Secondary Concentration in Dance
Bates currently offers a Secondary Concentration in Dance rooted in the tradition of dance as a performance art form. The Bates Dance Program emphasizes an inclusive approach to dance studies that develops a deep understanding of humanity, art and culture. Within this program, original work by the students is encouraged, with many opportunities to participate in the various performance venues on campus.

There are three streams of courses in the Bates Dance Program. For specific course descriptions see pp. 3-10.

Theory & Understanding
The Theory and understanding of the art form within American culture are investigated through the study of dance history and current issues in dance such as political climate, gender, meaning in art, cultural diversity, entertainment, globalization, and the politicized human body in dance.

Creative Process
Creative courses deepen the understanding and appreciation of the craft of making dance though the development of composition and performance skills and the investigation of creative processes.

Technique
Modern dance is the central focus of our program, supported by complementary practices and methologies. There are also a variety of extra-curricular classes offered including ballroom, hip hop, tap, jazz, and yoga, as well as occasional course in various ethnic forms such as African, capoeria, hula, salsa.

  The following courses or an equivalent are required:
1.  a) Two theory courses, such as:
           DANC 250: Early Modern Dance History
           AA/DN 252: Contemoorary Issues in Dance
           DN/PL 290: Aesthetics and Dance

     b)  DANC 251: Dance Composition.
          DANC 253: Dance Repertory Performance I.

     c) One of the following:
          DANC s29A: Dance as a Collaborative Art I (or dance education equivalent) or
          DANC s30: Bates Dance Festival.

     d) One course from among:
          DANC 360: Independent Study.
          DANC s30: Bates Dance Festival.
          PHIL 227: Philosophy of Art
          Any one art and visual culture course.
          Any one music course.
          Any one theater course.
   
2. Students are expected to take modern technique and/or ballet twice a week from the courses below, and perform in two productions a year for a minimum of two years.
        DANC 240: Technique: A Kinesthetic Approach
        DANC 241: Technique: Art and Expression
        DANC 270: Studio Dance
        DANC 340: Technique: The Body in Motion
        DANC 341: Technique of Art's Sake

3. A Secondary Concentration in Dance requires 2.5 production credits. (See section 4.4 for details). This requirement is mandatory.

Pass/Fail grading Option. The Pass/Fail option may not be taken within the secondary concentration in dance except with written permission of the Director of Dance.

Bates Modern Dance Company
The Bates College Modern Dance Company is open to all students interested in commitment to dance performance. No audition required.

The Bates Dance Festival
The Bates Dance Festival is one of the most respected dance festivals in the nation. It offers a unique mixture of art-making, education and analysis in a non-competitive environment of investigation and self-discovery. Classes are taught by some of today’s most interesting teachers and choreographers and there are performances by students, faculty and the resident artists at the festival. Bates students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Bates Dance Festival and festival courses may be considered as degree equivalents by program director. The Festival also counts as a short term credit if desired.