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Dance Science

The Dance Science program is designed to educate the full dancer through courses in dancer wellness and technique courses focused on proper biomechanics. The program offers technique courses in ballet, modern, jazz and hip-hop. Our program also offers students choreography, performance and research opportunities. Since 2010, the mission of the dance program has been to educate students in the art and science of dance. We offer a personalized approach to dance training through hands-on, field-based experiences including technical production, dance science research and Pilates. 

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Degree

Bachelor of Science: The degree focuses on dance research, anatomy, nutrition, conditioning, injury prevention and care, and biomechanical principles within dance technique. Additional coursework includes Pilates, dance pedagogy, safe practices in teaching dance, dance production and dance composition. The degree plan also offers 18 hours of electives in which students can focus on professional school requirements, additional technique courses or teacher training.

Minors

Choreography: Creation and motion are the focus of this minor, which will benefit dance majors and students who will work in theater or with other events. Three levels of choreography are taught, starting with the basic principles. Group choreography instructs students on moving people through space. Students produce and choreograph their own concert in a capstone project.

Dance Performance: Students pursuing a career in dance will benefit from this minor, as will students who enjoy the art form and want to continue exploring it. It features interdisciplinary opportunities including a course that examines dance through virtual and augmented reality. The physical nature of dance is emphasized, including a conditioning course to maximize performance and minimize injury.

Careers

A degree in 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 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 Dance Science major 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 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 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 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 2023–2024*

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

Year 1 31 credit hours

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours

DCED 260, DCED 361 or DCED 462 Ballet I, II, or III 2 credit hours
(DANC 1241). 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

Ballet II. 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

Ballet III. 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.
MATH 3 credit hours
BIOL 107 Zoology 4 credit hours
(BIOL 1313 and 1113, 1413) Zoology. 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).
KINE 120 The Science of Basic Health and Fitness (Pilates Mat I) 1 credit hour
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 222 Introduction of 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.
HIST 3 credit hours

Spring Semester – 16 credit hours

DCED 261, 362 or 463 Movement Lab: Ballet I, II or III 2 credit hours
Ballet I: 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 three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance science majors; university studies dance concentration majors; dance minors; or approval of instructor.

OR

Ballet II: 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 three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.

OR

Ballet III: 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 three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.
DCED 272 Movement Lab: Modern Dance I 2 credit hours
Modern Dance I: 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 three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.
ENGL 104 Composition and Rhetoric (College Writing I) 3 credit hours
(ENGL 1302) 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.
DCED 202 Dance Appreciation 3 credit hours
(DANC 2303) 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.
DCED 215 Pilates Apparatus I 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 two times for credit. Prerequisites: KINE 120 or concurrent enrollment; dance science majors or approval of instructor.
PHYS 201 College Physics 4 credit hours
(PHYS 1301 and 1101, 1401) College Physics. Fundamentals of classical mechanics, heat, and sound. Primarily for architecture, education, premedical, predental, and preveterinary medical students; also taught at Galveston campus.
Year 2 31 credit hours

Fall Semester – 15 credit hours

DCED 361 or 462 Ballet II or III 2 credit hours
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.
DCED 372 Modern Dance II 2 credit hours
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.
ENGL / COMM 3 credit hours
DCED 230 Conditioning for Dancers 2 credit hours
Introduction to the fitness and conditioning needs of dancers; explanation of physical demands of different dance genres; understanding stretching mechanics and techniques for dancers with and without hypermobility; exploration of strengthening exercises to specific areas of the body; identification of individual conditioning needs; design and implement conditioning program for dancer needs.
DCED 201 Dance History 3 credit hours
Overview of current dance scene, career fields, education; development of theatrical, social, educational dance from lineage based to contemporary cultures; emphasis on dance in America, genres, roots, heritage, pioneers, crusading artists; impacts, influences, growth, development, trends and continual metamorphosis in the art world.
HIST 3 credit hours

Spring Semester – 16 credit hours

DCED 362 or 463 Movement Lab: Ballet II or III 2 credit hours
Ballet II: 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 three times for credit. Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.

OR

Ballet III: 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 three times for credit. Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.
DCED 373 Movement Lab: Modern Dance II 2 credit hours
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 three times for credit. Prerequisite: Dance Science majors and minors; approval of instructor.
PBSI 107 Introduction of Psychology 3 credit hours
(PSYC 2301) Introduction to Psychology. Introductory course dealing with elementary principles of human behavior; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.
MATH 142 Calculus II 3 credit hours
(MATH 1325) Business Calculus. Limits and continuity; techniques and applications of derivatives including curve sketching and optimization; techniques and applications of integrals; emphasis on applications in business, economics, and social sciences. Only one of the following will satisfy the requirements for a degree: MATH 142, MATH 147, MATH 151 or MATH 171. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MATH 140 or MATH 150, or equivalent or acceptable score on Texas A&M University math placement exam; not open to senior classification; also taught at Galveston campus.
DCED 303 Health Practices for Dancers 3 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.
Science elective 3 credit hours
Year 3 31 credit hours

Fall Semester – 17 credit hours

DCED 473 Modern Dance III 2 credit hours
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.
BIOL 319 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 Additional Dance Technique 2 credit hours
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.
POLS 206 American National Government 3 credit hours
(GOVT 2305) American National Government. Survey of American national government, politics, and constitutional development; also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses.
Professional Development Elective 3 credit hours

Spring Semester – 14 credit hours

DCED Additional Dance Technique 2 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.
POLS 207 State and Local Government 3 credit hours
(GOVT 2306) 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.
DCED 310 Research Methods in Dance 2 credit hours
Understanding of basic research methods and statistical analysis techniques used in dance science research; development of basic skills in reading, reviewing and understanding publications in dance research; topics include research design, ethics in research, information retrieval, data collection methods, subject selection, sources of error, types of research; demonstration of knowledge by analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing research writing in professional journals and by planning a research study. Prerequisites: Junior and senior classification.
Science Elective 3 credit hours
Year 4 27 credit hours

Fall Semester – 14 credit hours

DCED Additional Dance Technique 2 credit hours
DCED 315 Special Populations in Dance 3 credit hours
Explanation of how dance influences other populations including children, the elderly, people with learning and physical disabilities, Parkinson’s patients, and other populations; understanding the specific needs of children and adults in special populations; exploration of teaching techniques and movement designed for the specific needs of varied populations and possible physical and/or mental limitations; design movement class based on the needs of a specific group of people with specific physical needs and limitations. Prerequisites: Junior and senior classification.
Professional Discipline Elective 3 credit hours
DCED 403 Dance Movement Analysis 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 and BIOL 320; Dance Science majors or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.
Science Elective 3 credit hours

Spring Semester – 13 credit hours

DCED 411 Mental Health Considerations for Performing Artists 3 credit hours
Issues related to the mental health and wellness of the performing artist; dealing with emotions, creating healthy habits, perfectionism, motivation, and performance anxiety; introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes related to performing artists; broad overview of human development, learning, and memory for all performing artists. Prerequisites: DCED 222 and DCED 315; junior or senior classification; approval of instructor.
DCED 416 Conducting Dance Science Research 1 credit hour
Application of knowledge and skills in dance science; design and implement dance science research; develop research skills and lead a research project; includes data collection, analysis, and drawing conclusions from results; presenting research and engaging in discussions. Prerequisites: DCED 305.
Professional Discipline Elective 3 credit hours
Professional Discipline Elective 3 credit hours
Science Elective 3 credit hours

*Subject to change

Faculty

Meet the faculty members in the program.

Dance Faculty

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 But Where There’s Hope There’s Life

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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