Areas of Study
The Bates Dance program offers a major and a minor in dance including courses in the theory and context of the art form, the creative process of making dances and performing dance, and the physical practice of dance training. All courses are available to majors/minors and non degree dancers alike. Degree requirements currently under revision
Theory & Context
The theory and cultural context of the art form are investigated in courses that concentrate on dance history and current areas of contextual study in dance, such as gender, cultural diversity, dance writing, entertainment, globalization, the larger context of the arts and the politicized human body.
- DANC 250 – Early Modern Dance History
- AA/DN 252 – Contemporary Issues in Dance
- INDS 256 – Rites of Spring
Composition & Performance
There are also creative courses that focus on composition and performance skills.
- DANC 251 – Dance Composition
- DANC 351 – Advanced Composition Seminar
- DANC 253 – Dance Repertory Performance I & II
- DN/ED s29 – Tour, Teach, Perform
Technique
Modern dance is the central focus of our program, supported by a variety of contemporary dance practices from contact improvisation to ballet.
- DANC 240 – Technique: A Kinesthetic Approach
- DANC 340 – Technique: The Body in Motion
- DANC 270 – Studio Dance Series
Bates Dance Festival
The renowned Bates Dance Festival is offered for Short Term credit. This intensive three week program brings together an international community of choreographers, performers, educators and students to study, perform and create new works.
A variety of courses are also available through the Bates Dance Festival including Improvisation, Contact Improvisation, Anatomy, Issues in Contemporary Dance, Music for Dancers as well as technique classes with some of today’s most interesting teachers and choreographers.
Physical Education
All dance classes in the 270 Studio Dance group also fulfill PE requirements. For details please email cdilley@bates.edu.
Physical Education also offers dance classes which satisfy the mandatory requirement for PE credits.
Dance Education
- DN/ED 265 – Teaching Through the Arts
- DANC s29A – Tour, Teach, Perform
- DANC s25 – Ballroom Dance: Past and Present