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Dance Minor

ballet dancer

Express yourself and develop your artistry with a Dance minor.

The Dance Minor offers students the opportunity to explore various dance forms, techniques, and artistic expressions through immersive studio experiences and theoretical coursework.

Through training, creative exploration, and interdisciplinary studies, students develop technical proficiency, artistic expression, and a deeper understanding of dance as a cultural and artistic practice.

Unique class topics in the Dance minor:

  • Dance: Engage in practical dance training across multiple genres including  Ballroom/Western Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, etc. honing technical skills and artistic expression through studio sessions and performance opportunities.
  • Theory and Methods of Teaching Dance: Explore pedagogical approaches and instructional techniques for teaching dance, examining curriculum development, lesson planning, and effective communication strategies to foster learning and skill development in diverse student populations.
  • Technology for Dance: Integrate technology into dance practice and production, utilizing digital tools and multimedia platforms to enhance choreography, performance, and dance education, while exploring the intersection of technology and artistic expression.
  • Dance Performance and Production: Participate in dance performance and production processes, collaborating with peers and faculty to choreograph, stage, and present dance works, while gaining practical experience in stage management, lighting, costuming, and other aspects of production.
  • Dance Appreciation: Explore the history, cultural significance, and aesthetic elements of dance through theoretical analysis and experiential learning, examining various dance styles, artists, and movements to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the art form.
  • First Aid and CPR: Acquire essential skills in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), learning lifesaving techniques and emergency response protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of dancers and performers in rehearsal and performance settings.
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries: Gain knowledge and skills in injury prevention, recognition, and management specific to dance and athletic performance to promote dancer health and longevity.
  • Practicum in Health and Human Performance: Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a supervised setting, gaining hands-on experience in coaching; group fitness, dance, and rhythms; or strength and conditioning under the guidance of experienced practitioners in the field.

Additional information
for the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Catalog – see program guides