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Dance Science

The Dance Science Program is designed to educate the full dancer through courses focused on dancer wellness and technique courses focused on proper biomechanics. The current technical focus is based on ballet and modern dance, but we are expanding our offerings for students. Our program also offers students choreography, performance, and research opportunities. 

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About the Dance Science Program

Areas of Emphasis

Careers

A degree in Kinesiology: Dance Science gives the dancer career options beyond the performer. Dance Scientists are professionals who are employed by dance companies and dance training facilities throughout the world to devise effective training programs as well as advise dancers regarding nutrition and injury prevention/care. Graduates of the Texas A&M dance program have gone on to careers in:

Customize Your Degree

Students enrolled in the B.S. in Kinesiology Dance Science have 18 hours of elective in the degree to tailor the degree towards their ultimate career goals. 

Professional School

Students interested in the medical field can use the 18 hours towards prerequisites for professional school. This is ideal for students interested in physical therapy or medicine with the intention of specializing in dancers. The Kinesiology: Dance Science track allows the student to see the integration of dance and science while also pursuing the prerequisites for professional school. For more information on required prerequisites for professional school, visit the professional school advising website.

Teaching Dance

Students interested in earning their K–12 teacher certification can do so through the Aggie TEACH program and the Secondary Education (SEED) minor. Currently, there are two SEED minors Kinesiology: Dance Science students can take: one in dance and another in life sciences. Students who seek the SEED minor in life sciences will be able to sit for both the dance and the life science teacher certification exams.

Minor classes are taken in addition to the 18 hours of electives built into the B.S. in Kinesiology — Dance Science degree plan. This allows the 6-hour student teaching requirement to be placed as electives, which provides the opportunity for financial aid. The remaining 12 hours can be filled with more dance-specific education classes, additional dance technique, choreography, and/or dance production courses, or whatever you choose to supplement your education.

Students interested in teaching dance also have the opportunity to work with the PATHS program at Texas A&M. This program works with adults with disabilities on using dance to teach social, emotional, and communication skills. Dance program students who assist in this program learn valuable skills to work with this special population and how dance can be used to inform and teach viable life skills.

Professional Dancing

Students interested in dancing professionally can use the 18 hours for additional dance technique classes, choreography and dance production courses, dance improvisation, gender-neutral partnering, conditioning, and other dance courses. The Kinesiology: Dance Science degree not only allows the student to train in a variety of dance genres but also enables the dancer to learn more about the health and well-being of the dancer to elongate their careers. This degree also provides opportunities for professional dancers to supplement their work by becoming personal trainers, Pilates instructors, dance teachers, and movement specialists who work with special populations in dance. 

Curriculum

The Dance Science program focuses on dance research, anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention/care, biomechanical principles within dance technique, and conditioning. Additional coursework includes:

The four-year dance science undergraduate degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.

Degree Plan 2022–2023*

For more details about each course, view the listings in the Texas A&M Course Catalog.

Year 1 30 credit hours

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours

BIOL 107 Zoology 4 credit hours
Survey of animal life with respect to cell organization, genetics, evolution, diversity of invertebrates/vertebrates, anatomy/physiology, and interaction of animals with their environment; includes laboratory that reinforces and provides supplemental information related to lecture topics. (Not open to students who have taken BIOL 111 and BIOL 112 or BIOL 113).
DCED 222 Introduction to Dance Science 2 credit hours
Introduction to the field of dance science including history, related professions and organizations, post graduate work and current research in the field; exploring basic anatomy and kinesiology concepts relevant to dance; injury prevention, common injuries in dance and return to dance procedures; wellness concepts directly related to dance nutrition, physiological and psychological issues for dancers.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors or approval of instructor.
ENGL 103 or ENGL 104 Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition or Composition and Rhetoric 3 credit hours
Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition. Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising and editing, both individually and corroboratively; emphasis on effective rhetorical choices including audience, purpose, arrangement and style; focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating and critical analysis.

OR

Composition and Rhetoric. Focus on referential and persuasive researched essays through the development of analytical reading ability, critical thinking and library research skills.
Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore classification; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.
KINE 213 Foundations of Kinesiology 3 credit hours
Foundations of Kinesiology. History, principles, objectives, current concepts of kinesiology.
KINE 120 The Science of Basic Health and Fitness 1 credit hours
Overview of the human body; scientific fundamentals of stress, fitness, nutrition, disease and drug use; interdisciplinary focus on wellness and longevity; integrated physical activity experiences centering on principles and applications of the scientific basis of conditioning; not open to students who have taken KINE 223; also taught at Galveston campus.
DCED 260, DCED 361, or DCED 462 Ballet I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Ballet I. Introduction to ballet technique for dancers; series of barre exercises progressing to center work, explanation of positions of the body and port de bras; understand proper body alignment as it relates to ballet technique; appreciation of ballet as an instrument of expression. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Intermediate study of ballet; historical background and the knowledge and understanding of its cultural heritage; increased level of difficulty in barre, center and across the floor; concentration and continual refinement of body/spatial awareness, musicality, alignment and execution of correct classical technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Technical study of classical and contemporary ballet; elevated barre work, traditional components including turns, footwork, adagios, advanced center and floor phrases; study of Cecchetti, Vaganova and collaborative methods; focus on strength, concentration and correct technique on performance combinations. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

Spring Semester – 15 credit hours

DCED 202 Dance Appreciation 3 credit hours
Dance Appreciation. Survey of dance as a cultural and artistic form in numerous countries; exploration of the development and influence of dance in various cultures; analysis of various genres of artistic dance and their development; discussion of aesthetic principles of dance as an art form and how choreographers are influenced by society to create work.
KINE 201 Pilates Apparatus 2 credit hours
Study of Pilates apparatus work as designed by Joseph H. Pilates; basic principles of Pilates including breathing, pelvic and ribcage placement, scapulae stabilization, head and cervical alignment; uses apparatuses such as reformer, cadillac, chair, and barrel; incorporates the use of props such as rollers, mini balls, physioballs, blocks, therabands and pinky balls into apparatus work. May be taken 2 times for credit.
Prerequisites: KINE 120 or concurrent enrollment; dance science track majors only or approval of instructor.
PBSI 107 Introduction to Psychology 3 credit hours
Introduction to Psychology. Introductory course dealing with elementary principles of human behavior; also taught at Galveston campus.
KINE 271, KINE 372, or KINE 473 Movement Lab: Modern Dance I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Understand body alignment through modern dance; assess individual muscular and skeletal body imbalances during a modern dance class; introduction of how to work with imbalances in the body while executing proper dance technique; understand the structural and muscular alignment of parallel versus lateral rotation. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Self evaluation of correct body alignment and imbalances while executing proper modern dance technique; observation and assessment of the student's progression throughout the semester in regards to proper alignment and technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Peer evaluation of body alignment, imbalances and biomechanics of movement; explanation of kinesthetic principles and injury prevention through modern dance technique; develop conditioning program for a peer's imbalances and improper technique in a modern dance class. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
KINE 260, KINE 361, or KINE 462 Movement Lab: Ballet I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Understand body alignment through ballet technique; assess individual muscular and skeletal imbalances during a ballet technique class; video references of proper body alignment; anatomical explanation and assessment of individual's use of lateral rotation in ballet technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Self evaluation of correct body alignment and imbalances while executing proper ballet technique; observation and assessment of the student's progression throughout the semester in regards to proper alignment and technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Peer evaluation of body alignment, imbalances and biomechanics of movement; explanation of kinesthetic principles and injury prevention through ballet technique; conditioning programs for a peer's imbalances and improper technique in a ballet class. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.
Year 2 27 credit hours

Fall Semester – 13 credit hours

BIOL 319 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credit hours
Integrated approach to cellular, neural, skeletal, muscular anatomy and physiology; includes some histology, histopathology, radiology and clinical correlations.
Prerequisite: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112, or BIOL 107.
DCED 303 Health Practices for Dancers 2 credit hours
Focuses on health issues common to the dancer such as overtraining, drug use and performance anxiety, anatomy in relation to proper dance technique, misalignments, imbalances and injuries common to the dancer.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors only or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.
DCED 271, DCED 372, or DCED 473 Modern Dance I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Study and understanding of modern dance concepts; lateral curve, contraction, spiral, high curve, high release, rotation versus parallel, body alignment, moving in and out of the floor, fluidity of phrase work, musicality and kinesthetic awareness. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Intermediate study of modern dance; reviews, historical background and its development within society; continual study and understanding of modern dance concepts; fall/recovery, contract/release, use of breath and weight, spine work, inversion and spatial awareness. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Physical and artistic exploration of both traditional and contemporary training methods; three dimensional spine work, inversion, floor work and dynamics. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: DCED 372 or approval of instructor.
DCED 260, DCED 361, or DCED 462 Ballet I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Ballet I. Introduction to ballet technique for dancers; series of barre exercises progressing to center work, explanation of positions of the body and port de bras; understand proper body alignment as it relates to ballet technique; appreciation of ballet as an instrument of expression. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Intermediate study of ballet; historical background and the knowledge and understanding of its cultural heritage; increased level of difficulty in barre, center and across the floor; concentration and continual refinement of body/spatial awareness, musicality, alignment and execution of correct classical technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Technical study of classical and contemporary ballet; elevated barre work, traditional components including turns, footwork, adagios, advanced center and floor phrases; study of Cecchetti, Vaganova and collaborative methods; focus on strength, concentration and correct technique on performance combinations. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.
ENGL 203, ENGL 203, COMM 203, COMM 205, COMM 243 English / Communications Selection 3 credit hours
Choose from Writing about Literature, Technical and Professional Writing, Public Speaking, Communication for Technical Professionals, and Argumentation and Debate. See the Course Catalog for details.

Spring Semester – 14 credit hours

BIOL 320 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credit hours
Continuation of BIOL 319. Integrated approach to endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and developmental anatomy and physiology; includes some histology, histopathology, radiology and clinical correlations.
Prerequisite: BIOL 319 or approval of instructor.
DCED 203 Dance Production 3 credit hours
Overview of philosophy, major aspects and common elements in producing dance concerts; lighting, sound, stage design, terminology, costuming, management, production designs, practical experience with on-stage performances.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.
KINE 260, KINE 361, or KINE 462 Movement Lab: Ballet I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Understand body alignment through ballet technique; assess individual muscular and skeletal imbalances during a ballet technique class; video references of proper body alignment; anatomical explanation and assessment of individual's use of lateral rotation in ballet technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Self evaluation of correct body alignment and imbalances while executing proper ballet technique; observation and assessment of the student's progression throughout the semester in regards to proper alignment and technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Peer evaluation of body alignment, imbalances and biomechanics of movement; explanation of kinesthetic principles and injury prevention through ballet technique; conditioning programs for a peer's imbalances and improper technique in a ballet class. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.
KINE 271, 372, or 473 Movement Lab: Modern Dance I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Understand body alignment through modern dance; assess individual muscular and skeletal body imbalances during a modern dance class; introduction of how to work with imbalances in the body while executing proper dance technique; understand the structural and muscular alignment of parallel versus lateral rotation. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Self evaluation of correct body alignment and imbalances while executing proper modern dance technique; observation and assessment of the student's progression throughout the semester in regards to proper alignment and technique. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Peer evaluation of body alignment, imbalances and biomechanics of movement; explanation of kinesthetic principles and injury prevention through modern dance technique; develop conditioning program for a peer's imbalances and improper technique in a modern dance class. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
MATH 140, MATH 148, MATH 152, MATH 168, or MATH 12 Math Selection 3–4 credit hours
Choose from Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences, Calculus II for Biological Sciences, Engineering Mathematics II, Finite Mathematics, and Calculus II. See Course Catalog for details.
Year 3 32 credit hours

Fall Semester – 16 credit hours

DCED 306 Dance Composition I 2 credit hours
Introduces choreographic devices in solo and duet movement studies; exploration of design principles; creating multiple movement studies using various elements of choreography.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.
DCED 308 Safe Practices in Teaching Dance 3 credit hours
Effectively teach a dance technique class safely; explore scientific research and evidence through three areas including environmental, physical and psychological components of a dance class for a multitude of genres and ages; create a safe supportive dance environment; application of relevant anatomical principles; develop a safe dance class.
DCED 271, DCED 372, or DCED 473 Modern Dance I, II, or III 2 credit hours
Study and understanding of modern dance concepts; lateral curve, contraction, spiral, high curve, high release, rotation versus parallel, body alignment, moving in and out of the floor, fluidity of phrase work, musicality and kinesthetic awareness. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisites: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Intermediate study of modern dance; reviews, historical background and its development within society; continual study and understanding of modern dance concepts; fall/recovery, contract/release, use of breath and weight, spine work, inversion and spatial awareness. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors, dance concentration majors and dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Physical and artistic exploration of both traditional and contemporary training methods; three dimensional spine work, inversion, floor work and dynamics. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: DCED 372 or approval of instructor.
American History 3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. The following skills will be addressed in the courses that comprise this area: critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.

Spring Semester – 16 credit hours

KINE 307 Lifespan Motor Development 3 credit hours
Developmental characteristics and contemporary issues associated with motor behavior across the lifespan.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
PHYS 201 College Physics 4 credit hours
College Physics. Fundamentals of classical mechanics, heat, and sound. Primarily for architecture, education, premedical, predental, and preveterinary medical students; also taught at Galveston campus.
MATH 142, MATH 147, MATH 151, or MATH 171 Math Selection 3–4 credit hours
Choose between Business Calculus, Calculus I for Biological Sciences, Engineering Mathematics I, or Calculus I. See Course Catalog for details.
American History 3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. The following skills will be addressed in the courses that comprise this area: critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.
Year 4 31 credit hours

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours

DCED 401 or KINE 318 Dance Pedagogy or Athletic Injuries 3 credit hours
Study of dance pedagogy; major aspects of a dance teacher including knowledge of injury prevention, correct technique, preparation, presentation, evaluation of dance materials, levels and technique class; focus on various teaching methods, tools, planning, communication/instructional skills and learning experiences/styles.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.

OR

Overview of the profession of athletic training; comprehensive analysis of the theories and practices in preventing, recognizing and treating common athletic injuries.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIOL 319 or KINE 302; junior or senior classification.
POLS 206 American National Government 3 credit hours
American National Government. Survey of American national government, politics, and constitutional development; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3 credit hours
Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. The following skills will be addressed in the courses that comprise this area: critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours
To be chosen in consultation with your academic advisor and selected from the following courses: Additional DCED/KINE tech courses; BIOL 112; CHEM 119, CHEM 120; DCED 201, DCED 304, DCED 400, DCED 402, DCED 405; HLTH 354, INST 210; INST 222 OR TEFB 273; KINE 175, KINE 210, KINE 305, KINE 407, KINE 427, KINE 435; KNFB 450/HEFB 450; NUTR 202; PHYS 202; PBSI 307 or PBSI 225; STAT 301, STAT 302, STAT 303.

Spring Semester – 16 credit hours

KINE 403 Dance Wellness 3 credit hours
Using scientific methods to evaluate the dancer's body; implementation of dance screening process and creation of programs to address specific dance related injuries, imbalances or misalignments; study of current research in dance medicine/science and application of this knowledge to increase longevity of movement.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIOL 319, BIOL 320, and PHYS 201; junior or senior classification.Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
KINE 406 Motor Learning and Skill Performance 3 credit hours
Learning in psychomotor domain; motor learning theories, physiological bases of skill behavior, motor and skill learning, state of performer and application of instructional techniques in motor learning and skill performance.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIOL 319 and PHYS 201; concurrent enrollment BIOL 320; junior or senior classification.
KINE 426 Exercise Biomechanics 4 credit hours
An integrated, mechanistic study of biomechanics of human motion during physical activity and exercise; biology and mechanical properties of the human movement system including bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skeletal muscles, joints and whole body systems investigated.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PHYS 201, BIOL 319, and BIOL 320; junior or senior classification.
KINE 433 Physiology of Exercise 3 credit hours
Physiological bases of exercise and physical conditioning; measurement of metabolic efficiency during exercise, neuromuscular efficiency and body composition.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PHYS 201, BIOL 319, and BIOL 320; junior or senior classification.
POLS 207 State and Local Government 3 credit hours
State and Local Government. Survey of state and local government and politics with special reference to the constitution and politics of Texas; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.

*Subject to change

Performance

The Dance Program also offers students the capability to work with guest artists in master classes, watch performances, and learn repertoire. This gives students a unique opportunity to work with a variety of professionals in the field while building their resumes. Guest artists within the program often include dance scientists, accomplished choreographers, renowned teachers, and professional dancers.

Dance faculty often receive grants for other performances throughout the university in collaboration with faculty from other programs. Students are also given the opportunity to attend various national and international festivals and conferences.

Students in our dance science program have multiple opportunities to perform, including:

Dance Events

Applied Research in Dance Wellness

Students in the dance science program undergo an extensive screening process known as the Dancer Wellness Project, which applies scientific research to improve dance technique.

Through this screening, dance science students and faculty work closely with the graduate students and faculty in the Athletic Training Program to assess the dancer’s strengths and weaknesses. This testing enables students to learn about the areas of the body they need to work on. Students have access to their profiles, including their strengths, weaknesses, and specific exercises (with video instructions) to help improve their overall technique.

Faculty use the information about the overall structure of a student’s body to safely work on improving the student’s technique. Students are assisted through this program by dance faculty and are re-evaluated every year.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Works Opportunities

Students within the dance program can participate in research by becoming research assistants on faculty-led projects, by conducting research projects in a senior capstone, or through the undergraduate LAUNCH program. Students in this program conduct a yearlong research project obtaining research approval through the university and ending in a publication that students can submit for national publication. Dance program students have investigated the impact of a strengthening vs. stretching program on hamstring flexibility, cervical spine alignment in dancers, HIIT vs plyometric training to increase jump height and strengthening vs stretching to improve anterior tilt, among others. Students interested in choreography have created work that looks at the emotional impact of war on its citizens, social media and devices on our attention span during a live performance, and the integration of technology on dance performance and the audience’s experience. 

FAQ About the Program

Who can I go to with questions?

Please feel free to contact our front office at 979.845.3355 for further questions.

What are the change of major and transfer student requirements?

Please visit the transfer admissions webpage for more information on the required courses. Transfer Admissions Page

How can these programs help me get into professional school?

Our programs typically have prerequisites built in, or can be paired with courses offered at Texas A&M. Your advisor will work with you on your academic goals while keeping graduation a top priority. You will be encouraged to get in contact with the Professional School Advising Office; they provide resources and services that can help you get into the professional school of your choice.

How is a dance science degree different and similar to a traditional degree in dance?

The dance science degree is similar in the aspect of performance and rehearsal where students are performing consistently throughout the year. Students also learn pedagogy, dance history, and dance technique much like a traditional performance-based program. It differs in the focus on the sciences and the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of the human body and how it relates and influences dance technique. In addition to producing a senior concert, similar to a traditional dance major, students also conduct, gather and analyze data and present their findings in a final research project.

What do I do with this degree?

A Dance Science degree can provide many outlets upon graduation. Most of our students choose to pursue graduate, physical therapy, or occupational therapy school. Many students have also gotten accredited to teach dance at a public school or at a company/studio. Some of our students have also pursued a professional dance career. No matter which path you choose, you’ll have the ability and knowledge to keep dancing in a safe way and help other dancers take care of their bodies to extend their career.

Is it possible to double major?

Yes! Multiple students in the program pursue an additional degree. Most programs at TAMU allow for its students to receive the education they are interested in. The Mays Business school does not allow its students to double major, however. In the past, students have double majored in areas such as education, mathematics, and psychology. Many more students pursue a minor in another field of study.

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