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
Dance
Credits 2

This beginner studio dance class is for students with limited or no dance training. Students will be introduced to the basic elements of both ballet and jazz, and will be taught basic dance locomotor skills, basic dance steps and simple combinations of both dance forms. Students with no previous ballet or jazz training should take this class prior to enrolling in either Ballet I or Jazz I.

Notes

Major, Minor, elective credit, GEP Health and Wellness.

DAN 105: DANCE ENSEMBLE TOUR

Class Program
Dance
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
Dance
Credits 3
The student will learn to develop movement with reference to the components involved in function, expression and communication through movement.
Notes
Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 110: BEGINNING MODERN DANCE

Class Program
Dance
Credits 2
This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of modern dance technique through locomotor and axial work in the center and on the floor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 111: BEGINNING BALLET

Class Program
Dance
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: BEGINNING TAP

Class Program
Dance
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: BEGINNING JAZZ

Class Program
Dance
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: HISTORY OF DANCE

Class Program
Dance
Credits 3
A study of the significant developments 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.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.

DAN 206: COMPOSITION II

Class Program
Dance
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: INTERMEDIATE MODERN DANCE

Class Program
Dance
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: INTERMEDIATE BALLET

Class Program
Dance
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: INTERMEDIATE TAP

Class Program
Dance
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: INTERMEDIATE JAZZ

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

DAN 230: DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE I

Class Program
Dance
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
Dance
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.
Prerequisite Courses
DAN 230: DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE I

DAN 299H: INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE

Class Program
Dance
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
Dance
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
Dance
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: ADVANCED MODERN DANCE

Class Program
Dance
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: ADVANCED BALLET

Class Program
Dance
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: ADVANCED TAP

Class Program
Dance
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: ADVANCED JAZZ

Class Program
Dance
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
Dance
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
Dance
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
Dance
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.