Dance

Program Codes: BADANC
Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance

Vision
The Dance Department’s vision is to proliferate the art of dance in the twenty- first century.

Mission Statement
The Dance Department’s mission is to generate leadership for the dance field, through rigorous B.A. and B.F.A. programs emphasizing the development of professional dancers, teachers, choreographers and scholars through cognitive, affective, and psychomotor taxonomies.

Program Goals
To cultivate empowerment through vigorous involvement in a progressive curriculum grounded in classical and contemporary ballet supported by diverse dance disciplines, theoretical and somatic studies.

To prepare confident artists who recognize and apply the transferable learning and knowledge embedded in dance to coalesce with developed critical thinking, writing and oral expertise as support to all of their life choices.

To generate creative leaders who pay tribute to the past, strive for the highest standards of excellence and proactively collaborate to celebrate and serve their communities whilst moving the dance field forward.

To nurture compassionate and balanced human beings who hold sacred the honor of body, mind and spirit for themselves and others.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a high level of technical mastery in ballet and/or other dance disciplines(s)
  • Identify a significant body of theoretical and historical knowledge pertaining to the dance field
  • Produce and present work by confronting professional problems through analysis, experimentation & development of coherent goals evident in scholarly & creative presentations
  • Recognize and assess positive approaches to mental & physical health, professional theatrical aesthetic and an injury-free work ethic

Portfolio Review and Subsequent Annual Reviews
All dance majors are required to participate in a four-year Portfolio Review. Portfolios outlining dance progress, academic scholarship and service are submitted to the dance faculty in the spring of each year. Guidelines are outlined in the Dance Department Policies & Procedures.

In the sophomore year the dance faculty conducts a formal review to determine if the student should continue as a dance major. Majors are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in all dance courses and an overall GPA of 2.5.

Majors are evaluated in terms of their grades and overall performance including their ability to sustain an injury free work ethic and establish a professional approach to a theatrical aesthetic that includes maintaining a positive approach to mental and physical wellness and health. Their attendance record, potential for promotion and successful completion of all requirements including service to the dance department and community are also considered.

Student Policies and Procedures
Every dance major is provided with the Policies & Procedures for the Dance Department. Guidelines for the four-year Portfolio Review and a recommended degree plan are also included.

Admission
Admission to the Mercyhurst University Dance Department is based on the following requirements:

  • Complete a university application and supplemental dance application with photo in first arabesque (ladies on pointe).
  • Arrange for an audition, send a DVD or post on YouTube
  • Send an official secondary school transcript (and official college transcripts if a transfer student).

Financial Information - Scholarship
Dance merit scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the dance faculty and the dance chair. Any prospective student is eligible to compete for scholarship assistance, regardless of financial status. Students wishing to apply for financial assistance must apply to the Director of Financial Aid. Students on scholarship  are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in all dance courses, an overall GPA of 2.5 and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Dance Department Policies & Procedures.

Service learning is required of all dance majors on scholarship. At the end of each academic year, there is an evaluation that serves as a review for maintaining scholarship status. Students who fail to maintain academic and performance levels may forfeit their dance scholarship and/or be advised into a Liberal Studies major.

Attendance
Dance students are expected to attend all classes and rehearsals and are held responsible for any work missed because of tardiness or absence. Attendance is of major importance if a student is to make progress and/or retain a dance scholarship.

Physical Therapy and Injury Prevention
Physical Therapist, Elizabeth Darling, DPT, OCS, CLT, ATC screens students for injuries and provides physical therapy throughout the year.

Requirements for Arts Administration Minor

ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting 3 credits
DANC 200 Intro. to Arts Administration 3 credits
DANC 475 Arts Administration Internship 3 credits
MGMT 120 Principles of Management 3 credits
MKTG 162 Principles of Marketing 3 credits

Two (2) electives from the following, at least one 300 level course:
ART 128 Graphic Design Basics 3 credits
ART 321 Introduction to Website Design 3 credits
COM 240 Digital Video Production I 3 credits
COM 260 Introduction to Social Media 3 credits

Degree Requirements for BA in Dance

Required sequencing for Freshman Year. Recommended sequencing for additional years with a total of 121 credits to graduate

Freshman Year

BALLET - Students are required to take two (2) semesters of Ballet and Pointe Technique. The specific course will be determined by the student's technical skill level. (6 credits)                                                                                    

Sophomore Year

BALLET - Students are required to take two (2) semesters of Ballet and Pointe Technique. The specific course will be determined by the student's technical skill level. (6 credits)                                                                                    

Junior Year

BALLET - Students are required to take two (2) semesters of Ballet and Pointe Technique. The specific course will be determined by the student's technical skill level. (6 credits)                                                                                    

Senior Year

BALLET - Students are required to take two (2) semesters of Ballet and Pointe Technique. The specific course will be determined by the student's technical skill level. (6 credits)                                                                                    

B.A. Dance Electives
Degrees & Certificates
Course Descriptions