The request to revise Dance catalog description, BA in Dance, and Certificate in Dance

Date: February 12, 2015
To: College of Arts + Architecture
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: February 3, 2015
Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
Implementation Date: Summer 2015

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

Catalog Copy

The Department of Dance offers students a rich dance experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, working with faculty who are innovative leaders in performance, choreography, dance scholarship, and teacher training.

The department’s Our mission is to contribute innovation and leadership in to the field through creative/scholarly research, pedagogy teaching, service, and community engagement. Through comprehensive, innovative teaching courses, the department provides a we provide our diverse student body with an exemplary liberal arts education grounded in dance as a cultural practice, an art form, cultural and educational practice, and interdisciplinary subject. We embrace and celebrate dance as a way of learning about ourselves and the world around us. Committed to access, equity and inclusion, the dance program develops artists, educators, and scholars and as arts-literate citizens who can thrive in an increasingly complex global environments and make sustained contributions to their communities.

Degree Programs

The Department of Dance awards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. All students receive a well-rounded experience of dance while concentrating in one of two areas: (1) Dance Performance, Choreography, and Theory or (2) Dance Education with preparation for North Carolina K-12 Fine and Performing Arts, Dance Teacher licensure. A Minor in Dance is also available. In partnership with the Charlotte’s professional dance company, North Carolina Dance Theatre Charlotte Ballet, the department offers a Professional Training Certificate in Dance for advanced ballet training for students specializing in ballet performance. Any UNC Charlotte student may audition for this unique two-year certificate program.

Dance degree study studies includes includes courses in diverse dance practices, among them: modern dance, ballet, vintage jazz, dance forms and styles from West Africa and Latin America, dance improvisation, contact improvisation, choreography, performance, dance history, anatomy, ballet pedagogy, and music and writing for dance. Specialized dance teaching methods pedagogy courses with laboratory experiences and coursework in the Department of Education are required for the dance education concentration and may lead to K-12 teacher licensure in North Carolina , clinical experiences in area schools and coursework in the College of Education are required for the Dance Education concentration. In addition to taking core courses in their Dance concentrations, students fulfill the University’s general education requirements and can select electives in areas of interest. Coursework in the department provides students with 21st century skills important to employment and productive lives: creative and critical thinking, physical and intellectual adeptness, motivation, self and cultural awareness, and communication skills. Careful advising supports student success and those who want to double major. Specific course requirements and the attendance policy are listed on each course syllabus.

The unique research interests, expertise, and professional connections of our faculty provide extraordinary opportunities for our students. By audition, students perform in concerts featuring original works by faculty and guest choreographers, as well as artists and/or re-staged masterworks of choreography. Students see faculty and guest artists perform and may present their choreography onstage for credit through the Individual Project Course. Interested students receive mentoring in dance research and writing and have presented their work at university symposia and regional and national conferences. In recent years, students have performed choreography by Martha Graham in concert with the Martha Graham Dance Company and welcomed Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and the Urban Bush Women for a residency that led to a student performance of Zollar’s work. A major National Science Foundation grant allowed students to join in groundbreaking research in dance and technology. Artists touring Charlotte, such as dancers from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Parsons Dance, conduct master classes on campus.

Students interested in dance scholarship receive mentoring in research, writing and oral communication skills and have presented work at university symposia and regional and national conferences. Faculty also nurture student choreographers who may present their choreography on stage for credit. Careful academic advising supports student success and guides those who want to double major.

Career Opportunities

UNC Charlotte dance graduates work as performers, choreographers, public school educators, dance studio owners/teachers, and researchers or seek advanced training in graduate programs or apprentice with professional organizations. For some careers, students seek advanced training in graduate programs or apprentice with professional organizations. Some students combine dance degrees with study in exercise science, journalism, athletic training, psychology, education, communication studies, women’s and gender studies, or business.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a Concentration in Performance, Choreography, and Theory

A major in Dance leading to the B.A. degree consists of 48 semester hours including:

A major in Dance leading to the B.A. degree with a Concentration in Performance, Choreography, and Theory consists of 53 required semester hours of Dance content coursework including:

Degree Requirements

Dance Core (22 20 hours)

  • DANC 1201 Foundations in Dance (2)
  • DANC 1209, 1210, 2209, 2210 (Ballet for Majors) (8)
  • DANC 1217, 1218, 2217, 2218 (Modern Dance for Majors) (8)
  • DANC 2226 Vintage Jazz Dance (2)
  • DANC 3210 Ballet for Majors III (2) or DANC 3218 Modern for Majors III (2)

or DANC 3218 Modern Dance for Majors III (2)

Creative Process (5 hours)

  • DANC 1280 Improvisation (2)
  • DANC 2216 Choreography I (3)

Dance Theory (15 12 hours)

  • DANC 2119 Anatomy for Dancers (3)
  • DANC 2251 Lighting Design I (3)
  • DANC 3221 Dance History I (3)
  • DANC 3222 Dance History II (3)
  • THEA 3250 Lighting Design I (3)
  • DANC 4110 Communicating Across the Dance Discipline (3)

Dance Theory or and Creative Practice (3 hours)

  • DANC 2016 Choreographic Analysis (3) or DANC 3230 Choreography II (3) or DANC 4001 Ballet Pedagogy (3)

or DANC 3230 Choreography II (3)

or DANC 4001 3227 Ballet Pedagogy (3)

Performance and Production (4 hours)

  • THEA 2401 Production Practicum (1)
  • DANC 2401 Production Practicum – Dance Running Crew (1)
  • DANC 2402 Performance Practicum (1)
  • DANC 2402 Performance Practicum (1) or DANC 2401 Production Practicum (1)

or DANC 2401 Production Practicum – Dance Running Crew (1)

  • THEA 2401 Production Practicum (1)

Dance Electives (4 hours)

Among the possibilities for dance electives are courses in the major curriculum that “may be repeated for credit,” non-major courses, and DANC 4001: Special Topics courses including:

  • DANC 1109 Pilates (2)

or DANC 2124 Irish Traditional Dance (2)

or DANC 2125 West African Dance (2)

or DANC 2126 Tap Dance (2)

or DANC 2127 Latin Dance Forms (2)

or DANC 2227 Contemporary Jazz Dance (2)

or DANC 3100 Pointe (2)

or DANC 2403 Dancing for Choreographers (2)

or DANC 3229 Contact Improvisation (2)

Grade Requirements

All of the above courses To meet requirements for the Concentration in Performance, Choreography, and Theory, all dance content courses must be completed with no more than one grade of D and a GPA of at least 2.5 2.75. The student must also have an overall 2.5 GPA or above. The Department of Dance requires a student review process, including a Sophomore Review held the third semester of study, for continued status as a dance major.

Suggested Curriculum

For a suggested curriculum progression toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at http://academics.uncc.edu.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a Concentration in Dance Education (K-12)

Concentration in Dance Education (K-12)

The Concentration in Dance Education leads to K-12 teacher licensure.

A major in Dance leading to a B.A. degree with a Concentration in Dance Education can lead to K-12 Fine and Performing Arts, Dance Teacher Licensure in North Carolina.

Students seeking K-12 Dance Education Licensure should plan to declare the Dance Education Concentration by the end of the first semester of Sophomore year. A later decision may result in a delayed graduation date.

The Dance Education Concentration consists of 76 required semester hours in the Department of Dance and 18 required semester hours in the College of Education including:

Degree Requirements

In addition to completing the coursework for the B.A. in Dance, Dance Education students complete these professional education requirements:

  • DANC 2228 Music and Dance
  • DANC 4227/5227 Dance Education Methods I
  • DANC 4227L/5227L Elementary Clinical Experience
  • DANC 4257/ 5227 Dance Education Methods
  • DANC 4257L/ 5227L Secondary Clinical Experience
  • DANC 4467 Student Teaching/Seminar: K-12 Fine and Performing Arts
  • EDUC 2100 Introduction to Education and Diversity in Schools
  • EDUC 4290 Modifying Instructions for Learners with Diverse Needs in the Elementary School
  • EIST 4100 Computer Applications in Education
  • MDSK 3160 Learning and Development: Birth through Adolescence
    or MDLG 3130 The Early Adolescent Learner
    or ELED 3120 The Elementary School Child
    or SECD 4140 Adolescence and Secondary School
  • READ 3255 Integrating Reading and Writing Across Content Areas
  • SPED 2100 Introduction to Students with Special Needs

Dance Core (26 hours)

  • DANC 1201 Foundations in Dance (2)
  • DANC 1209, 1210, 2209, 2210 (Ballet for Majors) (8)
  • DANC 1217, 1218, 2217, 2218 (Modern Dance for Majors) (8)
  • DANC 2125 West African Dance (2)
  • DANC 2127 Latin Dance Forms (2)
  • DANC 2226 Vintage Jazz Dance (2)
  • DANC 3210 Ballet for Majors III (2)

or DANC 3218 Modern Dance for Majors III (2)

Creative Process (5 hours)

  • DANC 1280 Improvisation (2)
  • DANC 2216 Choreography I (3)

Dance Theory (23 hours)

  • DANC 2119 Anatomy for Dancers (3)
  • DANC 2228 Music and Dance (2)
  • DANC 2251 Lighting Design I (3)
  • DANC 3221 Dance History I (3)
  • DANC 3222 Dance History II (3)
  • DANC 4110 Communicating Across the Dance Discipline (3)
  • DANC 4227 Dance Education Methods I (3)
  • DANC 4257 Dance Education Methods II (3)

Dance Theory and Creative Practice (19 hours)

  • DANC 2016 Choreographic Analysis (3)

or DANC 3230 Choreography II (3)

or DANC 3227 Ballet Pedagogy (3)

  • DANC 4227L Elementary Clinical Experience (1)
  • DANC 4257L Middle School and High School Clinical Experience (1)
  • DANC 4467 Student Teaching/Seminar: K-12 Fine and Performing Arts: Dance (14)

Performance and Production (3 hours)

  • DANC 2401 Production Practicum – Dance Running Crew (1)
  • DANC 2402 Performance Practicum (1)
  • THEA 2401 Production Practicum (1)

Dance Electives (0 hours)

While Dance Electives are not required for students concentrating in Dance Education, however, many students choose to select elective courses listed in the concentration in Performance, Choreography, and Theory.

Education Theory (18)

  • EDUC 2100 Introduction to Education and Diversity in Schools (3)
  • SPED 2100 Introduction to Students with Special Needs (3)
  • ELED 3120 The Elementary School Child (3)

or MDLG 3130 The Early Adolescent Learner (3)

or MDSK 3160 Learning and Development: B/Adolescence (3)

or SECD 4140 Adolescence and Secondary School (3)

  • READ 3255 Integrating Reading and Writing Across Content Areas (3)
  • EIST 4100 Microcomputer Applications in Education (3)
  • EDUC 4290 Modifying Instruction for Learners with Diverse Needs (3)

Students seeking dance licensure should plan to declare the dance education concentration by the end of the Sophomore year. A later decision to seek licensure may result in a delayed graduation date. A GPA of 2.75 is required for admission to student teaching. Licensure applications are the responsibility of the student and the Office of Student Academic Services in the College of Education.

Grade Requirements

All of the above courses To meet requirements for the Concentration in Dance Education (K-12), all dance content courses must be completed with a grade of C or above; a GPA of 2.75 or above in all required Dance Education Concentration courses; and an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. no more than one grade of D and a GPA of at least 2.5.

The Department of Dance requires a student review process, including a Sophomore Review held the third semester of study, for continued status as a dance major.

Application Requirements

Praxis Core Test

Students must meet or be exempted from the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test. See exemption and test requirements at: http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/core/.

College of Education, Student Teaching and Teacher Licensure Applications

The Coordinator of Dance Education and the Arts Education Academic Advisor mentor students through the following application processes:

  • When all prerequisite courses and requirements are complete (usually by the end of the Sophomore year), concentration in Dance Education students must complete an application and be accepted to the College of Education in Teacher Education.
  • In the last semester of Junior year, students will apply to student teaching, also in the College of Education.
  • Upon successful completion of student teaching/seminar in the last semester of senior year, teacher candidates will complete and submit licensure applications.

Suggested Curriculum

For a suggested curriculum progression toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at http://academics.uncc.edu.

Minor in Dance

Course Requirements

A Minor in Dance requires 21-24 semester hours incorporating a combination of the following:

The Minor in Dance consists of 21-24 required semester hours including:

Dance Core (6 hours)

  • DANC 1212 Ballet I (2)
  • DANC 1214 Modern Dance I (2)
  • DANC 2226 Vintage Jazz Dance (2)

DANC Theory course (2 or 3 hours)

Select from:

  • DANC 2119 Anatomy for Dancers (3)

or DANC 2228 Music and Dance (2)

or DANC 4110 Communicating Across the Dance Discipline (3)

or *LBST 1101 The Arts and Society: Dance (3) *

*Dance Minors using LBST 1101 to satisfy dance minor requirements must take another LBST-Arts and Society Course to fulfill the General Education requirements.

DANC History course (3 hours)

Select from:

  • DANC 3221 Dance History I

or DANC 3222 Dance History II

DANC Production I course (1 or 2 hours)

Select from:

  • DANC 2401 Production Practicum (1)

or DANC 2402 Performance Practicum (1)

or DANC 2403 Dancing for Choreographers (2)

DANC Production II course (1 hour)

Select from:

  • DANC 2402 Performance Practicum: Dance (1) (This choice is repeated for a total of 2 credit hours) (1)

or THEA 2401 Production Practicum (1)

DANC Electives (8 hours or 9)

Select from:

  • DANC 1109 Pilates (2)

or DANC 3100 Pointe (2)

or DANC 2124 Irish Traditional Dance (2)

or DANC 2125 West African Dance (2)

or DANC 2126 Tap Dance (2)

or DANC 2127 Latin Dance Forms (2)

or DANC 2227 Contemporary Jazz Dance (2)

or DANC 3229 Contact Improvisation (2)

or DANC 2403 Dancing for Choreographers

Among the possibilities for dance electives are non-major courses that “may be repeated for credit” and DANC 4001: Special Topics courses.

*LBST 1101-Arts and Society: Dance

Dance Minors using LBST 1101 to satisfy dance minor requirements must take another LBST-Arts and Society Course to fulfill the General Education requirements.

Grade Requirements

All of the above courses must be completed with no more than one grade of D and a GPA of at least 2.75.

To meet requirements for the Dance Minor, all dance content courses must be completed with no more than one grade of D and a Dance Minor GPA of at least 2.75.

Professional Training Certificate in Dance

In conjunction with Charlotte’s professional dance company, North Carolina Dance Theatre (NCDT) Charlotte Ballet, the University UNC Charlotte offers a Professional Training Certificate in Dance for advanced ballet students specializing in ballet performance. This unique partnership provides the student an association with a professional dance company while earning a college degree. The sixteen (16) credit hours earned in the Certificate are included in the requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Pre-college credit is also available to high school students.

Open by audition to a student in any academic major, the two-year Professional Training Certificate in Dance provides training with teachers at The North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance Charlotte Ballet. Rehearsal and performance opportunities are available in addition to classes in ballet technique, pas de deux, pointe, and variations. North Carolina Dance Theatre The Charlotte Ballet is an exceptional company whose Artistic Director, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, and Associate Director, Patricia McBride, include both classical and contemporary works in the repertory.

The 16 credit hours earned in the certificate program are included in the requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Pre-college credit is also available to high school students.

Course Requirements

  • DANC 3201 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (4)
  • DANC 3202 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (4)
  • DANC 4201 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (4)
  • DANC 4202 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (4)
  • DANC 3201-3202 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (8)
  • DANC 4201-4202 Professional Training Certificate in Dance (8)