Academic Program
Bates offers a major and a minor in dance based in the concept of dance as a contemporary performing art form. Integrating both theory and practice within the framework of a liberal arts education, the dance program develops an understanding of art, culture, and humanity through dance. The program encourages original choreographic work and provides a variety of performing opportunities for students at all levels of experience. Students may major or minor in dance and may also incorporate dance into interdisciplinary studies programs.
Major Requirements.
1) Two courses in creative process from the following:
DANC 151. Introduction to Dance Composition.
DANC 251. Dance Composition.
DANC 351. Advanced Composition Seminar.
DANC 253. Dance Repertory Performance.
DN/ED s29. Tour, Teach, Perform.
2) Two courses in dance theory and context from the following:
DANC 250. Early Modern Dance History.
DANC 252. Contemporary Issues in Dance.
FYS 399. Reading Dancing, Writing Dance.
FYS 353. Making Performance.
INDS 256. Rites of Spring.
3) Three full credits in dance technique from the following:
DANC 230. Dance Improvisation.
DANC 240. Technique: A Kinesthetic Approach.
DANC 340. Technique: Bodies in Motion.
Any combination of DANC 270 studio dance courses.
4) One course in theater production or design from the following:
THEA 130. Introduction to Design.
THEA 132. Theater Technology.
THEA 232. Lighting Design.
THEA 233. Costume Design.
THEA 236. Pattern Drafting and Draping.
5) One additional course in dance, or one course in theater, music, or art and visual culture.
6) At least one Bates Dance Festival Short Term course (DANC s30).
7) DANC 457 or 458. Senior Thesis.
8) Performance participation in a minimum of four department-produced dance pieces at the college.
Pass/Fail Grading Option. The use of the pass/fail option is restricted to one course within the major.
Minor Requirements.
1) Two courses in creative process from the following:
DANC 151. Introduction to Dance Composition.
DANC 251. Dance Composition.
DANC 351. Advanced Composition Seminar.
DANC 253. Dance Repertory Performance.
DN/ED s29. Tour, Teach, Perform.
2) One course in dance theory and context from the following:
DANC 250. Early Modern Dance History.
DANC 252. Contemporary Issues in Dance.
FYS 399. Reading Dancing, Writing Dance.
FYS 353. Making Performance.
INDS 256. Rites of Spring.
3) Two full credits in dance technique from the following:
DANC 230. Dance Improvisation.
DANC 240. Technique: A Kinesthetic Approach.
DANC 340. Technique: Bodies in Motion.
Any combination of DANC 270 studio dance courses.
4) One additional course in dance, or one course in theater, music, or art and visual culture.
5) Performance participation in a minimum of four department-produced dance pieces at the college.
Participation in the three-week summer Bates Dance Festival (DANC s30) is strongly recommended.
Pass/Fail Grading Option. The use of the pass/fail option is restricted to one course within the major or minor.