Students may petition for entrance into the B.F.A. program after completion of:
- At least one semester each of ballet, jazz, and modern major technique courses
- DANC 1800: The Creative Choreographer
- At least one dance theory course.
Eligibility of transfer students to petition will be determined on an individual basis by the dance academic advisor. Petition forms are posted in November and March.
Continuation in the B.F.A. program will be determined by the dance faculty during the second semester of the student’s enrollment. In order to continue in the B.F.A. program, the student must: demonstrate potential to succeed as a professional dancer and/or choreographer; have at least B-level skills in technique and performance; and have demonstrated professional commitment in dance course work and dance-related activities. Any student discontinued from the program may reapply for the B.F.A. after a minimum of one additional semester at WMU.
By the end of the student’s junior year, the B.F.A. student must create and perform a solo dance in a public showing which exhibits his/her choreographic, technical, and performance skills. At this time, the student must also submit an essay discussing the choreographic process and choices, and assessing the final performance. In order to enroll in DANC 4800: Graduating Presentation, the dance and essay must be acceptable to the dance faculty.
A grade of “C” or better is mandatory in all required dance courses.
General Education Requirements
The student enrolled in the B.F.A. in Dance must complete all General Education Requirements as described in this catalog.
DANC 1960: Conditioning for Dance, in combination with DANC 2950: Introduction to Dance Science and Kinesiology, meets the Area VIII, Health and Well-being General Education requirement for dance majors.
Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirements
Students who have chosen the Dance major will satisfy the baccalaureate-level writing requirement by successfully completing DANC 3450: Twentieth Century American Dance.