Dance

Professor Finley; Assistant Professor White; Adjuncts Carbone and Smith; Emeritae Colwell-Waber and Shapiro; Accompanist Portillo

The Mission of the Dance Program

The Meredith College Dance Program provides opportunities for all students to engage with dance for artistic, community, cultural, intellectual, and physical growth. 


Overview of the Dance Program

The Meredith College Dance Program believes that dance is a worthy human endeavor that should be accessible to all. We provide a collaborative laboratory that welcomes students from all backgrounds to engage with dance for artistic, community, cultural, intellectual, and physical growth. A Bachelor of Arts in Dance, concentrations in Private Studio Teaching and Dance Education, a minor in Dance, a NC K-12 Teaching Licensure, and a Professional Performance Certificate form the hub of our program, while a wide range of creative, performance, and service groups make the community complete. The Dance Program engages with the broader Meredith College community by supporting several components of general education and enriching the cultural and aesthetic life of the campus. All that we do is grounded in the belief that dance holds the potential to transform individuals and society through personal empowerment, collaboration, and creative action. 

Student Learning Outcomes of the Dance Program

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • apply artistic, intellectual, and physical knowledge of dance in a variety of educational and professional settings;
  • write, speak, research, and think critically and creatively about dance;
  • perform, create, and teach dance effectively;
  • employ appropriate technology related to the fields of dance and education;
  • engage professionally and ethically in the field of dance.

​​​​​​Career Directions

Dance majors are prepared for careers in education, private studio teaching, arts administration, and graduate study. Recent graduates teach in the schools, own and operate studios, are pursuing graduate degrees, and are actively producing their work.

Dance Major

The major in Dance focuses students’ curriculum through a concentration in Private Studio Teaching, Dance Education, or Senior Portfolio. Students who pursue the K-12 License will be prepared as candidates for North Carolina K-12 licensure; see specific requirements in the teacher education section of this catalogue.

Dance majors/minors are required to complete all dance activity courses which fulfill the requirements for the Dance major for a grade. All dance activity courses completed to fulfill requirements for the Dance major may count toward graduation.

Some activity classes are taken automatically pass/fail and some are taken automatically for a letter grade. A student may elect to change how a course is graded for her according to the following policy. Grade change requests of this nature must be received in the Office of the Registrar according to pass/fail election deadlines, as noted in the academic calendar.

All PED activity classes and DAN activity classes at the 100 level are taken pass/fail. Students who have fulfilled the Health and Physical Learning component of General Education may elect to take them for a letter grade. Students who have fulfilled the Health and Physical Learning component of General Education and who need these courses to fulfill major requirements must take them for a grade.

DAN activity courses at the 200, 300, and 400 levels are taken for a grade. Students may take these courses as pass/fail to fulfill the Health and Physical Learning Component of General Education.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

DAN-110: Beginning Dance Technique

Designed for students who have little or no prior dance training, this course is an introduction to basic dance movements and technique principals common to ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This course teaches foundational skills of alignment, movement articulation, weight transfer, locomotion, and execution of dance sequences.

DAN-149: Tap I

A beginning level study of tap dance technique including traditional vocabulary, contemporary vocabulary, development of style, improvisation, fundamentals of music, polyrhythms and choreography.

DAN-151: Ballet I

A basic study of ballet including its vocabulary, technique, history and performance.

DAN-152: Folk and Square Dance

An introduction to international folk dances, American square dances and contemporary Country-Western dances.

DAN-153: Modern I

A basic study of modern dance including warm-up, alignment, technique, history and performance.

DAN-154: Jazz I

A basic study of jazz dance including warm-up, isolations, technique and history.

DAN-155: African Dance

A basic study of the movement vocabulary and technique of many of the cultural, social, and ritual dances of Africa. The class will be accompanied with traditional African percussion music.

DAN-156: World Dance Technique

A basic study of the movement and culture of dance techniques found throughout the world. Techniques studied will include, but not be limited to, Latin, Indian, and Asian dance forms. Each semester course offered will focus on one technique and will be selected by the Dance Program.

DAN-160: Perspectives in Dance

This course introduces students to various styles of dance technique, professional practices, professional opportunities, dance composition, dance production, and writing about dance. Dance techniques will be explored at a low-intermediate level, therefore experience in one or more styles of modern, ballet, and/or jazz is recommended.

DAN-188: Special Topics in Dance

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

DAN-200: Dance in Society

Through a broad survey of different genres of dance, students will gain an appreciation of the way this art form reflects social and historical experiences. The course will include lectures, readings, and opportunities to see dance through video, observations and live performances.

DAN-248: Yoga for Dancers

This course provides a thorough foundation in the physical, breathing and mindfulness practices of yoga as a means to augment and enrich dance training. Utilizing yoga postures and vinyasa flow, dancers will train their bodies in a balanced way, thus gaining muscular strength and flexibility in areas of the body under-addressed in conventional dance training. This enables fully integrated movement, increases range of motion and helps prevent injury. Through breath awareness practices the dancer develops greater breath capacity and control. Through mindfulness practices, the dancer develops mental concentration needed for class, rehearsal, and stage performance.

Required Prerequisites

Dance experience required.

DAN-249: Tap II

A post-beginning level study of tap dance technique including traditional vocabulary, contemporary vocabulary, development of style, improvisation, fundamentals of music, polyrhythms and choreography.

DAN-251: Ballet II

A low-intermediate level study of ballet technique.

DAN-252: Participation in Choreographic Project

This is an opportunity for dance students to gain rehearsal and performance experience by working with choreography students who are enrolled in DAN-356, Dance Composition II. Students will learn, rehearse, and perform in assigned compositional studies. Rehearsal time outside of class will be required.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-159
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

DAN-253: Modern II

A low-intermediate level study of modern dance technique.

DAN-254: Jazz II

A low-intermediate level study of jazz dance technique.

DAN-256: Dance Composition I

An introductory course to the basic elements of solo modern dance choreography, including the use of space, time, energy, abstraction, motif and development, basic form, and the selection of music.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-159
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

DAN-258: Mind/Body Integration

A unique approach to movement and postural re-education through increasing body awareness, breathing techniques, and stress reduction techniques. Students will learn to identify and correct inefficient movement patterns and establish better mechanical balance of their skeletal structure.

DAN-259: Improvisation II

A course designed to involve further exploration of spontaneous movement. In the process of honing improvisation skills, students will refine their understanding of improvisation as a medium for both performance and for self-understanding.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-159
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

DAN-260: Movement Analysis

This class integrates the understanding of concepts within Lab analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals with the development of intermediate-level modern dance technique. Students will discover the fundamental aesthetic and functional elements of human movement, working toward the thorough embodiment and accurate observation of these elements in dance activities. Learning methods will include discussions, readings, experiential-based movement explorations, observations, and technical practice of modern dance. 

Required Prerequisites

Intermediate-level ability in dance technique as evidenced by completion of a 200-level dance technique course or through consultation with the instructor.

DAN-261: Music for Dance

A study of the basic principles underlying the relationship between music and dance. Topics covered will include musical notation, musical terminology, basic accompaniment, teacher/ accompanist relationships, and relationships between choreography and music.

DAN-288: Special Topics in Dance

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

DAN-290: Production for Dance

An introduction to the process and practice of lighting design, sound design, costume design, state management, backstage operations, and front of house procedures for dance productions with particular focus on dance in arts education settings. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between production practices and the artistic process.

DAN-297: Methods of Research in Dance

An introductory course that surveys modes of inquiry in current dance scholarship. Specific attention is given to research design, methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks in dance research.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-299: Dance Research

An introduction to theories, methods and ethics of aesthetic inquiry. Students will formulate an original research project that will culminate in a research paper and/or performance work.

Required Prerequisites

Dance majors and minors, and others with instructor approval.

DAN-349: Tap III

An intermediate level study of tap dance technique including traditional vocabulary, contemporary vocabulary, development of style, improvisation, fundamentals of music, polyrhythms and choreography.

DAN-351: Ballet III

An advanced-intermediate level study of ballet technique with focus on the fine tuning of physical and performing skills.

DAN-352: Dance Repertory

This course is designed to provide opportunities for student dancers to work with faculty choreographers in the creation of a performance piece for a dance concert. Emphasis is placed on developing performance skills and engaging in the choreographic process from inception to completion.

DAN-353: Modern III

An advanced-intermediate level study of modern dance technique with focus on the use of dynamics, phrasing, strength and range.

DAN-354: Jazz III

An advanced-intermediate level study of jazz dance technique with focus on the fine tuning of physical and performing skills.

DAN-356: Dance Composition II

The study of modern dance choreography for groups. Using improvisation, assigned movement problems, and viewings of 20th-century modern dance choreography, students will learn the process of crafting the basic elements of choreography into group form. 

Required Prerequisites

DAN-358: Movement Studio for Somatics

This techniques class integrates the understanding of somatic principles with the development of intermediate-level modern dance technique. Students will discover ease and efficiency in movement, develop movement virtuosity, adopt practices to prevent injury, and expand their ability to express a wide range of movement dynamics. In deepening one's mastery of modern dance, the application of somatic practice promotes integrating physical, emotional, anatomical, and aesthetic understanding through conceptual and experiential practice. Learning methods will include discussions, readings, experiential-based movement explorations, hands on guidance, and technical practice of modern dance.

Required Prerequisites

Intermediate-level ability in dance technique as evidenced by completion of a 200-level dance technique course or through consolations with the instructor.

DAN-359: Dance History: Western Theatrical Dance

A survey of the development of western theatrical dance from the 19th century to the present, with particular emphasis on 20th century ballet and modern dance in the United States. Through visual and verbal texts, lecture, discussion, and critical response writings, students will become familiar with major artists, their philosophies, and the social contexts in which they worked.

DAN-360: Movement Structure and Function

This course expands upon the study of aesthetic and functional elements of human movement begun in DAN-260, Movement Analysis. In DAN-360, Movement Structure and Function we focus on conceptual and experiential understanding of basic anatomical, mechanical, and somatic principles that underlie dance technique. Through readings, discussions, movement explorations, observations, imagery visualizations, and technical practice of modern dance, we will develop knowledge of anatomical function and deepen kinesthetic awareness. 

Required Prerequisites

DAN-388: Special Topics in Dance

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

DAN-449: Tap IV

An advanced level study of tap dance technique including traditional vocabulary, contemporary vocabulary, development of style, improvisation, fundamentals of music, polyrhythms and choreography.

DAN-450: Contemporary Dance Technique

An advanced-intermediate level study of contemporary dance technique with emphasis on dynamic phrasing, musicality, spatial awareness and performance skills.

DAN-451: Ballet IV

An advanced level study of ballet technique with focus on the refinement of physical and performing skill.

DAN-453: Modern IV

An advanced level study of modern dance technique with emphasis on the use of dynamics, phrasing, strength and ranges.

DAN-454: Jazz IV

An advanced level of study of jazz dance technique with emphasis on the rhythmic phrasing, range and performance.

DAN-456: Meredith Dance Theatre

A performing company which encourages exploration of the creative process through student choreography, as well as the performance of works by faculty and guest choreographers.

Required Prerequisites

Instructor's consent required.

DAN-457: Pedagogy in Dance Technique

An opportunity for students to gain practical experience in teaching. Students will work one-on-one with a dance faculty member on topics that may include, but are not limited to, structure of a class, student/teacher interaction, anatomy of concepts and movements, verbal and visual imagery, conveying technical and qualitative ideas, and group versus individual feedback. 

Required Prerequisites

DAN-460: Dance Practicum

An opportunity for students to gain practical experience in such areas as somatics, arts administration, video for dance, and others.

Required Prerequisites

All course specifications must be approved by the instructor prior to registration.

DAN-461: Dance Practicum in Performance

An opportunity for students to gain practical experiences in performance through rehearsing, contributing to the choreographic process, and reflecting on performance roles in a dance to be performed in a formal concert.

Required Prerequisites

All course specifications must be approved by the instructor prior to registration.

DAN-462: Dance Practicum—Choreography

An opportunity for students to gain practical experience in choreography through casting, creating, rehearsing, and producing a dance to be performed in a formal concert. Course may be repeated for credit.

Required Prerequisites

All course specifications must be approved by the instructor prior to registration.

DAN-463: Dance Practicum—Technical Theatre

An opportunity for students to gain practical experience in technical theatre for dance by working on a production team as a stage manager, light board operator, sound board operator, or backstage crew for one or more dance concerts.

Required Prerequisites

All course specifications must be approved by the instructor prior to registration.

DAN-464: Dance Practicum—Private Studio Teaching

This practicum is designed as a field teaching experience in private studio teaching. Emphasis is placed on students gaining experience in observing, assisting, teaching, and evaluating teaching skills. Students will also research marketing, communication, advertising, and performance production within their practicum experience. Pass/Fail grading only.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DAN-761 
Prerequisite or Corequisite: DAN-457
All course specifications must be approved by the instructor prior to registration. 

DAN-480: Internship in Performing Arts Administration

A supervised experience in arts administration with an approved arts organization, government agency, or arts event production team. Areas of focus can include, but are not limited to office management, event production, organization development and advancement, grant writing marketing and promotion, audience development, and advocacy, etc. Through this internship students will gain professional experience and will connect their applied experience with the knowledge and skills studied in their discipline. Students will fulfill 40 hours per credit hour as approved by the professor.

Required Prerequisites

Junior or Senior Standing
Majors in Dance or minors in Arts Management with a 2.00 or higher.

DAN-488: Special Topics in Dance

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

DAN-498: Honors Thesis in Dance

An introduction to theories, methods and ethics of aesthetic inquiry. Students will formulate an original research project that will culminate in a research paper and/or performance work. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the dance faculty.

Required Prerequisites

Senior Standing Dance Majors who are members of the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs.

DAN-499: Dance Research

An introduction to theories, methods and ethics of aesthetic inquiry. Students will formulate an original research project that will culminate in a research paper and/or performance work.

Required Prerequisites

Senior Standing Dance majors and minors and others with instructor approval.

DAN-580: Internship in Professional Performance

This course provides an academic connection to and context for students in a supervised internship with a professional or semi-professional dance company as either company assistant, apprentices, or full company members. Students will work 40 hours per credit hour as part of the company in identified performance areas including but not limited to rehearsal preparation, rehearsal, performance preparation, performance, and post production.

Required Prerequisites

Admission to Certificate in Professional Performance Program in dance.

DAN-590: Advanced Practicum in Dance Performance

An advanced experience in dance performance designed for students performing dance repertory by faculty or professional choreographers in on-campus or off-campus venues, or by students in professional venues such as the American College Dance Festival. Students must work 40 hours per credit in rehearsal, rehearsal preparation, performance, and post performance reflection.

Required Prerequisites

Admission to Certificate in Professional Performance Program in dance.

DAN-761: Theory & Approaches to Dance Education

A focus on the theoretical foundations for dance education. Students come to understand the relationship between theory and practice of dance education through observations, reflection, and discussion. Attention is given to the relationship between the theories of teaching and methods used as they relate to stated goals. 

Required Prerequisites

DAN-762: Methods of Teaching Dance, K-12

A study of teaching methods for dance in public school settings, grounded in an investigation of the theoretical foundations for dance education. Content includes readings, observations, reflection, writing lesson plans, exploring and experiencing teaching approaches, and examining methods of evaluation.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-763: Reflective Teaching

A course designed to provide the student with directed field experience in teaching dance. Course assignments will offer practical preparation for the teaching internship and theoretical grounding to support the student’s individual teaching philosophy. Course content includes readings with written reflection, developing lesson plans, guided teaching experiences, and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection about teaching and learning.

Required Prerequisites

DAN-761, DAN-762 and Admission to licensure program