M.F.A. – Dance

Degree Requirements

Residency

The Dance Division requires students to be in residence for four terms during the regular academic year. Students are expected to participate in an intensive summer workshop between the first and second year of study.

Course Work

A minimum of 60 term credit hours of course work — including the final concert project, thesis, and research — is required to complete the M.F.A. in Choreographic Theory and Practice. In order to count toward the degree, all courses must be numbered 5000 or above. Any undergraduate deficiencies will be determined on admission, and the student must satisfactorily complete equivalent undergraduate course work before enrolling in the appropriate graduate courses.

Evaluation

At the end of each academic term, each student meets with graduate dance faculty for an evaluation. All aspects of the student’s work are discussed and examined. The student and the faculty will assess both progress and potential and determine whether or not the candidate should continue in the program.

Examinations

Candidates must pass a written qualifying exam to be taken in the second year of residency. The exam will consist of three questions submitted by the student’s thesis project committee and will last approximately three hours. If the student fails any portion of the exam, arrangements for retesting must be made.

Graduate Committee

After the first year of study, each student selects a thesis committee of three faculty members. The committee supervises all work on the final thesis project, including the research and written documentation. The thesis project consists of three works: an adaptation from a significant work outside the dance idiom, a reconstruction from a Labanotation score, and a work of original choreography. The scope and character of the final project are jointly determined by the student and the graduate committee. Candidates must complete all degree requirements within seven years of the date of initial matriculation

Degree Program

The Courses (DANC)

6011, 6012, 6111, 6112. Ballet Technique. The study of ballet technique with emphasis on refining performance.

6021, 6022, 6121, 6122. Modern Dance. An exploration of contemporary dance with emphasis on refining performance and individual style.

6031, 6032, 6131, 6132. Jazz Dance. Exploration of advanced jazz techniques and styles with emphasis on performance projection and individual style.

6341, 6342, 6343. Advanced Dance Composition. An in-depth examination of choreographic theory and analysis, with emphasis on the development of individual skills and styles.

6360.Pilates. A non-impact body conditioning method based on principles of abdominal (core) and scapular stabilization. Introduction to the essential matwork, which consists of non-weight bearing exercises. Designed to give the student an understanding of the principles behind the Pilates method. Proper alignment, full range of motion, and patterned breathing will be emphasized.

6361. Elementary Labanotation. This course is designed to teach fundamental Labanotation theory. Motif Writing will be utilized as an introduction to this theory and reading skills in notation will be emphasized. Students will be exposed to innovative methods for incorporating notation concepts into classroom teaching.

6362. Intermediate Labanotation. The development of intermediate Labanotation skills with an emphasis on reading tap, jazz, and modern dance.

6363. Kinesiology. Exploration of basic anatomy and the human body in motion. Normal and deviated structures of the skeletal and muscular systems are examined as well as the cause, treatment, and prevention of dance injuries.

6365. Teaching Methodology. Examination of a variety of methods of teaching, including discussion of theories of pedagogy, the structure of lesson plans, and curriculum development and implementation.

6366. Research Methodology. An examination of the problems and possibilities of performing arts research and the development of an approach to academic writing. Includes discussion of a historiography of performance, the evaluation of primary and secondary sources, and methods of documentation.

6370. Dance History/ARAD. A comprehensive survey of the styles and genres of Western dance history, with emphasis on the interdisciplinary connections between dance and theatre, music, art, and art history.

6371. Dance Criticism And Aesthetics. An introduction to writing about dance performance. Emphasis on developing critical methodologies of movement analysis in examining a variety of dance texts as well as writing skills.

6373. Dance History Seminar I. An in-depth investigation of Western theater dance from the Renaissance to 1900, including critical analysis of primary source material.

6374. Dance History Seminar II. An investigation of the sources and elements of 20th-century dance, including a discussion of dance modernism, the development of the avant-garde, and performance art.

6377. Directing From Labanotation Score. Introduction to advanced Labanotation, including reconstruction of a work from Labanotation score.

6378. Thesis And Research. Research, documentation, and analysis of materials for the graduate concert.

6381, 6382. Choreographic Seminars: Dance Directing And Repertory Projects. Analysis of the components of selected dance masterworks to develop interpretation and directing strategies.

6383. Graduate Concert: Repertory, Choreography Performance. Three works to be presented for performance representing one of each of the following: a reconstruction of a repertory piece, a work of original choreography, and an adaptation of an established classic of the choreographic canon.