Dance - B.F.A. Download to print

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance offers concentrations in dance education and dance performance.

Dance Education 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 to apply for teacher licensure in grades pre-K. Admission to Dance Education has been suspended as of spring 2014

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.
 

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; 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.
 

Freshman Students: Students must audition before being admitted to the dance program. Inquiries can be directed to the Dance Division Director, D-101C Center for the Performing Arts, Kent State University, P.O.Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2069).

Dance Education concentration: Admission to the Dance Education has been suspended as of spring 2014
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 Center for the Performing Arts, Kent State University, P.O.Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2069).

Minimum 129 total credit hours, minimum 39 upper-division hours. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA and a 2.500 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 2.500 GPA overall and 2.750 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. Professional coursework or licensure in another teaching area is recommended. Also, students must have 39 credit hours in upper-division courses to graduate. Admission to the Dance Education has been suspended as of spring 2014

Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation):
Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged but not required.

Dance Education:

1. Demonstrated ability to effectively teach dance to diverse ages and populations of students.
2. Students will perform in a wide range of dance and theatre works by faculty, guest artists and advanced student peers.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of a diverse range of modern dance styles, including classical modern dance techniques, release techniques and eclectic styles.  Furthermore, students will demonstrate increased skills in technique and expression over the course of their college careers. All majors are required to choreograph in their junior year as part of the Student Dance Festival.  This is a fully produced event and student choreographers are responsible for leading their own rehearsals for the duration of the creation and implementation of their work. 
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of dance theory and aesthetics and successfully apply them in both studio and classroom settings. 

Dance Performance:

1. Students will perform a wide range of dance and theatre works by faculty, guest artists and advanced student peers. Students will demonstrate an understanding of a diverse range of modern dance styles, including classical modern dance techniques, release techniques and eclectic styles.  Furthermore, students will demonstrate increased skills in technique and expression over the course of their college careers.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of dance theory and aesthetics and successfully apply them in both studio and classroom settings. 

There are many study abroad/away opportunities, for more information contact the Office of Global Education.

Student Dance Education Organization

 

Theatre Studies (M.F.A), Secondary Education: Dance (M.A.T.), Business Administration (M.B.A.)