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
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:
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
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)
A seminar course, required of all freshman dance majors, covering dance department orientation, ballet and theater terminology, dance psychology, stage make-up, basic and injury prevention.
The evolutionary study of dance. The course presents an in-depth study on the emergence of dance as a performing art form, focusing primarily on ballet and modern dance techniques, exploring the lives and work of major dance figures influencing the present state of the art form and referencing concurrent connections to cultural traditions and rituals.
This course focuses on cross training designed specifically to augment muscular strength, flexibility and endurance in dancers through the use of methodical progressive conditioning systems. Course work is based on somatic disciplines such as Pilates and yoga, as well as a variety of cross training techniques.
Beginning jazz technique covering multiple genres and eras of jazz.
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
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)
Building on Jazz I this intermediate jazz dance technique course includes continued development of isolations, turns, jumps and combinations of jazz movement from various American jazz dance styles.
DANC 161
Introduction, development and refinement in the art of making dances. A study of the fundamental elements and structure of dance composition. Class format is approached through discussion, observation, improvisation and choreographic assignments.
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
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)
Intermediate advanced pointe technique with grater emphasis placed on the expressive performance of classical ballet. Development of greater physical strength, stamina and more complex movement vocabulary sur le pointe. Female variations from the classical and contemporary repertoire will be introduced at the instructor's discretion.
DANC_121
Classical ballet technique addressing the performance dynamics specific to the male dancer including additional focus on strength, stamina, battu, turns and allegro. Male variations from the classical repertoire will be introduced at the instructor's discretion.
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
Intermediate advanced pointe technique with grater emphasis placed on the expressive performance of classical ballet. Development of greater physical strength, stamina and more complex movement vocabulary sur le pointe. Female variations from the classical and contemporary repertoire will be introduced at the instructor's discretion.
DANC_221
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
Advanced pointe technique with emphasis on the refinement of artistry to a professional performance level. Continued development of greater physical strength, stamina and more complex movement vocabulary sur le pointe. Female variations will be introduced at the instructor's discretion.
DANC_331
A more extensive exploration into the art of making dances. This course further defines all choreographic elements culminating in a performance. Choreographers will produce work under the guidance of the instructor's parameters.
This course provides the advanced dance major with the opportunity to attend department approved international dance experiences. The student is required to document the experience and present the experience during the semester following his/her return.
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.
Pedagogy OR Performance Internship.
Advanced dance composition using both concrete and abstract subject matter as references. Use of in-depth theatrical effects and various types of accompaniment will be explored. The final product will culminate in a performance.
DANC 380
An introduction to traditional, neoclassical, contemporary and new choreographic repertoire set and developed in an atmosphere of professional standards with company class, rehearsal, lecture demonstrations, performance and touring venues.