Dance: B.F.A. Program Major (DAFJ)

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 (DANC 1860 is a prerequisite with concurrency for DANC 1800)
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 junior year, the B.F.A. student must create and perform a solo dance in a public showing which exhibits their choreographic, technical, and performance skills. At this time, the student must also submit an essay. The essay is a discussion of the development of the choreographic project and a critique of the resulting final dance in the areas of choreography, technique and performance. The essay should include a discussion of how the project reflects or expands on the student’s beliefs and aspirations as delineated in the personal artistic statement. 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.

No minor is required.

General Education Requirements

The student enrolled in the B.F.A. in Dance must complete all WMU Essential Studies as described in this catalog.

Required Courses in Technique and Performance (33 hours)

The following courses may be used to complete the Technique/Performance requirement.

DANC 1210 - Roots of Jazz Credits: 2 hours
DANC 1250 - Special Studies in Introductory Dance Technique Credits: 1 to 6 hours
DANC 2250 - Special Studies in Intermediate Dance Technique Credits: 1 to 6 hours
DANC 4100 - Supplemental Ballet Technique Credits: 1 hour
DANC 4200 - Supplemental Jazz Technique Credits: 1 hour
DANC 4250 - Advanced Technique Credits: 1 to 6 hours
DANC 4300 - Supplemental Modern Technique Credits: 1 hour

Technique Courses

B.F.A. students must enroll in two major technique courses (listed below) for regular credit each semester of the sophomore, and junior years. Courses must be selected to ensure the student is participating in a technique class five days per week.

DANC 1100 - Ballet Technique I Credits: 2 hours
DANC 1200 - Jazz Technique I Credits: 2 hours
DANC 1300 - Modern Technique I Credits: 2 hours
DANC 2100 - Ballet Technique II Credits: 2 hours
DANC 2200 - Jazz Technique II Credits: 2 hours
DANC 2300 - Modern Technique II Credits: 2 hours
DANC 3100 - Ballet Technique III Credits: 2 hours
DANC 3200 - Jazz Technique III Credits: 2 hours
DANC 3300 - Modern Technique III Credits: 2 hours
DANC 4100 - Supplemental Ballet Technique Credits: 1 hour
DANC 4200 - Supplemental Jazz Technique Credits: 1 hour
DANC 4300 - Supplemental Modern Technique Credits: 1 hour

Technique Courses - Senior Year

During the senior year, candidates must enroll for regular credit in major technique courses selected from the list above, and through enrollment in DANC 4000, serve as a teaching assistant in a technique course. Courses must be selected to ensure the student is participating in a technique class five days per week.

Technique Courses - Performance Course

At least four hours must be selected from performance courses.

DANC 4600 - Performance Credits: 1 to 6 hours
DANC 4650 - Dance Ensemble Credits: 1 to 3 hours

Technique Courses - Ballet, Jazz, and Modern

The student must complete at least two semesters each of ballet, jazz, and modern technique courses; one semester of:

DANC 1000 - First Year Performance Credits: 2 hours

And at least one semester of two of the following:

DANC 3100 - Ballet Technique III Credits: 2 hours
DANC 3200 - Jazz Technique III Credits: 2 hours
DANC 3300 - Modern Technique III Credits: 2 hours

Required Courses in Choreography (12 hours)

DANC 1800 - The Creative Choreographer Credits: 3 hours
DANC 2800 - Choreographing for a New Millennium Credits: 3 hours
DANC 3800 - The Choreographer in the Community Credits: 3 hours
DANC 4800 - Graduating Presentation Credits: 3 hours

Required Courses in Theory (25 hours)

Capstone Experience (2 hours)

DANC 4000 - Practicum Credits: 1 to 4 hours
(1 hour)
DANC 4450 - Senior Seminar Credits: 1 hour

Additionally:

DANC 4800 - Graduating Presentation Credits: 3 hours, is also considered a capstone experience in choreography, production, and management for the B.F.A. student.

Related Cognate Studies (9 hours)

The Department of Dance believes that the professionally oriented student must augment their education via study in the related arts and sciences which complement specific career goals. The student will consult with the dance academic advisor in selecting 9 hours from the courses listed below, some of which may also meet WMU Essential Studies requirements:

ANTH 2400 - Principles of Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3 hours
ART 1400 - 2D Studio Experience Credits: 3 hours
ART 2200 - Caves to Cathedrals Credits: 3 hours
ART 2210 - Modern and Postmodern Credits: 3 hours
BIOS 1120 - Principles of Biology Credits: 3 hours
BIOS 2110 - Human Anatomy Credits: 4 hours
ED 2300 - The Nature of Creativity Credits: 3 hours
ENGL 1050 - Foundations in Written Communication: Strategies, Behaviors, Success Credits: 3 hours
ENGL 1100 - Literary Interpretation Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 3050 - Professional Writing: Audience, Genre, and Workplace Cultures Credits: 4 hours
FREN 1000 - Basic French I Credits: 4 hours
FREN 1010 - Basic French II Credits: 4 hours
HIST 3150 - Popular Art and Architecture in America Credits: 3 hours
MUS 1500 - Music Appreciation: Live Music Credits: 4 hours
MUS 1510 - Jazz in America Credits: 4 hours
MUS 3500 - American Music Credits: 4 hours
MUS 3520 - World Music in Theory and Practice Credits: 4 hours
MUS 4500 - Music Appreciation: The Symphony Credits: 3 hours
PHIL 2000 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 4 hours
PHIL 3120 - Philosophy of Art Credits: 3 hours
THEA 1000 - Playing with Fire: Love, Politics & Entertainment Credits: 3 hours
THEA 1050 - African-Americans in Theatre and Media Credits: 3 hours
THEA 1410 - Introduction to Acting Credits: 3 hours
THEA 1420 - Acting I: Action and Personalization Credits: 3 hours