Dance Program
The Dance program educates students in the art and science of dance. We bring performance together with anatomy and psychology to give students a comprehensive education on the body, safe practices and injury prevention.
Dance With Us
Our students are trained in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, tap, improvisation and partnering, and have numerous choreography and performance opportunities, including an annual concert, student choreography shows and regional, national and international performance opportunities. Technology is a focus, with courses and interdisciplinary projects that explore choreography with augmented reality, virtual reality and motion-tracking. We also examine mental health for performance artists and how dance can help special populations such as people with Parkinson’s, Down syndrome and visual impairments. With two degrees — a Bachelor of Science in Dance Science and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance — along with our Choreography and Dance Performance minors, we offer a complete dance experience for our students. Our graduates teach dance, explore ways to incorporate dance with therapy or go on to perform professionally.
Undergraduate Degrees
The B.S. in Dance Science offers students the opportunity to combine the aesthetics of dance with the sciences that govern it. The curriculum includes dance research, anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention/care, biomechanical principles within dance technique, and conditioning.
Choreography
Dance-making and producing are emphasized in this minor, which benefits students who want to work as choreographers, artistic directors or as dance directors in schools. The minor has courses in music, choreography and dance production. Students produce and choreograph their own concert in a final capstone project.
Dance Performance
Students who want to pursue a dance career will benefit from this minor, as will students who want to improve their overall training. The minor includes interdisciplinary opportunities by examining the role of technology in dance. The physical nature of dance is also emphasized, including a conditioning course to maximize performance and minimize injury.
AI in the Arts
Designed to meet the growing demand for integrating artificial intelligence in artistic practice, this minor equips students with the skills to incorporate AI into visual arts, dance, theatre, interactive media and music. The program provides a comprehensive education on the use of AI tools, emphasizing critical decision-making, ethical considerations and social implications.
Graduate Degree
The M.F.A. in Dance focuses on individual and collaboration in movement practice, choreography, dance research and teaching. The program will help you develop focused expertise in choreography and performance with a specialization in technology.
Undergraduate Auditions
Admission to the undergraduate dance programs requires an audition. Audition slots are limited for each audition date and are based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Audition ProcessStudent Organizations
Many students within the program choose to become a part of dance student organizations on top of their curriculum and rehearsal schedule with the dance program.
FAQS
Attire for Ballet Classes:
- All the following options are acceptable: leotard/tight–fitting fitness top, tights, ballet shoes, unitards and appropriate underwear: dance belt, sports bra.
- Long hair must be securely pulled back and attached to your head so you do not need to adjust it during class. Short hair should be pulled back with a headband and/or clips to clear the neck and face.
- Ballet skirts or other clothing may not be worn over leotards without approval. Warm-up clothing must be fitted to the body.
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights.
Modern Class:
- Bare feet — no lyrical or other dance shoes, black footless tights, leotard or solid colored tight-fitting t-shirt/tank top, hair secured back.
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights.
- No dangling jewelry, hats or chewing gum.
In addition to classes, students have the opportunity to participate in choreography by faculty, students and guest artists. The rehearsals for these works depend on the semester and the amount of time needed to set the piece. Participation in choreographic works gives students more experience and provides them with a performance opportunity.
Shows such as the Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival, Student Composition Concerts and Perpetual Motion are all extra time commitments but are very rewarding. Students also have the opportunity to conduct/participate in Dance Science research. These opportunities are often above the required coursework and provide students with opportunities to present their research at state, national and international conferences.
There are typically five annual concert series presented by the Dance program. In addition to these annual shows, for many years the program presents other concerts to provide our students with the most opportunity to perform and experience as well as bring art to the Brazos Valley.
Yes. The Dance program brings in guests in many areas of dance including dance therapists, dance scientists, choreographers, company owners, physical therapists, dance injury specialists and many more.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts also has an Artist in Residency program that will bring in visiting artists. Our students benefit from this program through masterclasses, lectures, workshops and performances.
Please feel free to contact our front office at 979-845-3355 for further questions.