Dance

Dance Minor (DANC)

The six-credit program for an academic minor in dance is designed to provide a wide perspective and broad foundation for technical and theoretical experience for the development of disciplined, insightful artists. The minor acknowledges ongoing studio training in a variety of dance styles with experience in repertory and performance, as well as theoretical reinforcement through courses in dance history and composition. Repertory classes and guest-artist residencies provide opportunities to learn classic reconstructions, vital new choreographies, and cultural forms. Participation in the various dance productions is expected; furthermore, cross-disciplinary course work in costume, lighting, scenic and sound design is encouraged.

Performance: Students minoring in dance are expected to perform in one or more of several venues. They might perform in the Bucknell Dance Company, the Choreographer’s Showcase, or the Studio Dance Concert. Performance and choreographic opportunities include mainstage, studio, and environmental concerts in the Harvey Powers Theatre, Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Tustin Blackbox Theatre, and other alternative spaces. Quarter-course repeatable credit in DANCE 360 reflects significant faculty directed involvement in the Bucknell Dance Company; a maximum of one-quarter credit is permitted per semester.

The minor in dance is structured as follows:

Theory Requirements (three course credits):

DANC 250 History of Dance - full credit
DANC 262 Dance Composition - full credit

And an additional course focusing on a related element of dance including:

DANC 215 Introduction to Movement - full credit
THEA 246 Scene Design - full credit
THEA 248 Lighting Design - full credit
THEA 251 Costume Design - full credit
CAPS 4xx When approved by the department

Technique Requirements (three course credits total):

Students are required to complete at least one semester of each of the following:

DANC 310 Modern Dance Technique II - half credit
DANC 325 Ballet Technique II - half credit

And at least one approved alternative dance technique incorporating a diverse understanding of styles and cultures including:

DANC 230 Jazz Technique I - half credit
DANC 265 Dance of Eastern Europe - half credit
DANC 275 Dance Conditioning - half credit
DANC 300 Chinese Dance Technique - half credit
DANC 330 Jazz Technique II - half credit

Additional elective courses offered (to fulfill the three credit requirement) include:

DANC 210 Modern Technique I - half credit
DANC 225 Ballet Technique I - half credit
DANC 263 Repertory - half credit
DANC 350 Ballet Technique III - half credit
DANC 355 Pointe and Variations - half credit
DANC 360 Rehearsal and Performance - half credit

All technique and performance courses are repeatable in recognition of the importance of consistent individualized training at the appropriate level within different styles of dance.

210. Modern Dance Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
Introduction to the technical skills and artistic philosophy of modern dance; dance movement vocabulary includes basic floorwork, axial and locomotor patterns, and movement combinations.

225. Ballet Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
A course designed to build the strength, flexibility, and control necessary for performance of classical ballet technique at the beginning/low intermediate level.

230. Jazz Dance Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
Designed to provide training and experience in the technique of jazz dance while placing the art form in its historical context as an American vernacular form.

250. History of Dance (II; 3, 0)
A study of the forms of dance both as reflective of cultural history and as an art form from primitive times to the present.

262. Dance Composition (I; 3, 2)
Introduction to the basic techniques and underlying principles of the craft and art of choreography; practical experience in structuring solo and group choreography.

263. Repertory: World Dance (I or II; R, 0, 3) Half course.
A course designed to provide advanced dance technique, performance theory, and repertory selections from a specific dance style or ethnic form. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

265. Dance of Eastern Europe (II; R; 0, 2) Half course.
Studio-based course to introduce dances of Eastern Europe that reflect the diversity of the region.

275. Dance Conditioning (I or II; 1.5, 1.5) Half course.
A lecture/laboratory course exploring the theory and practice of mind-body integrative techniques, such as Pilates, Yoga, Floorbarre, and Massage to promote strength and flexibility.

300. Chinese Dance (AI; R; 0, 3) Half course.
Studio training in the classical and folk dance forms of China, including Chinese traditional dance and specialized props, such as long-sleeves, fans, and ribbons.

310. Modern Dance Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
A continuation of DANC 210 with emphasis on advanced technical skills, expressive style, and performance elements.

315. Modern Dance Technique III (I or II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
An advanced level modern course with emphasis on honing technical skills, expressive style and performance elements.

325. Ballet Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
A continuation of DANC 225 with emphasis on advanced technical skills and performance aesthetics.

330. Jazz Dance Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3) Half course.
A continuation of DANC 230 with emphasis on advanced technical skills and historical style; jazz repertory and compositional work included.

350. Ballet Technique III (AI or II; R; 0, 3: U) Half course.
An advanced-level course designed to aid the student in the application and refinement of technical skills, French terminology, and artistic philosophy of classical ballet.

355. Pointe and Variations (I and II; R; 0, 2) Half course.
The application of already acquired technical skills of classical ballet to work performed in pointe shoes will be explored incorporating the development of kinesthetic and aesthetic awareness.

360. Rehearsal and Performance (I and II; R; 0, 4) Quarter course.
Quarter-course credit for substantial participation in dance production, touring, or residency.

Courses offered occasionally: 215 Introduction to Movement