Department of Dance

Can I register for any technique class that fits my schedule?

Students must initially be placed through an audition or placement class, or start at the beginning level in ballet (DCE 113) and contemporary (DCE 111).  Once students have completed a semester of dance, they will receive their placement eligibility for the following semester. 

How do I find out my eligibility?

If you are in a ballet or modern class this semester, your instructor will give you (in writing) your eligibility for the following semester.  This means you are on the eligibility list for that level.

When is the next audition or placement class?

A placement class for all students is held the first day of class each semester at 5pm, usually in room 322.  You will get your placement by the end of the next day.  Auditions for students wanting to become dance majors are held twice a year; dates are indicated on the Department's web site.

If Banner lets me register for a class, doesn't that mean I can take it?

No.  Banner does not enforce prerequisites—this is the responsibility of Departments.  If you are not eligible for a level, Banner will withdraw you.  See also other reasons students may be withdrawn from technique classes, included in the policy on the Department's web site.

I used to take ballet or contemporary classes at UNCG, but have been out for a semester or a year.  Can I register for whatever level I last took?

If you have been out this length of time, contact dance@uncg.edu to get your placement.  If you do not do this, you will not be on the Department's eligibility list, and you will be dropped from classes.

What if I have been away from classes more than one year?

You may take beginning level or come to the placement class to be replaced.

What about jazz, African, and tap?

Jazz:  Beginning jazz (DCE 116) is open to all students; it is appropriate for beginning level dancers.  Intermediate jazz (216) is appropriate for students placed at the 112 or 114 levels in contemporary/ballet, but the Department does not restrict enrollment; students who are not at the appropriate level can expect to earn a low grade in the course.  Advanced jazz (316) is offered in spring semester only.

African:  Beginning African (DCE 132), usually offered fall semester only, is open to all students; it is appropriate for beginning-level dancers.  Intermediate African (232) is appropriate for students placed at the 112 level in contemporary; students who meet this criterion, or those currently enrolled in DCE 232, may get an add slip from Robin Gee (220A HHP).  Other students may attend the first meeting of this class in fall semester to "audition" for the class.  Advanced African (332) is offered only in spring semester; students must get an add slip from Robin to register.

Tap: DCE 233 is normally offered both semesters, and students may register without permission.  The fall semester is planned for students with little or no previous tap experience; spring semester is designed for experienced tappers.

Why do I need to register for 300 level ballet or contemporary, if I am supposed to be at the 400 level?

In order for Banner to keep count of how many bodies are actually in the 300/400 level combined classes, all students need to register for 300-level.  In the second week of class, Banner will move eligible students to a 400-level section meeting at the same time as the 300-level.

I tried to register for the class at my level, and Genie won't let me register.  What do I do?

If you are a dance major, check to see if your registration window is open (Go to UNCGenie as though you were going to register, but click on "Registration Status" instead.)  If you are not a dance major, know that only dance majors can register for ballet and contemporary classes during the preregistration period; this restriction will be removed as of April 15.  If the class is closed and you need this section of this class to graduate on time, follow the directions on the appeal form. (There are different ones for majors and non-majors.)

What are the criteria for moving up to the next level?

A student normally should stay in a level twice before proceeding on to the next level.  Decisions regarding any level changes are made by the instructor with consultation from the technique committee.  Questions are addressed to Eluza Santos, chair of technique committee, emsantos@uncg.edu.

I think a mistake was made in my eligibility for next semester, because I met the criteria for moving up.  What do I do?

Mistakes can occasionally be made.  Contact the staff assistant: dance@uncg.edu or leave her a note (321A HHP).

This is my first semester at UNCG: What if I think I should be placed higher than I was placed?

Instructors who think a student is severely misplaced will initiate action to request a change.