Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Dance - B.F.A.

COLLEGE:	College of the Arts
DEPARTMENT:	School of Theatre and Dance Dance Division D-101C Music and Speech E-mail: dance@kent.edu Tel: 330-672-2069 Fax: 330-672-4897 Web: http://www.dance.kent.edu

Resources:

DESCRIPTION:	The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance offers concentrations in dance education and dance performance. Dance Education major focuses on developing dancers who have a clear understanding of both dance as an art form and dance as creative arts education. The degree has a multi-age focus and is designed for students interested in receiving an Ohio certificate for teaching dance in the public schools. The dance education concentration prepares students for teacher licensure in grades pre-K–12. Dance Performance develops technically sound, intellectually diverse and creatively expressive dance artists and educators who can contribute significantly to the art form and society. The curriculum provides students with opportunities for strong and varied technical preparation in modern dance forms, classical ballet, jazz styles, improvisation and composition as well as opportunities for performance and the presentation of original choreography. The program also provides students with experiences in other art forms and disciplines, with required courses in acting, music and anatomy.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:	Professional dancers and choreographers held about 29,200 jobs in 2008. Many others were between engagements; as a result, the total number of people available for work as dancers over the course of the year was greater. Dancers and choreographers worked in a variety of industries, such as public and private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities; food services and drinking establishments; performing arts companies, which include dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks. About 14 percent of dancers and choreographers were self-employed. Most major cities serve as home to major dance companies; however, many smaller communities across the Nation also support home-grown, full-time professional dance companies. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics) Related areas of employment include fitness facilities and therapeutic modalities such as dance science and medicine, physical and occupational therapy, dance therapy, massage therapy. Concert dance performance supports careers in theatre: stage management, designing for costumes, lights, sets and sound, and in arts administration.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	Freshman Students: Students must audition before being admitted to the dance program. Inquiries can be directed to the Dance Division Director, D-101C Music and Speech,Kent State University, P.O.Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2069). Dance Education concentration: Minimum 2.50 GPA overall and 2.75 GPA in major are required in this concentration for admission to advanced study, student teaching, licensure and graduation. Please refer to the professional requirements for admission to advanced study. These requirements must be satisfied before taking upper-division professional education coursework. Transfer Student: In addition to meeting the general transfer admission requirement (2.0 cumulative GPA), students must audition before being admitted to the dance program. Inquiries can be directed to the Dance Division Director, D-101C Music and Speech,Kent State University, P.O.Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2069).
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	Minimum 129 total credit hours, minimum 39 upper-division hours. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA and a 2.50 GPA in the major. Minimum eight semesters of modern dance, eight semesters of ballet and successful completion of the III-B level in each are required for graduation as a dance performance major. Promotion to the next level is at the discretion of the dance faculty. Students must be enrolled in daily dance technique classes each semester until graduation. For Dance Education: Minimum 2.50 GPA overall and 2.75 GPA in major are required in this concentration for admission to advanced study, student teaching, licensure and graduation. Please refer to the professional requirements for admission to advanced study. These requirements must be satisfied before taking upper-division professional education coursework. The Praxis II Examination is required for licensure for those graduating in 1991 and beyond. (Professional coursework or licensure in another teaching area is recommended. Also, students must have 39 credit hours in upper-division courses to graduate.)
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:	None
STUDY ABROAD/AWAY OPPORTUNITIES:	There are many study abroad/away opportunities, for more information contact the Office of International Affairs.
PROGRAM FEE:	$100/semester
ACCREDITATION:	National Association of Schools of Dance
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:	Kent Dance Association
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:	M.A. and M.F.A in Theatre Studies M.A., M.Ed, M.A.T. in Secondary Education; Dance M.B.A. in Business Administration