The Major
How does the body speak? What physical practices and aesthetic principles
inform the embodiment and mastery of different dance techniques? How do
particular cultural and historical traditions shape the language of dance
expression? How is choreography inspired and developed, and what are the
key tools of its craft? The dance major offers the opportunity to investigate
these and other questions through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing
a balance between technical training, creative experimentation, and critical/theoretical
understanding. The major requirements are sufficiently flexible to accommodate
the interests of serious dance performers and students with choreographic
and/or interdisciplinary interests. There are also numerous offerings for
students with little or no prior exposure to dance, as well as opportunities
to minor in dance. The department is renowned for its extensive studio
offerings in ballet technique, modern technique, and repertory/performance,
as well as its regular offerings in West African dance and rotating offerings
in tap, jazz, contact improvisation, and other forms. Theory courses range
from Scientific Foundations of Dance to Twentieth-Century Dance History
to Choreography and Dance Aesthetics. This range of classes is further
augmented by more than 100 theory and studio courses offered annually through
the Five College Dance Department.
The major considering a performing career or graduate school should work
closely with the dance faculty when developing her program. Daily technique
class is strongly advised. All majors and minors must serve on crew for dance
concerts. Intensive summer study is recommended. To fulfill major requirements,
a student should plan to travel to other Five College campuses. Students
at MHC may choose to combine dance with other fields of study to develop
interdisciplinary or special majors.
Requirements for the Major
Credits
* A minimum of 52 credits, including six core history and theory courses
Courses
Required core courses for all majors:
* Dance 151, Elementary Composition
* Dance 171, Dance in the Twentieth Century
* Dance 241, Scientific Foundations of Dance
* Dance 252, Intermediate Composition
* Dance 272, Dance and Culture
One of the following is also required:
* Dance 285, Laban Movement Analysis I or
* Dance 287, Analysis of Rhythm from a Dancer's Perspective
Students interested in a performance and choreography emphasis are
expected to reach advanced-level technical expertise in one or
more forms and should
take at least 8 technique courses (2 credits each) and three 300-level
theory courses.
Students interested in dance theory and history are expected to
reach intermediate- level technical expertise in at least one
form and should
take at least 6
technique courses (2 credits each) and four theory courses, three
of which must be at the 300 level.
Students may repeat technique courses for credit.
Other
* No more than four technique courses in a single idiom will be counted
toward the major.
* Independent study (295, 395) is encouraged but should not
be counted toward the major requirements.
The Minor
The dance minor is intended to provide a well-rounded and in-depth
introduction to dance as an art form. All minors must serve on
crew for dance concerts.
Minors must be approved by the department chair.
Requirements of the Minor
Credits
* A minimum of 24 credits
Courses
* Dance 151, Elementary Composition
* Dance 171, Dance in the Twentieth Century
* Dance 241, Scientific Foundations of Dance
* 12 additional credits of dance technique and/or theory at the 200
level or above.
Other
* Minors must achieve intermediate-level technical skill in at least
one idiom.
Please consult the Five College Dance Department Web site at www.fivecolleges.edu/sites/dances for up-to-date listings, faculty, and guest artists.
