: 
DNC 5000 -- Performance Tour (two semesters): Cr. 2
DNC 5610 -- Dance Company I (two semesters): Cr. 1
DNC 5800 -- Repertory (two semesters): Cr. 1
DNC 5996 -- Senior Capstone Research (Choreography):1 Cr. 3
Total: 43 Credits

Cognate Requirements (elect two of the following courses)

A H 1000 -- (VP) Introduction to Art: Cr. 4
MUH 1340 -- (VP) (CD) Music Appreciation: World Music: Cr. 3
MUH 1370 -- (VP) Music Appreciation: Beginnings to Present: Cr. 3
THR 1010 -- (VP) Introduction to the Theatre: Cr. 3
Total: 6-7 Credits

Performance Opportunities: The W.S.U. Dance Company is a performing group composed of skilled dance students who must qualify for membership through auditions. It presents concerts, lecture/demonstrations, and performances on campus and in the community, choreographed by visiting artists, faculty, and talented students. All B.F.A. majors must qualify for, and be members of, the Dance Company for two semesters.

Dance (B.S. Program)

This degree program is for students with prior dance experience who wish to combine university-level dance studies with a broad program of general study in the arts and sciences.

The Bachelor of Science in Dance offers an integrative program in the study of dance, culture and community and provides students multiple opportunities to enhance technical skill, to investigate shifting social and global concerns, and to cultivate innovative approaches to dance in diverse contexts and professions. The BS in Dance provides multi-career preparation through its unique blend of inquiry, practice, pedagogy, and technology, preparing students to be imaginative and innovative leaders for improving people’s lives and social circumstances through dance and related professions.

Admission to this program is contingent upon satisfaction of the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University (see Bachelor's Degree Requirements) and a successful audition conducted by the Department faculty. Audition dates are scheduled each January and February in the year prior to admission; prospective students should contact the Dance Office for audition schedule information. Entering students are required to consult the Departmental advising staff prior to their first registration for classes.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in dance must complete a minimum of 120 credits in course work, as well as satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements (see General Education Program) and College degree requirements (see Bachelor's Degree Requirements: Fine, Performing and Communication Arts). This program requires forty-seven credits in dance courses (specified below), as well as thirty-one credits in University General Education courses and forty-two credits in electives. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the University and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees (see sections under Bachelor's Degree Requirements, Academic Regulations, University, and Bachelor's Degree Requirements: Fine, Performing and Communication Arts), as well as with the requirements of the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. The forty-seven credits in specified dance courses must be completed with grades of 'C' or better; grades of 'C-minus' or below are not acceptable in any required dance course for dance majors. Students receiving the grade of 'C-minus' in any required courses will be placed on departmental probation and may be denied continuation in the dance program. Any dance major who does not comply and/or does not register and complete appropriate dance coursework for one semester MUST RE-AUDITION FOR THE DANCE PROGRAM for re-admission. Students out of the dance program for two semesters or more are rarely re-admitted to the program.

B.S. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

DNC 1330 -- Production Practicum: Cr. 1
DNC 2310 -- History of Dance to the Present: Cr. 3
DNC 2410 -- Music and Dance Relationships: Cr. 3
DNC 2500 -- Choreography I: Cr. 2
DNC 3180 -- Dance Kinesiology: Cr. 3
DNC 3310 -- Dance Production: Cr. 3
DNC 3500 -- Choreography II: Cr. 2
DNC 5993 -- (WI) Writing Intensive Course in Dance: Cr. 0
Total: 15 Credits

DANCE PROFESSIONS

       DNC 1810 -- Intro to Dance Profesions: Cr. 3
       DNC 3810 -- Dance Pedagogy: Cr. 3
       DNC 4910 -- Dance in Community: Cr. 3
       DNC 5910 -- Dance Professions Seminar: Cr. 3
       (Online course, includes internship or fieldwork)
       Total: 12 Credits

PERFORMANCE/ RESEARCH (twenty credits required)

       DNC 2460 -- Dance Improvisation: Cr. 2
       DNC 5110 -- Dance Styles: Pilates: Cr. 1
       DNC 5998 – Professions Capstone Research: Cr. 3

       Two Credits from the following:

       DNC 5000 -- Performance Tour: Cr. 2
       DNC 5610 -- Dance Company I : Cr. 1
       DNC 5800 -- Repertory: Cr. 1

       Twelve credits from the following:

       DNC 1010 -- Introduction to Modern Dance. Cr. 2
       DNC 1020 -- Beginning Modern Dance. Cr. 2 (Max. 6)
       DNC 1220 -- Fundamentals of Classic Ballet II. Cr. 2 (Max. 8)
       DNC 2010 -- Modern Dance Technique I Cr. 2
       DNC 2020 -- Modern Dance Technique II Cr. 2
       DNC 2600 -- African Dance II. Cr. 2
       DNC 2610 -- Jazz I. Cr. 2 (Max. 8)
       DNC 3010 -- Modern Dance Technique III: Cr. 2 (Max. 8)
       DNC 3200 -- Ballet III. Cr. 2
       DNC 3410 -- Jazz II. Cr. 2 (Max. 4)
       DNC 4010 -- Modern Dance Technique IV: Cr. 2 (Max. 8)
       DNC 4610 -- Jazz III. Cr. 2
      
       Total: 20 credits


GENERAL EDUCATION Requirement:

       DNC 2000 -- (VP) Introduction to Dance: Cr. 4
       DNC 2400 -- (FC) Introduction to African Dance: Cr. 3

COGNATE Requirements (elect two of the following courses):

       A H 1000 or A H 1110 or A H 1120
          -- (VP) Introduction to Art: Cr. 4
          -- (VP) Survey of Art History: Ancient through Medieval. Cr. 3-4
          -- (VP) Survey of Art History: Renaissance through Modern. Cr. 3-4
       COM 1600 -- Intro to Audio- TV-Film Production: Cr.3
       COM 3170 -- Fundamentals of Public Relations : Cr. 3
       MUH 1340 -- (VP) Music Appreciation: World Music: Cr. 3
       MUH 1370 -- (VP) Music Appreciation: Beginnings to Present: Cr. 3
       THR 1010 -- (VP) Introduction to the Theatre: Cr. 3
       Total 6-7 Credits
 

Performance Opportunities: The W.S.U. Dance Company, Dance Workshop, and African Dance Workshops are performing groups composed of skilled dance students who must qualify for membership through auditions. They present concerts, lecture/demonstrations, and performances on campus and in the community, choreographed by visiting artists, faculty, and talented students.

Teaching Major (B.F.A. and B.S. Programs)

Professional Education Sequence: The following courses are required for a K-12 teaching major in dance, K-12 certification, and a major in dance, secondary certification for both the B.F.A. and the B.S. degrees:

DNC 3998 -- Assisting in Dance: Cr. 1
DNC 5810 -- Creative Dance for Children: Cr. 3
DNC 5830 -- Field Work in Creative Dance: Cr. 2-8
DNE 4410 -- Student Teaching and Seminar I: Cr. 5
DNE 4420 -- Student Teaching and Seminar II: Cr. 5
DNE 4810 -- Methods in Modern Dance and Ballet: Cr. 3
EDP 5480 -- Adolescent Psychology: Cr. 3
HEA 2330 or H E 3300
   -- First Aid and CPR: Cr. 3
   -- Health of the School Child: Cr. 3
RLL 4431 -- Teaching Reading in Middle & Secondary Subject Areas.: Cr. 3

Post-Degree Studies in Dance: Students who have State Teacher Certification in any secondary major may add a secondary Dance Certification by completing the Dance Education Major requirements.

Other Dance Study: The Dance Department also provides dance instruction for non-majors and develops general appreciation for dance as an art form.

Dance Minor

Enjoy dance movement in technique classes while you expand your understanding of dance through courses in dance history and physiology. No audition is required for the minor however you may wish to audition to place into dance performance ensembles.

Minor Requirements:  Students pursuing a Minor in Dance must complete twenty credits, ten in technique and ten in academic dance courses. Please contact James Fortune, Acadmic Advisor at james.fortune2@wayne.edu to design a personalized dance minor.
DOWNLOAD DANCE MINOR FORM

Scholarships, Departmental

See Scholarships and Financial Aid. Detailed information on all Department scholarships and awards is available in the department office.

Completion of a minor in dance requires twenty credits in dance Talent Scholarship of varying amounts, normally half-tuition, dependent upon funds available, is renewable for four consecutive years based on continuance in the dance program, and paid fall and winter semesters. This award is open to students majoring in dance who have been admitted to WSU. An audition is required. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, and a 3.0 grade point average in dance courses. Contact the Department of Dance or the WSU Office of University Admissions for further information. The application deadline is early December; an audition in January or February is required.

Maggie Allesee Talent Scholarship, of varying amounts, normally $500-$3000, dependent upon funds available, is renewable for four consecutive years based on continuance in the dance program, and paid fall and winter semesters. This award is open to students majoring in dance who have been admitted to WSU. An audition is required. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, and a 3.0 grade point average in dance courses; contact the Department of Dance. The application deadline is early December; an audition in January or February is required.

Activity Award, of varying amounts, normally $250-$1400, dependent upon funds available, is renewable for four consecutive years based on continuance in the dance program, and paid fall and winter semesters. This award is open to students who participate and perform in the WSU dance companies and other departmental events. Please contact the Department of Dance for further information.

Allesee Undergraduate Dancers in Residence: Housing Scholarship, of varying amounts, normally $1500-$3000, dependent upon funds available, is renewable based on continuance in the dance program. This award is open to students majoring in dance who have been admitted to WSU. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, and a 3.0 grade point average in dance courses; contact the Department of Dance for additional information.

Endowed Scholarship Awards in Dance are of varying amounts, dependent upon funds available, are limited to full-time students majoring in dance. The dance faculty selects recipients during the winter semester for the following awards:

Portia Fields Anderson (aka Freeda Frump) Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application, not to exceed one page. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Harriet Berg Endowed Choreography Award of varying amounts, ranging from $250- $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of outstanding choreographic creativity and promise of excellence in choreography, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. The award fund will be used for choreography production and/or other choreographic related expenses, such as costumes, music, set design, properties, video or other technology production needs. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Meredith Ilene Campbell Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Kathryn Ellis Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance education at WSU. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award

Rose Marie Floyd Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Karen Ruth Lacoff Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Founded by Joanne, Marvin and Betty Danto) of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. This endowed scholarship is offered to affirm outstanding talent and to inspire in its recipients a life of passion through dance. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the bases of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Ruth Lovell Murray Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time and to be used during their junior or senior year. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the bases of scholastic achievement (with at least a 3.25 g.p.a.), and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application, not to exceed one page. The application deadline is December for a winter semester award.

Lisa Nowak Endowed Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Financial need may be considered. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU. Applicants must submit a letter of application. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

Barbara Rochlin-Fenkell Annual Scholarship of varying amounts, normally $500, dependent upon funds available, is limited to dance majors who are enrolled full-time. Recipients are selected by the dance faculty on the basis of scholastic achievement and talent, and a demonstrated commitment to dance at WSU. Recipients must have completed at least twelve credits at WSU and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applicants must submit a letter of application, not to exceed one page. The application deadline is early December for a winter semester award.

	1 Capstone course to be taken in last twenty-one credits of study.
	
	2 Capstone course to be taken in last twenty-one credits of study.