Department of Dance

Center for the Arts 1002
Phone: 410-704-2760
Fax: 410-704-3752
Email: rcole@towson.edu

Programs of the Department

The Towson University Department of Dance advocates Dancing for a Lifetime by challenging students to examine and refine their approaches to the arts of dancing, choreography, and dance education. Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Dance Performance and Choreography, as stated in the NASD Standards for Accreditation Handbook 2023-2024, p. 99, VIII.A.2.purpose, are expected to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the artist in the field of dance. To fulfill various professional responsibilities, the dance artist must exhibit not only technical competence, but also broad knowledge of dance and dance repertory, the ability to integrate dance-related knowledge and skills, sensitivity to dance and musical styles, and an insight into the role of dance intellectual, education, and cultural life.

B.F.A. majors in dance adhere to rigorous standards for merging technique with performance by maintaining a state of mind and body that is focused, purposeful, and appropriately nuanced with expression. Majors learn a variety of approaches for taking dances from the studio to the stage that are somatically sound, choreographically consistent, and artistically excellent.

TU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) since 1984. It fulfills a state and national need for dance performers, choreographers, and teachers trained in 21st-century skills. National and international artists bring their choreography and pedagogical practices as faculty and guest artists to prepare dancers for a lifetime of dancing.

Auditioned Dance majors may elect to take courses that will enable them to meet university, college, and Maryland teacher certification requirements in the PreK-12 Dance Education Concentration.

The Department of Dance offers opportunities in leadership, internships, honors programs, national honors, and service programs.

Scholarships

To qualify for a Dance Talent scholarship, or for a COFAC Dean’s scholarship, students must successfully pass the pre-dance audition, be accepted into the major, be full-time Dance majors, and be nominated by a dance faculty member.

The terms/criteria for automatic renewal of Dance Talent and COFAC Dean’s scholarships offered to Dance majors at TU are as follows:

For the Foundational First-Year Courses, a GPA of 3.00 (B) or higher must be maintained.
For students in the B.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography, as well as students who are candidates for the PreK-12 Dance Education Concentration, a 3.00 GPA in Dance major courses must be maintained. Students whose GPA falls below this minimum requirement will automatically lose all scholarship awards. Once students have re-established an overall GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 3.00 in the major, the remainder of their scholarships from that date forward to graduation will be reinstated.
Demonstrate and exemplify a professional disposition within the classroom, rehearsal, and all other aspects of the profession.
Participate fully in all aspects of the major and actively contribute to service within the department.
Annual scholarship renewal evaluation by the Department of Dance faculty.

Dance Courses

DANC 101 THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (3)

An examination of the psychophysical pressures of contemporary American life and the application of the Alexander Technique as a method to investigate issues of body/mind disciplines and alleviate tension and stress. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Core: Arts & Humanities.

DANC 102 YOGA (2)

A Yoga practice that will develop techniques to enhance strength, flexibility and body/mind awareness; including breathing, postures, concentration, relaxation, yoga history and philosophy.

DANC 104 AERIAL DANCE TECHNIQUE (2)

A study of the basic technique skills in aerial dance on single point low-flying trapeze. Additional skills include choreographic techniques, improvisation and a historical overview of aerial dance. Can be repeated for additional credit for a maximum of 8 units.

DANC 105 MOVEMENT SKILLS ENHANCEMENT FOR MEN (3)

Using movement techniques to improve athletic and movement skills. Core: Arts & Humanities.

DANC 106 FUNDAMENTALS OF DANCE MOVEMENT FOR NON-MAJORS (3)

Floor and standing work to develop upper/lower connectivity, increased rotation, efficient movement patterns, and proper support for dance movement. Core: Creativity & Creative Development.

DANC 108 PILATES TECHNIQUE (3)

A study of the basic technique skills designed by Joseph Pilates, a technique promoting overall health with a mind-body awareness. This pedagogy teaches the student to improve the following: core support, posture, body mechanics, breathing, spinal education, strength and flexibility. Repeatable for additional credit up to 6 units.

DANC 109 JAZZ DANCE I (2)

American jazz dance as traced historically through movement from Afro-Caribbean and vaudeville forms to Broadway show styles from the 1920's through the 1950's. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 111 TAP DANCE I (2)

A beginning study of the technical fundamentals of tap dance. Includes basic one and two sound movements performed at the barre and simple rhythmic combinations in center. Also includes time steps and simple turns. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 124 BALLET FOR NON-MAJORS (2)

Classical ballet class with emphasis on placement and alignment of the body, turn-out, footwork, barre work, simple allegro movements, adagio, and grande allegro movements required in the establishment of a basic technical foundation. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 125 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (3)

Dance as a global cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of dance aesthetics, and building a worldview through movement. Field experiences may be required. Core: Global Perspectives.

DANC 126 MUSICAL CONCEPTS FOR DANCERS (3)

An introduction to basic music skills and concepts of rhythm and its appropriate application to dance composition, movement, performance and education environments. Students will explore, perform, analyze, create, evaluate and respond to musical experiences for the purpose of developing musical skills and concepts. An awareness and understanding of varied genres of music will be developed as appropriate to the expectations of becoming a dance professionals and/or a dance educator. Prerequisites: Pre-Dance status only, special permit required.

DANC 127 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (3)

American concert modern dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of modern dance aesthetics, and building a world view through movement. Field experiences may be required. Core: The United States as a Nation.

DANC 128 MODERN DANCE FOR NON-MAJORS (2)

Course work in modern dance technique as derived in part from principles of the American founders of modern dance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 130 DANCE AND MYTH (3)

Historical survey of mythological themes in dance in the Western tradition through readings, videos, and movement experiences. Emphasis on the hero cycle and individuation. Core Category: Arts & Humanities.

DANC 201 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE: DEVELOPMENTAL MOVEMENT (2)

Movement-based experiences in developmental stages of children; motor actions, personality development, spatial organization, and emerging literacy. Prerequisites: PSYC 201; acceptance into the Dance Education Concentration by SAT scores in math and verbal of 1100 or above or ACT composite score of 24 or passing the Praxis CORE test, and a GPA of 3.0 and a signed Criminal History Self disclosure Statement.

DANC 209 JAZZ DANCE II (2)

A continuation of Broadway show styles from the early 1960's to the present day. Includes study of contemporary jazz technique with emphasis on rock, funky, lyric and percussive movement. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: DANC 109 or consent of instructor.

DANC 210 THE GENDER DANCE (3)

Historical survey of gender roles in dance in the Western tradition through readings, videos, and movement experiences. Emphasis is on the cultural lenses of audience members and transformations of stereotypes over time. Prerequisite: ENGL 102. Core: Diversity & Difference.

DANC 211 TAP II (2)

A continued study of tap dance including complex rhythms, tempi, barre and center work. New movements include wings, trenches, riffs and advanced turns. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 111.

DANC 216 SOPHOMORE CREW (1)

Formal crew work, including experiential training in the set-up, operation and/or strike for the TU Dance Company mainstage productions. Prerequisite: DANC 263.

DANC 223 LEVEL I BALLET (2)

Elementary classical ballet technique: classical form, static and dynamic alignment, rotation, weight shift, breath support, and level change with application to classical ballet vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 224 LEVEL I BALLET (2)

Further development of elementary classical ballet technique: classical form, static and dynamic alignment, rotation, weight shift, breath support, and level change with application to classical ballet vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 227 LEVEL I MODERN (2)

Elementary modern dance technique: level change, weight shift, dynamic alignment, breath support and expression, and application of modern dance vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 228 LEVEL I MODERN (2)

Further development of elementary modern dance technique: level change, weight shift, dynamic alignment, breath support and expression, and application of modern dance vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 235 DANCE COMPOSITION I (3)

Introduce interdisciplinary relationships with movement invention; improvisation and personal exploration and performance form will help investigate personal idiosyncratic ways of moving with effort and body preference. Core: Creativity & Creative Development.

DANC 245 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR MOVEMENT I (3)

Introduction to anatomical, physiological and biomechanical principles of human movement and applying these principles to body alignment and movement for dance. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 106. Prerequisites: majors only, special permit required.

DANC 250 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE: TECHNIQUE (2)

Designed to provide students with the ability to integrate their professional Studies of technical and conceptual content knowledge with the current best practice for teaching dance technique. Dance majors only. Prerequisites: junior level standing or above; only PreK-12 Dance Concentrations Majors must have completed DANC 201.

DANC 263 DANCE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION (3)

Costume, lighting, make-up, management, scenery, safety, sound and rigging techniques and practices. Not open to students who successfully completed THEA 263.

DANC 304 MODERN AERIAL REPERTORY (3)

Students learn original aerial repertory (a dance) from the instructor, collaborate on the creation, and perform this work during the semester. Prerequisite: DANC 104.

DANC 310 JAZZ DANCE III (2)

A continued study of contemporary jazz technique with emphasis on performance of styles used on the concert stage, television and motion pictures. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 316 JUNIOR CREW (1)

Informal crew work, including experiential training in the set-up, operation and strike for non-TU Dance Company mainstage productions. Prerequisite: DANC 216.

DANC 321 RESPONDING TO DANCE (3)

Advanced writing course using a variety of dance eras, genres, and cultures. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

DANC 323 LEVEL II BALLET (3)

Continued study of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level: emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view; including intermediate level enchainments, shifting weight, physically and musically connecting movement sequences, sequencing combinations designed to develop both strength and flexibility. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: major standing and consent of department.

DANC 324 LEVEL II BALLET (3)

Further development of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level: emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view; including intermediate level enchainments, shifting weight, physically and musically connecting movement sequences, sequencing combinations designed to develop both strength and flexibility. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: major standing and consent of department.

DANC 327 LEVEL II MODERN (3)

Continued study of modern dance technique at the intermediate level; emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view, including expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity-kinesthetically, spatially and musically. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: major standing and consent of department.

DANC 328 LEVEL II MODERN (3)

Further development of modern dance technique at the intermediate level; emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view, including expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity-kinesthetically, spatially and musically. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: major standing and consent of department.

DANC 335 DANCE COMPOSITION II (2)

Focuses on metaphor and memory embodiment with an introduction to compositional structures. Attention to showing artistic works that support craft concepts while interviewing choreographers and introducing risk taking. Prerequisites: DANC 235 and Department Consent required.

DANC 336 DANCE COMPOSITION III (2)

Focuses on content/intent/form: Metaphor and memory embodiment continues with activity on the construction/deconstruction/reconstruction of material in an atmosphere of risk taking and collaborative investigation. Prerequisites: DANC 335 and Dance Department Consent required.

DANC 341 POINTE TECHNIQUE I (2)

Basics of pointe (toe) work essential to students whose interest is in total comprehension of the elements necessary to the performance of classical ballet. Includes work to strengthen the ankles and insteps, and acclimation of body weight and placement sur les pointes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 223, DANC 224.

DANC 342 POINTE TECHNIQUE II (2)

Continuum of Pointe Technique I with emphasis on tempi, allegro combinations, enchainments au milieu, and barre supported adage. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 343 MEN'S BALLET TECHNIQUE (2)

Continued study of classical ballet through the lens of male technique: emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view, including skills and vocabulary. Can be repeated for a maximum of 8 units.

DANC 345 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR MOVEMENT II (2)

Continued study of the anatomical, biomechanical, developmental and qualitative principles of human movement and applying these principles to increase movement function and expression for dance. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 421. Prerequisites: major status and consent of department.

DANC 346 SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF ANALYSES OF MOVEMENT III (1)

Designed to reintroduce and reinforce the student's somatic principles learned in DANC 345 and enhance the integration of this material into the student's intermediate / advanced technique course work. Prerequisites: DANC 245 and DANC 345.

DANC 350 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE: PREK-12 SETTING (2)

A multidisciplinary standards-based approach to the teaching of dance to children grades PreK-12 with specific applications to literacy development, lesson and unit planning, and fieldwork experience. Students who have successfully completed DANC 251 will not receive additional credit for DANC 350. Prerequisite: DANC 201. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

DANC 370 SPECIAL TOPICS IN DANCE (1-3)

Workshops and courses designed for study of special topics in dance not available in existing courses. Examples: Principles and Practices of Auditioning, Dance Repertory, Seminar in Dance Education, etc. Will be offered depending on student and faculty interest and availability. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered.

DANC 383 MODERN DANCE REPERTORY (3)

Concentrated study of historical and current repertory in modern dance, culminating in (a) performance(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.

DANC 384 BALLET REPERTORY (3)

Concentrated study of historical, current, or new repertory in ballet, culminating in (a) performance(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.

DANC 423 LEVEL III BALLET (3)

Study of classical ballet technique at an advanced level; advanced level enchainments, standard classical divertissement and style distinctions including progression of technical complexities and approaches to contemporary ballet stylizations. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units.

DANC 424 LEVEL III BALLET (3)

Further development of classical ballet technique at an advanced level; advanced level enchainments, standard classical divertissement and style distinctions including progression of technical complexities and approaches to contemporary ballet stylizations. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units.

DANC 427 LEVEL III MODERN (3)

Study of modern dance technique at an advanced level utilizing complex movement and sequences. Focus on interpretation and performances. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units.

DANC 428 LEVEL III MODERN (3)

Further development of modern dance technique at an advanced level utilizing complex movement and sequences. Focus on interpretation and performances. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units.

DANC 436 DANCE COMPOSITION IV: FOR THE PROSCENIUM (2)

Focusees on the creation and production of a collaborative work for the stage: attention to risk-taking and combining movement with sound/text/light. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 435. Prerequisites: DANC 336 and Department Consent.

DANC 437 DANCE COMPOSITION V: FOR THE CAMERA (3)

Focuses on the creation andn production of an interdisciplinary and collaborative work specific to movement for the camera. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 435. Prerequisites: DANC 336 and Department Consent.

DANC 450 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE: POLICY AND ADVOCACY (2)

Examination of strategies for dance arts advocacy and dance education policies in public school contexts. Prerequisite: permission of instructor by special departmental permit.

DANC 480 SENIOR PROJECT: SEMINAR (2)

Focuses compositional tools that create choreography on dancer(s). The students draft a product for adjudicated feedback from the dance faculty. Preparation for producing a dance concert or lecture-demonstration includes planning, programming, technical production, box office management, budgeting, publicity, and documentation. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 263, DANC 316, DANC 336; senior Dance major standing; and Department Consent.

DANC 481 DANCE COMPANY (3)

Study and performance of advanced compositions, including works by professional guest choreographers in ballet, modern, and jazz/musical theatre style culminating in a performance(s). Course may be repeated for a maximum of 24 units.

DANC 490 ELEMENTARY CAPSTONE INTERNSHIP (6)

Seven to eight weeks capstone internship in an elementary public school setting. Practical experience in observation and participation. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 391. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: successful completion of all undergraduate work prior to the internship and department consent. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

DANC 491 SENIOR PROJECT: CONCERT/LECTURE DEMONSTRATION (3)

Student-directed concert and/or lecture-demonstration production; publicly produced in the spring semester of the senior year. Students are required to perform and choreograph as part of their senior capstone experience. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 480, Dance Majors only, and Department Consent.

DANC 492 PRACTICUM IN DANCE TECHNIQUE (1-6)

Student directed studio course work in dance technique at a departmentally approved professional training school or program. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

DANC 493 PRO-SEMINAR IN THE TEACHING OF DANCE (1)

Critical analysis of curriculum, instruction, and assessment procedures related to the promotion of literacy with movement and dance education in the context of the student internship. Prerequisites: taken concurrently with DANC 391 and DANC 392; Dance majors only; special permit. Graded SU.

DANC 494 SECONDARY CAPSTONE INTERNSHIP (6)

Seven to eight weeks capstone internship in a secondary public school setting. Practical experience in observation and participation. Students who have successfully completed DANC 392 will not receive additional credit for DANC 494. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: successful completion of all undergraduate coursework prior to the internship. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

DANC 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DANCE (1-3)

Self-directed study of an academic or creative project designed to focus on a specialized area of dance. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units.

College of Fine Arts and Communication Courses

IDFA 104 INTERDISCIPLINARY INTERGROUP DIALOGUE (3)

Designed to give students both a theoretical and practical foundation in the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to effectively participate in and facilitate intergroup dialogues in arts and communication. Students will gain skills in resolving conflicts and overcoming resistance that may emerge due to cultural misunderstandings or oppressive dynamics. Class activities will involve viewing films, role-playing, facilitation practice, and reflecting on readings, communication processes, and assignments.

IDFA 201 AMERICAN VISION: BALTIMORE ARTS (3)

American culture through experiencing the visual, performing, media, and communication arts of Baltimore. Includes field trips. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.

IDFA 203 CREATIVITY IN ARTS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNICATION (3)

An application of the creative process through the arts, media, and communication. Core: Creativity/Creative Development.

IDFA 444 BRANDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF (3)

In an era defined by both global hyper-connectivity and social isolation, how do we identify and confidently apply our strengths within a collaborative creative space? This course answers that question through a creative process organized around diverse interactive art modalities, mindfulness practices, and journaling. Students will learn self-reflective strategies in order to help them clearly articulate their personal identity and creative vision. Various concepts of the self and examples of what it means to be authentic will be discussed. Ultimately students will craft a succinct and authentic professional mission statement designed to help them maintain personal clarity while working to find the most compatible creative and professional environments where their work can thrive.

IDFA 460 ARTS X RESISTANCE (3)

Arts x Resistance is a unique studio and seminar course that employs research about the role of art in social activism, through art making, research and field interviews. As artists, students will create posters, zines, videos, and/or performances, while they engage in weekly self-investigation of stories and issues connected with their own lived experiences. Collaboratively, the class will study and interview relevant artistic activists, and engage in real world collaborations with those working on the front lines of art and activism today. This course is designed to, as Tony Cade Bambara said, “...make just and liberated futures irresistible.” This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for IDFA 460.

IDFA 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARTS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNICATION (3)

An in-depth study in a selected area dependent upon faculty and student interest. May be repeated for a total of 9 units provided a different topic is taken. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

IDFA 471 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL ACTION (3)

A multidisciplinary and collaborative service-learning seminar that explores complex problems of the Baltimore metropolitan region. Includes creative projects and fieldwork with civic, community, and/or non-profit organizations. Topics vary and could include homelessness, domestic violence, drug abuse, disabilities, housing, education, health issues, and welfare. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units when a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or consent of instructor.

IDFA 493 INTERDISCIPLINARY FINE ARTS INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-6)

Directed study through readings, projects, papers, and/or seminars. May be repeated for a total of no more than 12 units. Graded S/U.

Faculty

Professors: Catherine Horta-Hayden (Chairperson), Mary Susan Kirchner, Jaye Knutson (Graduate Program Director), Susan Mann, Vincent Thomas

Assistant Professors: Robert Kleinendorst, Caroline Rocher Barnes, Alison Seidenstricker (PreK-12 Education Program Director)

Lecturers: Runqiao Du, Nancy Wanich-Romita