The Dance Program is a division of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science in the College of Education. Here you will find a supportive atmosphere to achieve your academic and personal goals while taking courses in subjects such as ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, composition, performance and dance history. Class sizes are ideal for receiving individual attention from teachers while getting to know your fellow dancers. As a dance student, you will have opportunities to perform, choreograph and work as a crew member in dance productions while pursuing a major, minor or teaching field. Whether you are transferring in from another school or a first-time freshmen, you will find a nurturing environment while developing your skills and passion as a dance artist.
Majors & Minors
The philosophy of the Dance Program is to instill within each student sound principles of movement, scholarship, and professional attitudes . The following options are available.
Bachelor of Science in Dance: 40 hours of study. The major includes technique classes in three levels of ballet, modern and jazz dance as well as professional courses. The culminating experience is successful completion of a choreographic project.
Teaching Field in Dance: 34 hours of study. In addition to dance course work, students complete courses in professional education. The teaching field is ideal for students wishing to teach high school as it leads to State certification in dance.
Dance Minor: 19 hours of study. Students complete level II studies in ballet, modern and jazz as well as professional classes in areas such as composition, performance and dance history.
Objectives
As a graduate of the Dance Program, you will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and skill in dance technique and teaching methods
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Apply knowledge of kinesiology to dance training and identify methods used to prevent dance injuries
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Understand and apply choreographic techniques to solo and ensemble work
- Understand the fundamentals of dance production including the audition, rehearsal and performance processes
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Describe the history of dance and its relationship to other art forms
- Demonstrate an understanding in dance criticism and aesthetics
Student Organizations
The Alliance Club is open to all departmental students with an interest in dance, health or kinesiology. Activities include service projects, fund raisers and opportunities to attend the state-wide annual conference of the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
The SFA Repertory Dance Company focuses on training, rehearsals and performance as its primary activities. Members are accepted through an audition process that takes place each spring and fall. The Company has performed at the American College Dance Festival, State conferences, community schools and in the University's 1100-seat theatre, W. M. Turner Auditorium. Company members receive academic credit for their work.
Scholarships & Awards
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The Katie Garrett Norton Dance Award, granted annually to the junior who has achieved the highest grade point average among dance majors.
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The Denard Haden Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a junior or senior dance major who has demonstrated outstanding dance and performance skills, active participation in the dance program, good scholarship and financial need.
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Excellence in Dance Award, acknowledges a dance major or minor who has served as a role model in the areas of performance, scholarship and service to the dance program.
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Honor Awards, presented to dance majors or minors who have made contributions tin the area of performance, scholarship or service to the dance program.
- Travel awards through the Office of Student Affairs have supported student participation in events such as the American College Dance Festival.
For more information, contact the Department of Dance at erhodes@sfasu.edu or 936.468.1543.