Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Dance, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Concentration in Performance and Choreography

The BFA (Performance and Choreography) is for the student who aspires to be a dance performer and choreographer in concert dance or the entertainment industry.  In addition, this degree will prepare students for teaching different levels of students and populations in various settings.  This degree provides excellent dance education and advanced training in performance, choreography, and teaching, along with additional areas of wellness for dancers, cultural dance, and dance technology. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (Performance and Choreography):
Core Credits: 60
Performance and Choreography: 18

The BFA program with a concentration in Performance and Choreography attracts a diverse population of students who are interested in a well-rounded program that allows for multiple performance and choreography opportunities, including both live and virtual (dance for the camera) performances.  In addition to the many performing and choreography opportunities, Dance BFA students will complete courses up to the advanced level in performance, choreography, teaching, and various dance techniques. In addition, courses such as Wellness for Dancers, Dances of Selected Cultures, Dance Technology, Dance History courses, and two Senior Capstone courses ensure a well-rounded education relevant for dance professionals in the 21st century.  Our graduates are enjoying a variety of careers in dance, including dance company members, dance teachers and professors, and independent dance artists. This program will prepare BFA majors for a wide range of dance careers in the dance profession.

All BFA students must be enrolled in a minimum of one technique class per day each semester. Competency based assessments will be used to determine level of proficiency, advancement in technique and performance, and synthesis of knowledge. The systematic assessment procedures developed by the dance faculty were created in conjunction with the National Association of Schools of Dance standards for professional degree programs. By the end of the final year, BFA Performance and Choreography students must demonstrate the following technical proficiency requirements:

  • Level VI in Modern Dance
  • Level IV in Ballet and Jazz Dance

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Choreography: Create and organize movement into artistic and aesthetic choreography.
  • Communication and Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to communicate and think critically in the areas of performance, choreography, and teaching.
  • Cultural Diversity: Synthesize the social, political, and artistic role of dance in world cultures. 
  • Degree Program Writing Competency: Demonstrate writing that is clear, cohesive, and relevant to the dance field, utilizing appropriate vocabulary, grammar, research, and citation methods.
  • Teaching: Organize the knowledge, skills, aesthetics, and art of dance into effective, ethical and responsible teaching practices.
  • Technique: Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts in dance technique and performance in DANC 428 (modern dance technique VI).
  • Wellness: Apply dance wellness principles in the areas of performance, teaching, and choreography.

Related Links

Dance - Performance and Choreography, BFA Program Page

Dance Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 3.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements78

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 40 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 40 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Dance Core
DANC 101Wellness for Dancers 13
DANC 199LMA/Performance Techniques 13
DANC 200Dance Composition I 13
DANC 216Principles of Dance Production 13
DANC 223Creative Dance for Children 13
DANC 224Improvisation 13
DANC 300Dance Composition II 13
DANC 301Dances of Selected Cultures2
DANC 323Teaching of Dance 13
DANC 324Music for Dance 13
DANC 326Dance Kinesiology 13
DANC 350Field Experience in Dance Technique 1,21
DANC 419Dance in Contemporary Times 13
DANC 420Modern Dance Technique: Level IV 12
DANC 424Contemporary Partnering 12
DANC 425Senior Capstone I: Dance Research 13
DANC 426Modern Dance Technique: Level V 12
DANC 428Modern Dance Technique: Level VI 12
DANC 430BFA Capstone II: Performance, Choreography, and Entrepreneurship 13
Subtotal50
Additional Advanced Technique Proficiency
DANC 421Ballet IV 12
DANC 422Jazz Dance IV 12
Subtotal4
Historical Perspectives and Experimental Approaches:
Select two of the following: 36
Dance Technology 1
Society and Social Dance 1
Dance in the Political World 1
Experimental 1
Subtotal6
Performance and Choreography Concentration:
Select up to 18 credits from a combination of the following courses (at least 2 credits must come from the Rehearsal and Production and Repertory block): 418
Modern III-VI
Modern Dance Technique: Level III 5
Modern Dance Technique: Level IV 5
Modern Dance Technique: Level V 5
Modern Dance Technique: Level VI 5
Ballet III-IV
Ballet III 5
Ballet IV 5
Jazz III-IV
Jazz Dance III 5
Jazz Dance IV 5
Rehearsal and Performance, and Repertory
At least 2 credits must come from this block:
Dance Rehearsal and Production (Repeatable up to 4 credits)
Repertory (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Dance Rehearsal and Production (Repeatable up to 4 credits)
Electives:
Dance Technology
Society and Social Dance
Dance in the Political World
Dance Internship
Independent Study
Workshop
Subtotal18
Total Hours78
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

2

Taken concurrently with DANC 323.

3

One must be DANC 305 or DANC 318.

4

One must be DANC 430.

5

May only count once in this block

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Concentration in Performance and Choreography (PECH)

All BFA students must be enrolled in a minimum of one technique class per day each semester. Competency based assessments will be used to determine level of proficiency, advancement in technique and performance, and synthesis of knowledge. The systematic assessment procedures developed by the dance faculty were created in conjunction with the National Association of Schools of Dance standards for professional degree programs. By the end of the final year, BFA Performance and Choreography students must demonstrate the following technical proficiency requirements:

  • Level VI in Modern Dance
  • Level IV in Ballet and Jazz Dance

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. Career education and development
  2. Field Experiences
  3. Guest artist residencies and repertory experiences
  4. High-Impact Practice (HIP) courses and activities
  5. International study programs (short-term, semester)
  6. Internships and Independent study
  7. Residential Dance Companies
  8. Service opportunities
  9. Student-faculty research and creative projects
  10. Student leadership development and opportunities
  11. Summer dance intensives and workshops

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

Dance - BFA (5355)
Concentration in Performance and Choreography (PECH)
This program is effective as of Fall 2020.
Revision date: 05.24.2023
UCC 10.16.2021 

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
DANC 101 Wellness for Dancers 3
DANC 220 Modern Dance Technique: Level II 2
DANC 221 Ballet II 2
DANC 222 Jazz Dance II 2
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours18
Spring
DANC 216 Principles of Dance Production 3
DANC 220 Modern Dance Technique: Level II 2
DANC 221 Ballet II 2
DANC 224 Improvisation 3
DANC 299 Dance Rehearsal and Production 1
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Computer Competency Requirement 0-1
 Hours17-18
Second Year
Fall
DANC 200 Dance Composition I 3
DANC 301 Dances of Selected Cultures 2
DANC 320 Modern Dance Technique: Level III 2
DANC 321 Ballet III (Elective) 2
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
SCI 101 Science of Life 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours18
Spring
DANC 199 LMA/Performance Techniques 3
DANC 320 Modern Dance Technique: Level III 2
DANC 321 Ballet III 2
DANC 322 Jazz Dance III 2
DANC 324 Music for Dance 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
Select one of the following: 3 1-3
Society and Social Dance
Experimental
 Hours16-18
Third Year
Fall
DANC 300 Dance Composition II 3
DANC 399 Repertory 2
DANC 420 Modern Dance Technique: Level IV 2
DANC 421 Ballet IV (Concentration Requirement) 2
DANC 424 Contemporary Partnering 2
DANC 499 Dance Rehearsal and Production 1
Select one of the following: 3 1-3
Dance Technology
Dance in the Political World
Social Science Inquiry 3
 Hours16-18
Spring
DANC 321
Ballet III
or Ballet IV
2
DANC 322
Jazz Dance III
or Jazz Dance IV
2
DANC 223 Creative Dance for Children 3
DANC 326 Dance Kinesiology 3
DANC 419 Dance in Contemporary Times 3
DANC 420 Modern Dance Technique: Level IV 2
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours18
Fourth Year
Fall
DANC 271 Dance Technology 3
DANC 323 Teaching of Dance 3
DANC 350 Field Experience in Dance Technique 1
DANC 421 Ballet IV (Advanced Technique Proficiency Requirement) 2
DANC 425 Senior Capstone I: Dance Research 3
DANC 426 Modern Dance Technique: Level V 2
DANC 499 Dance Rehearsal and Production 1
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours18
Spring
DANC 421 Ballet IV 2
DANC 422 Jazz Dance IV (Advanced Technique Proficiency Requirement) 2
DANC 428 Modern Dance Technique: Level VI (Advanced Technique Proficiency Requirement) 2
DANC 430 BFA Capstone II: Performance, Choreography, and Entrepreneurship 3
DANC 499 Dance Rehearsal and Production 1
Select one of the following (if needed as elective): 0-3
Dance Internship
Independent Study
Workshop
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours13-16
 Total Hours**134-142
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

3

In addition, majors must complete two of the following courses: DANC 271 (Offered in Fall Semester) DANC 305 (Offered in Spring Semester), DANC 318 (Offered in Fall semester of even years), and/or DANC 390.  Please work with your academic adviser to plan accordingly.

  • The BFA in dance major will need to make sure they take a Rock Studies 2 Thread that has DANC 305 or DANC 318. Students will need to register for DANC 305 or DANC 318 and this will count in Rock Studies 2 and the dance major program.  NOTE:  DANC 305 is offered in Spring Semesters; DANC 318 is offered in Fall semesters of even years.  
  • All BFA students must progressively develop technical competencies and reach proficiency standards in Modern Dance to the highest Level of DANC 428-Modern VI in order to graduate. Additionally, BFA-PECH students must reach level IV proficiency in Ballet and Jazz techniques.
  • Dance Elective courses provides opportunities for students to choose the coursework appropriate to their individual needs and interests; while remaining consistent with the goals and objectives of the professional undergraduate degree program being followed.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5153
Concentration Code: PECH
Revision date: 03.26.2024