Dance Major Mission Statement
The dance major at DeSales University integrates the study of dance within a liberal arts curriculum that is founded on the philosophy of Christian Humanism. Our theoretical and practical approach to the art of dance cultivates the growth of the individual and prepares students for professional careers.
Dance Major Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from DeSales University with a major in dance will be able to:
- demonstrate fundamental knowledge of and skills in dance pedagogy and choreography.
- demonstrate fundamental knowledge of and skills in dance (technical, anatomical, somatic, historical, and cultural traditions).
- dance in a refined, articulated, centered, and expressive way at the intermediate level or beyond in ballet and modern dance.
- model professional values and behaviors of the field (deadline adherence, effective communication, and collaboration).
The dance department strives to stimulate the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of its students by providing experience in examining dance from multiple perspectives (cultural, aesthetic, historical, anatomical, and educational). Overall, it provides a sound undergraduate foundation for a career in dance or for further study in graduate school.
Studio courses emphasize training in both classical ballet and modern dance, and electives are offered in jazz, tap, partnering, as well as other non-eurocentric techniques. Master classes are offered regularly to augment the curriculum and to give students exposure to contemporary artists.
The curriculum of the dance department accommodates the varied interests of dance majors who may want to specialize in performance and choreography, dance administration, dance education, dance on camera, dance history and criticism, movement analysis, and pre-dance therapy.
Admission into the dance major is twofold. The applicant must be accepted by the University and must successfully audition and/or interview separately for the major.
Most dance courses are open to non-majors. Some courses have prerequisites. Non-dance majors are encouraged to audition for dance department productions. Courses satisfying the physical education activity requirements are identified in their descriptions.
