Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance

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Newcomb Dance Program: Major (B.F.A.)

The bachelor of fine arts with a major in dance is designed for students who want professional training in dance within a liberal arts education. The bachelor of fine arts curriculum focuses on development of technical abilities, choreographic skill, and broad knowledge and attitudes essential to the dance professional.

The B.F.A. dance major requires 60 credits as follows:

Core Courses (13 credits)
DANC 105 Language of Performance (3)
DANC 201 Performance I (3)
THEA 334 Theatre Production and Design (3)
THEA 399 Theatre Practicum (1)
DANC 151 Dance Composition I

Dance Technique Ballet and Modern (16 credits)
    Two courses per semester for eight semesters, in ballet and modern dance. Students must achieve advanced level in both ballet and modern dance technique in order to graduate and will be evaluated at the end of each academic year. * Students who demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate technique level in modern dance or ballet (380, 382) will be placed at the advanced level (480, 482). Each of these courses may be repeated for credit.
    DANC 382 Ballet III (1)
    DANC 482 Ballet IV (1)
    DANC 380 Modern Dance III (1)
    DANC 480 Modern Dance IV (1)

Jazz Dance Technique (2 credits)
    DANC 395 Jazz Dance III (1)
    DANC 495 Jazz Dance IV (1)

Dance Technique Elective (2 credits)
    DANC 181 Tap Dance I (2)
    DANC 182 Tap Dance II (2)
    DANC 396 Tap Dance III (1)
    DANC 191 African Dance I (2)

Dance History (6 credits)
    DANC 471 Dance History: Primitive - 19th Century (3)
    DANC 472 Dance History: 20th Century U.S. (3)

Dance Composition (17 credits)
    DANC 352 Dance Composition III (3)
    DANC 452 Dance Composition IV (3)
    DANC 459 Senior Production (4) – two semesters
    DANC 458 Dance Company (4) – four semesters

Music (3)
    MUSC 105 Introduction to Music (3)

Exercise Physiology (3 credits)

    One of the following:
    EXSS 202 Physiology of Exercise (3)
    EXSS 310 Biomechanics of Exercise and Sport (3)
    EXSS 311 Mental and Behavioral Aspects of Sport (3)

Theatre or Dance Elective (1 credit)

Staff. DANC 105 Language of Performance (3)
An interdisciplinary discussion course. This course meets three times per week, and is required of all theatre and dance majors. An introduction to the ways in which dance, theatre, and other related performative forms create and communicate meanings through various modes of production of languages or performance. This course examines the various verbal, visual, and kinesthetic languages employed by artists to generate and exchange meaning in performance. Same as THEA 105.

DANC 151 Dance Composition I (3)
Staff. Prerequisites: DANC 201 and 202 or approval of instructor. An introduction to dance composition with an emphasis on spatial design, sources of movement, viewing choreography, and the basic elements of space, time, shape, and motion. Students may not receive credit for both DANC 151 and DANC 201/THEA 201.

DANC 181 Tap I (2)
Ms. Trask. A beginning course in tap introducing basic rhythmic movement skills necessary for various tap styles. May be taken for credit two times.

DANC 191 African Dance I (2)
Staff. Introduction to basic technique and African ethnic dance forms including three traditional dances. May be taken for credit two times.

DANC 193 Ballet I (2)
Staff. An introduction to classical ballet. Basic theory and techniques of classical ballet as well as the appreciation of the art form. May be taken for credit two times.

DANC 195 Jazz Dance I (2)
Ms. Trask. An introductory course to the basic foundations of jazz dance, emphasizing body placement, isolations, and rhythmic qualities of jazz. May be taken for credit two times.

DANC 197 Modern Dance I (2)
Staff. Introduction to modern dance technique, with emphasis on alignment and basic elements of space, shape, time, and motion. Includes theory and application of dance as an art form. May be taken for credit two times.

DANC 201, 202 Performance I, II (3, 3)
Mr. Schierhorn. Corequisite or prerequisite: DANC 105. A structured and at times spontaneous exploration of space, time, shape, sound, scenario, motion, and expenditure of energy to the end of attracting and holding the attention of the audience. Same as THEA 201, 202. Students may not receive credit for both DANC 151 and THEA 201/DANC 201. Students may not receive credit for both DANC 152 and THEA 201/DANC 202.

DANC 203 Movement for Actors (1)
Mr. Sandoval. This course is intended to introduce physical technique within the craft of acting, through investigation into physical structure, function and use, and exploration of physical character.

DANC 221 Introduction to Dance - Ballet (3)
Staff. An introduction to classical ballet including beginning ballet technique and an overview of ballet history from its inception to the present day.

DANC 222 Introduction to Dance - Modern Dance (3)
Staff. An introduction to modern dance including beginning modern dance technique and an overview of modern dance history from its inception to the present day.

DANC 223 Introduction to Dance - Jazz Dance (3)
Ms. Trask, Staff. An introductory course for students who seek information regarding the different aspects of the dance world, including different genres (ballet, modern, jazz, and world dance). Special emphasis is given to the role of American Vernacular dance - jazz dance and its identity in the dance scene of America.

DANC 252 Dance Composition II (3)
Staff. Prerequisite: DANC 151. A continuation of Dance 151 with emphasis on dynamics, rhythm, sound sources for choreography, and the structure of a dance work. Students may not receive credit for both DANC 152 and DANC 202/THEA 202.

DANC 281 Tap II (2)
Ms. Trask. Prerequisite: DANC 181. A continuation of the development of movement skills and an expanded tap vocabulary. May be taken for credit four times.

DANC 291 African Dance II (2)
Ms. Jackson Continuation of the development of African dance skills with emphasis on
understanding and demonstrating basic components necessary to choreograph traditional
African dance movements. May be taken for credit six times.

DANC 293 Ballet II (2)
Staff. Continuation of 193. May be taken for credit four times.

DANC 295 Jazz Dance II (2)
Ms. Trask. A continuation of the development of movement skills with emphasis on alignment and expanded jazz dance vocabulary. May be taken for credit four times.

DANC 297 Modern Dance II (2)
Staff. Continuation of 197. May be taken for credit four times.

DANC 352 Dance Composition III (3)
Ms. Hayley, Ms. Pascal Escher. Prerequisites 201 and 202. An in-depth study of dance composition with an emphasis on choreographic design and dynamics, creating new movement materials, working with music, and choreographing complete solo works.

DANC 361 Dance Practicum in the Elementary School (3)
Staff. Prerequisites: DANC 151 and intermediate modern dance standing. A dance teaching and choreographic practicum in the New Orleans public school system, elementary level, targeted to complement existing language arts programs. Students work with dance faculty in selected public schools. Course work to include development of approach, practicum, performance by school children and evaluation.

DANC 362 Dance for Children (3)
Staff. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Practical experience teaching dance to children. Students plan and teach dance to children in a workshop setting.

DANC 380 Modern Dance III (1)
Ms. Pascal Escher, Staff. Continuation of the development of modern dance skills with emphasis on alignment and an expanded movement vocabulary. Combining the different elements of dance: time, space, and motion. Includes theory of dance as an art form. May be taken for credit six times.

DANC 382 Ballet III (1)
Ms. Hayley, Staff. Continuation of the development of classical ballet technique with emphasis on alignment and expanded movement vocabulary. Includes theory of ballet and appreciation of ballet as an art form. May be taken for credit six times.

DANC 389 Service Learning (1)
Staff. Prerequisite: Departmental approval. Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit croquets course.

DANC 395 Jazz Dance III (1)
Ms. Trask. A study of jazz dance at the intermediate level, including warm-ups, isolations, and locomotor movements specific to the jazz dance style. Historical developments of jazz and musical theatre dance are emphasized. May be taken for credit six times.

DANC 396 New Orleans Jazz Dance Project: Newcomb College Summer Dance Festival (2)
Ms. Trask, staff. The New Orleans Jazz Project: Newcomb College Summer Dance Festival is presented for two weeks annually in June offering an intensive schedule of technique classes in jazz, African, musical theatre, tap, hip hop, and modern dance forms, with repertory classes which culminates in performance by the participants. Lecture-demonstration projects, special lectures, and professional performances complete programming for evening events. Final decision on placement of students in technique and repertory classes will be determined by the faculty at the beginning of the workshop. The minimum requirement for credit is three classes per day, one repertory class/rehearsals, attendance for all evening sessions and special events, and performance in repertory concert. Combined activities total 76 hours.

DANC 397 Professional Track Project (3)
Staff. Prerequisite: approval of dance faculty. An intensive three-week dance residency and performance tour throughout the southeast that culminates in a public performance in New York City. The project serves as a bridge for pre-professional dancers between the University and the professional career in dance.

DANC 398 Tap Dance III (1)
Ms. Trask. Prerequisite: previous training in tap and other dance forms required. An intermediate course in tap dance with emphasis on alignment and rhythmic skills. May be takken for credit six times.

DANC 399 DANC Performance Practicum (1)
Staff. Pratical performing experience in dance. Required for the dance minor. May be taken for credit up to two times.

DANC 432 Movement Stories (3)
Ms. Epstein, Ms. Hayley. An interdisciplinary studio course that examines creation of and communication of stories through movement and theatre approaches with emphasis on creativity and invention. Same as THEA 432.

DANC 452 Dance Composition IV (3)
Staff. Prerequisite: DANC 201, 202, and 352. A continuation of DANC 352 with emphasis on group forms, sound sources for dance and development of fully designed dance pieces.

DANC 458 Dance Company (1)
Ms. Pascal Escher, Staff. Corequisite: intermediate or advanced technique class. Performing experience, advanced-level dance techniques and practical experience in dance production. By audition or invitation of the dance faculty. May be taken for credit eight times.

DANC 459 Senior Production (3)
Staff. Prerequisites: DANC 201, 202, 352, 452. A continuation of dance compostion with emphasis on development, research and production of senior concert pieces with written analysis of process.

DANC 471 Dance History: Primitive through 19th Century (3)
Staff. Prerequisite: DANC 105, 221, 222, or 223. A survey of dance, including the anthropological aspects of dance, in primitive cultures and the development of dance in the Western World.

DANC 472 Dance History: 20th-Century United States (3)
Staff. A survey of dance in the 20th-century United States emphasizing the development of modern dance, its impact on classical ballet and on dance in the Western World.

DANC 480 Modern Dance IV (1)
Staff. A kinesthetic, nonstylized approach to movement. Exploration of complex movement skills integrating alignment, dynamics, spatial design, and rhythmic structure. Includes theory and appreciation of dance as an art form. May be taken for credit eight times.

DANC 481 Special Topics (1-3)
Staff. Specialty courses in dance techniques, projects, and dance related subjects as designed by dance faculty.

DANC 482 Ballet IV (1)
Ms. Pascal Escher, Staff. Classical ballet technique with emphasis on alignment, complex movement combinations, and precision in execution. Includes pointe work and theory of ballet as an art form. May be taken for credit eight times.

DANC 491 Independent Study (1-3)
Staff. Independent practical and research study in dance or dance-related areas. Open to qualified juniors and seniors with approval of instructor.

DANC 495 Jazz Dance IV (1)
Ms. Trask. An advanced study of dance devoted to movement exploration involving spatial, dynamic, and rhythmic combinations of various jazz and musical theatre dance styles. Historical study of jazz dance development is emphasized. May be taken for credit eight times.

DANCE 496 Tap Dance IV (1)
Ms. Trask. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. An advanced course in rhythm tap with emphasis on complex rhythm patterns requiring intricate foot articulations and stylistic dance movements. May be taken for credit six times.

DANC H499, H500 Honors Thesis (3, 4)
Staff. Requires approval department and Honors Committee.

Theatre Courses required for dance minor and major:

THEA 334 Theatre Production and Design I (3)
Ms. Cupsa, Mr. Sachs, Staff. Corequisite: THEA 399. Corequisite or prerequisite: THEA 105. An integrated introduction to the disciplines of scenic, costume, and lighting design coupled with the practical considerations of construction and execution of the design process. First of two semester course with Theatre 335. One year sequence required of all theatre majors.

THEA 399 Theatre Practicum (1)
Mr. Sachs, Staff. Required of all theatre majors. Course is open with credit to all students of the University and is designed to provide the student with practical production experience in the areas of set, costume, lighting, sound, and box office management. May be taken a total of four times.

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