Bachelor of Arts, BA
Dance
DANCE
Mission Statement & Student Learning Outcomes
Mission - The BA in Dance provides an inclusive, flexible environment for students to develop their physical and intellectual capabilities in the field of dance. Our training is rooted in healthy, sustainable techniques that support injury prevention and longevity. We value individual mentorship, collaborative choreographic processes, and culturally engaged dance pedagogy. The flexibility of this 39-credit hour major supports opportunities to double major or minor in another discipline within the liberal arts degree framework of Converse. Students will engage in studio and theory classes, create, produce, and perform in fully staged dance works, and gain the skills necessary for a diverse range of career opportunities. Majoring in dance will prepare students for careers in performance, choreography, education, arts administration, dance medicine, and other fields that value collaboration, critical thinking, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills.
SLO1 -
Dance majors will demonstrate technical proficiency and artistry through their participation in studio and/or mainstage performances.
SLO2 -
Dance majors will create research-based choreographic works that demonstrate an advanced understanding of compositional devices.
SLO3 -
Dance majors will generate writing that integrates a global perspective of dance, an analysis of dance in human societies, and a contextualization of dance performance and practice.
SLO4 -
Dance majors will demonstrate an understanding of anatomical and kinesthetic concepts and apply this knowledge to their movement and creative practices through proper alignment, technique, and physical expression.
SLO5 -
Dance majors will engage in essential collaborations with their community of artists through all aspects of technical production (lighting, scenic, costumes, properties, sound, management, marketing, etc.) required to mount successful dance performances.
Department of Theatre & Dance
- MELISSA OWENS KALEY, chair
- MEG HANNA-TOMINAGA
- JENNA TAMISIEA
- ALLISON ROUX
- CARRIE PREUS
The Department of Theatre & Dance provides opportunities which enable students to develop their skills and talents in theatre 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 dance should demonstrate basic competencies in each area of dance 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
- For more information see GEP requirements in this catalog.
Converse Core Foundational
In order to earn a minor or a major in dance, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 across all of their dance courses. Minor and major GPAs are based on the grades earned in all dance 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.
Curricular Requirements and Guidelines
-
Dance Major, -
Musical Theatre Major, Bachelor of Arts, BA -
Theatre Major, Bachelor of Arts, BA -
Dance Education Minor, Minor -
Dance Minor, Minor -
Musical Theatre Minor, Minor -
Theatre Minor, Minor
Courses
DAN 100: INTRODUCTION TO DANCE
Class Program
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.
Notes
Major, Minor,
GEP before 2025: Health and Wellness and Fine Arts
Converse Core: Arts and Community & Global Responsibility
DAN 105: DANCE ENSEMBLE TOUR
Class Program
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. Participation by audition.
Notes
Elective credit.
DAN 106: COMPOSITION I
Class Program
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 109: Pointe I
Class Program
This course is an extension of ballet technique classes and focuses on the core applications of ballet pointe technique. Enrollment in the course is by instructor permission.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor only.
DAN 110: CONTEMPORARY DANCE I
Class Program
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.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Notes
Health & Wellness
DAN 111: BALLET I
Class Program
This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of ballet technique through barre exercises and center work.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Notes
Minor, Elective credit
GEP prior to FA25: Fine Arts
DAN 113: TAP DANCE I
Class Program
This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of tap technique through various exercises and center work.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective Credit
DAN 114: JAZZ DANCE I
Class Program
This course will introduce the beginner to the fundamentals of jazz technique through various exercises and center work.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective Credit
DAN 121: DANCE ENSEMBLE
Class Program
Participation in Converse Dance Ensemble. Freshman level.
Notes
Elective credit.
DAN 190: DANCE: PAST AND PRESENT
Class Program
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.
Notes
MAJOR, MINOR, CCW
GEP before 2025: Fine Arts
Converse Core: Arts and Culture Diversity
DAN 206: COMPOSITION II
Class Program
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
A continuation of DAN 110, studying more complex movement combinations and patterns.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 110 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 211: BALLET II
Class Program
A continuation of DAN 111 giving more complex movement combinations and patterns.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 111 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 213: TAP DANCE II
Class Program
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.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 113 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 214: JAZZ DANCE II
Class Program
A continuation of DAN 114 with more complex movements and patterns.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 114 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 221: DANCE ENSEMBLE
Class Program
Participation in Converse Dance Ensemble. Sophomore level. Course is repeatable.
Notes
Elective credit.
DAN 230: DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE I
Class Program
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
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
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: SP: Dance Performance
Class Program
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.
DAN 306: COMPOSITION III
Class Program
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
A continuation of DAN 210, with more complex movements, combinations, patterns and phrases.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 110, DAN 210, or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 311: BALLET III
Class Program
A continuation of DAN 211 with long and more complex movement patterns, combinations and phrases.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 111, 211 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 313: TAP DANCE III
Class Program
A continuation of DAN 213 with long and more complex movement patterns, combinations, phrases and steps.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 113, 213 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 314: JAZZ DANCE III
Class Program
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.
Course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites
DAN 114, 214 or permission of instructor.
Notes
GEP, Minor, Elective credit.
DAN 321: DANCE ENSEMBLE
Class Program
Participation in Converse Dance Ensemble. Junior level.
Notes
Elective credit.
DAN 340: THE BODY IN MOTION
Class Program
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 421: DANCE ENSEMBLE
Class Program
Participation in Converse Dance Ensemble. Senior level.
Notes
Elective credit.
DAN 430: SENIOR PROJECT
Class Program
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
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
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
THR 200: Theatre: Past and Present
Class Program
This course explores the evolution of theatre from ancient times to the present, with a particular focus on how historical plays continue to resonate in and shape modern society. Through examining seminal works from different eras and analyzing their cultural, political and social contexts, students will gain an understanding of the ways in which theatre has reflected societal values, challenged norms and inspired change throughout history. Drawing connections between past plays and current events, the course will encourage students to critically engage with the enduring power of the stage and its relevance today.
Notes
Major, Minor credit
GEP before 2025: Fine Arts
Converse Core: Arts and Culture & Diversity