2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Dance Major, B.A.
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The MSU Denver Dance major is unique in its versatility and in its partnership with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD). CPRD is recognized worldwide for their dynamic cross-cultural curriculum, community engagement, innovative choreography, and promotion of American dance heritage. In this exciting program, CPRD’s mission of social transformation through dance and MSU Denver’s academic rigor and focus on real-world experience converge.
The dance curriculum includes coursework in jazz, hip-hop, tap, African dance, belly dance, ballet, modern, Ballet Folklórico, dance history, community-based dance practices, somatics and anatomy, pedagogy, improvisation, choreography, contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performance, movement analysis, dance production, and arts entrepreneurship. The Dance Program allows students to combine their interest in dance with other fields, taking classes in non-profit management, teaching or arts administration, among others. The program utilizes service learning, field experience, and internship programs to enrich students’ learning and to foster a connection between MSU and its student body and the Denver community. We aim to prepare students for their future in dance and beyond, supporting their specific career and educational goals through concrete learning experiences and creative exploration.
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Areas of Emphasis in Dance
Below are recommended areas of emphasis; however, we encourage all students to create a customized program that suits their specific career goals. Students will consult with a faculty advisor to create a degree plan that includes electives centered around the selected emphasis.
Performance and/or Choreography: Ideal for students seeking a career in performance and/or choreography, or artistic direction.
- Recommend courses from Human Performance and Sport, Music and Theater, among others
Dance Pedagogy: Ideal for students seeking to own, manage, or teach at a studio. Also ideal for students aiming to get a dance endorsement along with their teaching license. A dance endorsement enables graduates to teach dance in the public school system.
- Recommend courses through Education, Human Performance and Sport, and Psychology, among others
Dance Organization/Nonprofit: Ideal for students seeking a career in dance administration, entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, studio ownership, artist management, production/stagecraft, or grant writing/fundraising.
- Recommend courses from Human Services, Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Accounting, and Marketing, among others
Social Transformation through Dance: Ideal for students seeking to integrate dance into the community and/or arts programs as well as those interested in being a dance historian, writer and/or critic.
- Recommend courses through African and African American Studies, Music, Psychology, Women’s Studies, Chicana/o Studies, among others
Core Dance Technique Courses
Students choose from the below dance technique courses to attain 16 credits, according to level. At least 1 of these courses must be chosen from the following dance forms: African Dance, Ballet Folklórico, or Belly Dance.
Dance Major Electives
In consultation with an advisor, the 11 dance major elective credits can be fulfilled through Field Experiences (up to 12 credits), Internships, additional technique courses, repetitions of specific dance courses for credit, and/or through courses within other departments relevant to the student’s area of emphasis.
Additional Requirements
Dance Majors must participate in a dance production every semester, starting in their third semester. Past dance production experience will be considered for transfer students and those declaring their dance major after their sophomore year.
General Studies
Written Communication (6 credits) - choose any approved
Oral Communication (3 credits) - choose any approved
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) - choose any approved
Arts and Humanities (6 credits) - choose any approved
Historical (3 credits) - choose any approved
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) - choose any approved
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) - choose any approved
Global Diversity (0-3 credits) - At least one of the courses meeting Arts and Humanities, Historical, Natural and Physical Sciences, or Social and Behavioral Sciences designations must be a Global Diversity Course
Total for General Studies: 33-36 credits
Multicultural Graduate Requirement
Each student must choose at least one of the courses meeting the Multicultural Graduation Requirement. This may be completed within General Studies Requirements.
Summary of Credits Required for B.A. in Dance Extended Major
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Core Dance Courses
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30 credits
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Core Dance Technique Courses
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16 credits
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Dance Major Electives
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11 credits
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Senior Experience Course
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3 credits
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Total for Major
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Minimum of 60 credits
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Required General Studies and Global Diversity Coursework
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33-36 credits
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Required Multicultural
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3 credits |
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Unrestricted Electives
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Minimum of 24 credits
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Total for B.A. in Dance Extended Major
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120 credits
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