Dance

  • CHRISTOPHER VANEMAN, dean

Mission Statement

The School of the Arts at Converse College inspires, teaches, and trains artists by fostering communication, creativity and scholarship, and nurtures appreciation for the visual and performing arts.

Core Values

The School of the Arts (SOA) at Converse College values and believes in the Arts as a path to: Passion, Inspiration, Imagination, Discovery, Expression, Transformation, and Joy.

Arts Foundations: Creativity that Works

The faculty in Art and Design, Theatre and Dance, and the Petrie School of Music train students to be working professionals in the arts. All students in the School of the Arts will take the following interdisciplinary courses in collaboration, personal brand development, and professionalization:

Department of Theatre & Dance

  • MEG HANNA-TOMINAGA, chair
  • JENNA ELSER
  • CHANDRA OWENBY HOPKINS
  • MELISSA OWENS
  • ALLISON ROUX

The Department of Theatre & Dance provides opportunities which enable students to develop their skills and talents in theatre arts and dance to foster a better understanding of the contribution that live performance makes to the process of educating the whole person in a liberal arts environment. Through the availability of experiences in a number of areas, students will find a wide variety of challenges and means of expression. The program of study places emphasis on the aesthetic and practical decisions inherent to these areas, thereby strengthening the student’s general intellectual capabilities and growth as an artist.

By the time of graduation, majors in theatre should demonstrate basic competencies in each area of theatre and should be able to compete successfully for positions in graduate school and in the professional job market.

The General Education Program is a requirement for all degrees. The requirements listed below are approved for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts.

ENG 101 3 hours
Language and Culture 9 hours
MTH 108 or higher 3 hours
One course designated as Quantitative reasoning 3–4 hours
Health and Well-being Wellness 2 hours
Activity course 1–2 hours
Humanities 6 hours
Literature 3 hours
Fine Arts 6 hours
Natural Science 7–8 hours
Social Science 6 hours
Total 49–52 hours

Graduation requirements but not a separate course:

  • First Year Seminar
  • Writing Intensive course
  • Non-European/non-Anglophone course
  • Capstone experience

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to articulate verbal and written mastery of knowledge in theatre and dance.
  2. Students will be able to analyze the art of theatre and dance in historical and theoretical contexts.
  3. Students will be able to communicate successfully and work effectively with others in a variety of production capacities.
  4. Students will be able to produce engaging and innovative works in theatre and dance.

In order to earn a minor or a major in theatre or musical theatre, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 across all of their theatre or musical theatre courses. Minor and major GPAs are based on the grades earned in all theatre (and major required dance and music for the Musical Theatre degree or dance for Dance minors) classes taken at Converse. Transfer credits from other institutions do not figure into the required calculation for minor or major GPAs.

Dance

Dance courses may be taken as electives by anyone interested in dance, or students may choose to minor in dance. Introductory technique courses provide the opportunity for students to improve their technique in specific course genres, enhance their visual skills, spatial awareness, rhythm and creativity. In intermediate courses, students continue to build on these skills, and begin to focus on techniques necessary for the particular genre being studied. In advanced level courses, students gain an extension of an understanding and exploration of a genre. Students will gain experience through improvisation, compositional studies and different styles within the genre. DAN 190: History of Dance is available to students as an option in the fine arts requirement in the General Education Program. Technique courses may be taken as partial fulfillment of the physical education requirement of the General Education Program.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

DAN 100: INTRODUCTION TO DANCE

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of dance technique, performance, history, and critical theory. Students will study significant dance forms, major contributors, concepts, terminologies, and fundamental skills in the discipline of dance. (major, minor, GEP)

 

 

Notes

Major, Minor, , GEP Health and Wellness.

DAN 105: DANCE ENSEMBLE TOUR

Class Program
Credits 4
This course will involve developing a tour to local area schools, nursing homes, clubs, etc., utilizing members of the Converse Dance Ensemble. Students will assume leadership roles in advertising and arranging bookings; choreographing dance pieces for the tour; planning, performing, and leading lecture/demonstrations; and will participate in the planning and execution of all of the technical aspects of a performance tour. Offered in Jan Term; participation by audition.
Notes
Elective credit.

DAN 106: COMPOSITION I

Class Program
Credits 3

The student will learn to develop movement with reference to the components involved in function, expression and communication through movement.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 110: CONTEMPORARY DANCE I

Class Program
Credits 2

This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of modern contemporary dance technique through locomotor and axial work in the center and on the floor.

 

Notes

Health & Wellness

DAN 111: BALLET I

Class Program
Credits 2

This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of ballet technique through barre exercises and center work.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 113: TAP DANCE I

Class Program
Credits 2

This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of tap technique through various exercises and center work.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective Credit

DAN 114: JAZZ DANCE I

Class Program
Credits 2

This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of jazz technique through various exercises and center work.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective Credit

DAN 190: DANCE: PAST AND PRESENT

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the significant development of dance, giving consideration to the functions of dance as art, ritual, social activity, spectacle, and entertainment; and to the relationship of dance to other art forms. (major, minor, GEP, CCW)

 

Notes

GEP, MAJOR, MINOR, CCW

 

DAN 206: COMPOSITION II

Class Program
Credits 3
A continuation of DAN 106. The student will achieve through movement investigation, experimentation, observation and analysis the materials of dance composition as they pertain to structural format.
Prerequisites

DAN 106 or permission of instructor.

Notes
Elective credit.

DAN 210: CONTEMPORARY DANCE II

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 110, studying more complex movement combinations and patterns.

Prerequisites

DAN 110 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 211: BALLET II

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 111 giving more complex movement combinations and patterns.

Prerequisites

DAN 111 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 213: TAP DANCE II

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 113. Students will gain an extension of tap technique through barre exercises and center work; as well as working to improve their skill level and to increase endurance and stamina.

Prerequisites

DAN 113 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 214: JAZZ DANCE II

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 114 with more complex movements and patterns.

Prerequisites

DAN 114 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 221: DANCE ENSEMBLE

Class Program
Credits 1
Participation in Converse Dance Ensemble. Sophomore level. Course is repeatable.
Notes
Elective credit.

DAN 230: DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE I

Class Program
Credits 3
This course is developed to introduce performers to the fundamentals of various musical theatre dance styles; their vocabulary, technique, and history are explored through various exercises and combinations. Emphasis is placed on improving familiarity with common audition dance terminology and steps.

DAN 231: DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE II

Class Program
Credits 3
This course is a continuation of Musical Theatre Dance I, focusing on musical theatre vocabulary, technique, repertory, and innovation from the late 20th century to the present day. These elements will be explored through various exercises, combinations, readings, films, and live performance.

DAN 240: DANCE REPERTORY

Class Program
Credits 2

A practical study of the fundamental concepts of dance performance, focusing on professional rehearsal etiquette, working as an ensemble, contributing to the creative process, and learning established choreography. Emphasis is placed on collaborative choreographic processes and accumulating movement material. Students will be provided an opportunity to perform the work in a production or event at the end of the course. May be taken more than once for credit.

 

DAN 299H: INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE

Class Program
This course is team taught by two faculty members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines. All students registering for these courses must register not only through the Honors Program, but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office.
Notes
GEP, Elective credit.

DAN 303: SPECIAL TOPICS IN DANCE PERFORMANCE

Class Program
Credits 2

An in-depth study of one specific area of dance performance. Offering based on available staff/student interest. Because course content will vary, it may be taken more than once for credit.

Prerequisites

Permission of the Instructor.

Notes

GEP credit.

DAN 306: COMPOSITION III

Class Program
Credits 3
A continuation of DAN 206. The purpose of this course is to explore in depth and develop the intuitive artistry of the individual student, and develop a wider movement vocabulary.
Prerequisites

DAN 106, DAN 206 or permission of instructor.

Notes
Elective credit.

DAN 310: CONTEMPORARY DANCE III

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 210, with more complex movements, combinations, patterns and phrases.

Prerequisites

DAN 110, DAN 210, or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 311: BALLET III

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 211 with long and more complex movement patterns, combinations and phrases.

Prerequisites

DAN 111, 211 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 313: TAP DANCE III

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 213 with long and more complex movement patterns, combinations, phrases and steps.

Prerequisites

DAN 113, 213 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 314: JAZZ DANCE III

Class Program
Credits 2

A continuation of DAN 214. The student will gain an extension of understanding and exploration of jazz dance. Students will experience improvisations, compositional studies, and different style of jazz dance.

Prerequisites

DAN 114, 214 or permission of instructor.

Notes

GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 340: THE BODY IN MOTION

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will provide students with an understanding of their anatomical selves through a functional movement practice. Practices may include explorations in dance science, somatic practices, injury prevention, and nutritional care. Students will be better equipped to handle the physical and mental stress and anxiety that accompanies a career in performing arts, specifically dance performance and choreography.

DAN 430: SENIOR PROJECT

Class Program
Credits 1
A creative group project requiring the student to choreograph and present a significant dance work. The work should involve one fully developed choreographic idea requiring 5-10 minutes in length. The student must perform in at least one half of the piece, which will be performed in a formal setting. Students will be required to keep a journal of their choreography process and set up regular meetings with minor advisor.
Prerequisites

DAN 106.

Notes
Minor credit.

DAN 499: SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT

Class Program
Credits 3

This course serves as a capstone course in the B.A. Dance curriculum. Student choreographers work with faculty to develop choreography that demonstrates an evolving understanding of choreographic craft, and that reflects their personal choreographic interests. Students will collaborate with their cohort on production elements and timelines, collectively creating a final performance that is fully produced and supported by the
Department of Theatre & Dance. This capstone is meant to culminate four years of study and to prepare students for real-world experience or continued study at the graduate level.

THR 132: SEWING FOR THE STAGE

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is designed as a varied study including but not limited to: costume construction sewing skills (hand, machine, and serger); fabric content and characteristics; costume crafts (mask-making, millinery, accessories); costume production script and design analysis; and costume upkeep (hanging, ironing, cleaning, restocking). Particular emphasis will be placed on the production process of Theatre & Dance Converse’s mainstage productions, and creating multiple costumes for use in those productions. 

 

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective