The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Dance
323 Health and Human Performance Building
(336) 334-5570
Department of Dance Homepage
Admissions Information
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Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Dance
Choreography Concentration
Design Concentration
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance Education
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance
Choreography Concentration
Design Concentration
Dance Theories and Practices Concentration
DCE Dance Classes
Faculty
Professors
Ann H. Dils, Ph.D.
Historical and cultural studies in dance.
John Gamble
Choreography, lighting design and production, contact improvisation.
Jill Green, Ph.D.
Dance education, somatics (body-mind practice), creativity, feminist and post-positivist research, socio-cultural issues of the body (Director of Graduate Study).
Larry E. Lavender, M.F.A., Ph.D.
Choreography, dance criticism, aesthetics, creative process.
Susan W. Stinson, Ed.D.
Curricular issues in dance/arts education, meaning-making, gender issues (Director of M.A. in Dance Education).
Jan E. VanDyke, Ed.D.
Choreography, social and economic issues in dance (Head of Department).
Associate Professors
Robin M. Gee, M.F.A.
African and American dance, choreography, historical and cultural studies in dance.
Elizabeth J. Sullivan, M.F.A.
Choreography, somatic practices, application of alternative approaches to movement technique.
Assistant Professor
Duane Cyrus, M.F.A.
Dance technique, performance, and choreography. Interdisciplinary integration of theatre, technology, and dance. African-American dance and theatre history. Issues of representation in media and performance.
Academic Professional Associate Professor
R. Mitchell Fore, M.F.A.
Resident technical director and lighting designer.
Academic Professional Assistant Professor
Melinda Waegerle, M.A.
Dance education.
Academic Professional Instructor
Frank Vulpi, M.F.A.
Music Coordinator.
Overview
The Department of Dance offers two graduate degrees, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts. Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record and demonstrated proficiency and potential in the field of dance.
The 60 hour Master of Fine Arts program is normally completed over three years and culminates in a dance concert or project designed and carried out by the student with the support of faculty. Concentrations in choreography or design are available. Students develop and clarify their choreographic voices and deepen their understandings of dance making as a personal, aesthetic, cultural, and social process and product through guided investigations of choreographic methods, practices in coaching and performing movement, and theories and practices in dance research. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree commonly held by studio teaching faculty at the university level.
The 36 hour Master of Arts in dance offers concentrations in choreography, design, dance education, or dance theories and practices. The 36-39 hour M.A. in dance education leads to eligibility for North Carolina licensure for teaching K-12 dance and is available in a largely distance format.
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Dance with Concentrations in Choreography or Design
The Department of Dance offers a graduate program leading to a 60 hour Master of Fine Arts degree with concentrations in choreography or design.
Choreography Concentration (60 hours)
Required Courses (23 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 622 Dance Criticism (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (three times - 3)
DCE 630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance (4)
DCE 651 Studio Problems in Choreography (four times -12)
Pedagogy (3 hours)
For departmental Teaching Assistants and those interested in teaching in higher education:
DCE 661 Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education (2)
DCE 662 Practicum in Teaching Dance (1)
For those interested in teaching K-12:
DCE 557 Dance Pedagogy for Ages 3-18 (3) or DCE 546 Perspectives on Dance Education (3)
Electives (23 hours)
Students select 23 hours of electives, including 17 hours in dance and 6 hours outside of the department.
Culminating Project (6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
For a full-length concert or equivalent artistic presentation:
DCE 697 Master Production (6)
For significant research that directly informs a major choreographic work (or series of works) equivalent to half a concert:
DCE 697 Master Production (3)
DCE 698 Field Project in Dance (3)
Program Progression and Reviews
All students are reviewed by the dance faculty in the Spring semester of their first year. Faculty assess student progress and promise in their degree program and make recommendations for improvement. Students receive a letter from the Director of Graduate Study reporting faculty recommendations.
At the completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including removal of all deficiencies and three semesters of choreography practica (DCE 651), M.F.A. students undergo portfolio review and apply for admission to candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria, including a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Students submit a portfolio of work to the Director of Graduate Study, usually by December 1 of their third semester, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the Department’s Graduate Handbook for portfolio contents and process.
When the student has been in residence for at least two semesters and passed candidacy, he/she assembles a committee of at least three members of the graduate dance faculty to review his or her culminating concert or project proposal. Proposal guidelines are included in the Graduate Handbook. Once the Committee approves the proposal, the student may register for DCE 697 or 698 and work towards culmination of study.
Design Concentration (54 hours)
Required Courses (33 hours)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (3)
DCE 650 Dance Design Practicum (three times - 9)
Additional courses in the arts outside the Department (6)
Electives (27 hours)
Students select 27 hours of electives, 9 hours of which must be outside of the department.
Culminating Project (6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
DCE 697 Master Production (6)
Program Progression and Reviews
At the completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including removal of all deficiencies and three semesters of design practica (DCE 650), M.F.A. students undergo portfolio review and apply for admission to candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria, including a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Students submit a portfolio of work to the Director of Graduate Study, usually by December 1 of their third semester, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the Department’s Graduate Handbook for portfolio contents and process.
When the student has been in residence for at least two semesters and passed candidacy, he/she assembles a committee of at least three members of the graduate dance faculty to review his or her culminating concert or project proposal. Proposal guidelines are included in the Graduate Handbook. Once the Committee approves the proposal, the student may register for DCE 697 or 698 and work towards culmination of study.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance Education
The Department of Dance offers a graduate program of study (available through primarily online courses) leading to a Master of Arts degree in dance education that provides eligibility for “M” licensure. The 36 hour Teacher Leadership Track is designed for students who hold North Carolina Standard Professional I licensure in dance. The 39-hour Classroom Practice Track is designed for students who do not hold North Carolina Standard Professional I licensure in dance. Students are admitted in alternate (even) years only and must begin their study with a required summer course on campus. Designed for part-time students, the degree requires 4-5 years for completion
*For 2009-2010, no new degree candidates will be accepted to the Master of Arts degree in dance education without “M” licensure eligibility.
Required Courses for Both Tracks (33 hours)
DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3)
DCE 657 Advanced Methods in P-12 Dance Education (3)
DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
*DCE 693 Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (6)
DCE elective approved by committee (3)
TED 545 Diverse Learners (3)
TED 669 Educational Implications of Learning and Developmental Theory (3)
Undergraduate credits in dance technique (4) (or equivalent in approved professional study)
*Culminating Project (Capstone Experience)
Additional Requirements for Track Courses
Classroom Practice Track (6 hours)
DCE 663 PreK-12 Dance Education Practicum (3)
TED 535 Literacy in the Content Area (3)
Students must present evidence in DCE 663 that they have met all standards required for North Carolina Standard Professional I licensure before beginning DCE 693.
Teacher Leadership Track (3 hours)
DCE 664 Action Research in Dance Education (3) or TED 675 Teacher as Researcher (3)
ReviewsAll students are reviewed by the dance faculty when 9-15 hours of graduate course work are complete. Faculty assess student progress and promise in their degree program and make recommendations for improvement. Students receive a letter from the Director of Graduate Study reporting faculty recommendations.
Once students have completed at least two-thirds of the course work, including DCE 610, and they have achieved a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, a Portfolio and Project Proposal Review is scheduled. Students must pass this Review before they can begin their culminating projects. Guidelines are listed in the Graduate Handbook.
The final review takes place at the end of the semester when DCE 693 is completed.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance with Concentrations in Choreography, Design, or Dance Theories and Practices
The Department of Dance offers a graduate program of study leading to a 36 hour Master of Arts degree in dance with concentrations in choreography, design, or dance theories and practices.
Required Courses (24 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 622 Dance Criticism (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (two times - 2)
DCE 630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance (4)
DCE 651 Studio Problems in Choreography (three times - 9)
Electives (9 hours)
Students select 9 hours of electives, at least 4 hours of which are in dance.
Culminating Project (3 hours) (Capstone Experience)
DCE 698 Project in Dance (3)
Required Courses (17 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (two times - 2)
DCE 650 Dance Design Practicum (two times - 6)
Electives (16 hours)
Students select 10 hours of electives, at least 4 hours of which are in dance and 6 hours are in visual arts and/or theatre.
Culminating Project (3 hours)
DCE 698 Project in Dance (3)
Dance Theories and Practices Concentration
Required Courses (18 hours)
DCE 505 Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3)
DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3) or DCE 630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices (4) or DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
Electives (15 hours)
Students select electives with the approval of the advisor, at least 9 hours of which are in dance. A research course outside the department is recommended.
Culminating Project (3 hours) (Capstone Experience)
DCE 698 or 699 Project or Thesis (6)
Reviews for All Concentrations
All students are reviewed by the dance faculty when 12 hours of graduate course work are complete. Faculty assess student progress and promise within the degree program and make recommendations for improvement.
Once students have completed at least two-thirds of the course work and DCE 610 and have achieved a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, students select a committee of at least three members of the graduate dance faculty and schedule a Portfolio and Project Proposal Review. Students must pass this Review before they can begin their culminating projects. Guidelines are listed in the Graduate Handbook.
DCE Dance Courses
| 505 | Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3:3) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of the dance history requirement for admission to a graduate dance program Cultural issues and aesthetic priorities of dance in the late postmodern world, especially contemporary dance. Present ideas about and debate issues concerning contemporary dance. (Spring) | |
| 546 | Perspectives on Dance Education (3:3) |
| Theoretical perspectives in dance education and their implications for curriculum and teaching. (Fall) | |
| 555 | Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 or admission to graduate study in dance or permission of instructor A study of software applications useful in the creation and/or preservation of dance works. Areas of study include soundscore creation, video editing, and graphics manipulation. (Fall) | |
| 557 | Dance Pedagogy for Ages 3-18 |
| Methodology for teaching dance in public school and community settings. (Spring) | |
| 560 | The Dancer’s Body (3:3) |
| Pr. two semesters of dance technique and the equivalent of 340, or permission of instructor An introduction to the study of body theories and practices in dance. Topics include somatic theory and practice, and body issues related to dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. (Offered every third summer.) | |
| 581 | Dance on Video (3:3) |
| Pr. DCE 555 or permission of instructor for DCE majors; 611 or permission of instructor for graduate MST majors Introduction to how dance and video work best together and why, including composing for the camera, recording dancers in action and editing footage to create original work. (Same as MST 581) | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 610 | Dance: The Phenomenon I (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to graduate degree program in dance and completion of undergraduate dance history prerequisite An exploration and confrontation with the nature and meaning of dance as an art form. (Fall) | |
| 611 | Dance: The Phenomenon II (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of B or better in 610 or approval of instructor In-depth personal inquiry into the nature and making of meaning for a selected area of concern in dance. Includes significant individual project. (Spring) | |
| 620 | Music for Dancers (3:3) |
| The relationship of sound and movement, accompaniment and dance, accompanist/composer and teacher/choreographer, and bringing these understandings to practical application. | |
| 621 | Administration of Dance (3:3) |
| Introduction to the business of dance including aspects of grant writing, company development and management, public relations, concert production and presentation, and touring. | |
| 622 | Dance Criticism (3:3) |
| Current theories, materials, and techniques of dance criticism. Group study, choreographic evaluation, and individual projects related to critical writing in dance. | |
| 624 | Movement for Dance (1:0:5) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Opportunities for dancers to practice their craft, developing working knowledge of different styles of contemporary dance, ballet, improvisation, and other movement forms. Style and emphasis will vary each semester. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 630 | Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance (4:2:2) |
| Pr. two semesters of dance technique and 340 or equivalent; or permission of instructor Advanced study of body theories and practices in dance. Topics include sociocultural constructions of dancer bodies, somatic theory, body pedagogies, and somatic practices related to dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. | |
| 646 | Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to M.A. in dance education Planning and implementation of projects related to master’s standards for dance licensure, with ongoing reflection and dialogue. (Spring) | |
| 650 | Dance Design Practicum (3:3) |
| Pr. 555 and graduate standing in dance Advanced practicum in the technical, aesthetic and theoretical aspects of dance design. | |
| 651 | Studio Problems in Choreography (3:3) |
| Exploration of form and content in choreography: process, period, style, genre. Individualized problems determined for progressive growth of student artist. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 657 | Advanced Methods in P-12 Dance Education (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance education Exploration and application of theoretical principles for teaching dance as arts education. | |
| 660 | Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Curriculum planning for dance in educational settings. Involvement with issues in the field. (Offered alternate years.) Online only. | |
| 661 | Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education (2:2) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of instructor(s) Consideration of pedagogical issues and strategies in teaching dance studio and theory courses at the undergraduate college/university level. | |
| 662 | Practicum in Teaching Dance (1-3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance; or permission of instructor and previous teaching experience; or 18 graduate semester hours in dance Observation of dance teaching and supervised practice. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 663 | PreK-12 Dance Education Practicum (3) |
| Pr. admission to graduate program in dance Development of a portfolio demonstrating competencies required for Standard Professional I licensure. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. | |
| 664 | Action Research in Dance Education (3) |
| Pr. 611 Review of recent research relevant to dance education; planning, implementation, and evaluation of action research project. Online only. | |
| 676 | Problems Seminar (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Specific course title identified each semester by subscript, e.g., Problems Seminar: Dance as Therapy. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. | |
| 687 | Performance Theory and Practice (2:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of instructor Rehearsal and performance of work designed to challenge graduate students at their level of performance. Choreography by graduate faculty. May be taken three times for credit. | |
| 688 | Practicum in Dance Performance (1-3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of the instructor Rehearsal and performance of choreography created or reconstructed by faculty or guest artist. One credit per 60 rehearsal hours. Only one credit per choreographer. May be repeated for three credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 693 | Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (1-6) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of (a) all required courses for the M.A. in dance with a dance education (M license) concentration, (b) Portfolio Review, and (c) at least two years full-time (or equivalent) teaching K-12 dance. Development of teaching portfolio to meet specific requirements for M licensure in dance. Students may substitute National Board Professional Teaching Standards portfolio with prior permission. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours. (Graded S-U basis) | |
| 695 | Independent Study (1-3) |
| Pr. demonstrated competency for independent work and consent of departmental academic adviser and the instructor Intensive study in an area of special interest in dance. | |
| 697 | Master Production in Dance (1-6) |
| Pr. admission to candidacy, successful completion of proposal Research, development, and execution of the choreography for a major concert or the lighting design for two concerts, or the equivalent. Credit may be divided over two or more semesters (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 698 | Field Project in Dance (1-6) |
| Pr. M.A. students and M.F.A. candidates with approved project proposals Research, development, and completion of approved project which substantially contributes to mastery in M.F.A. or M.A. concentration and integrates knowledge gained through the degree program. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of portfolio review (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |