The Department of Drama now offers a Minor in Dance.

WHAT IS CORE TO THE DANCE PROGRAM at UVa?
The Dance Program at UVa is interested in creating an overall ‘intelligent dancer’.  This term describes a dancer that is fluent in various techniques, improvisation skills, composition, theory, performance experience, and production knowledge.  We are committed to providing the students interested in dance with a balanced program that will offer all of these elements. This opportunity will allow students to become strong technical and artistic dancers. Because dance is a physical and kinesthetic art form, it is crucial that technique class serve as the core study of Dance at UVA.  Minors can expect to experience these classes as the foundation of the program. Students are required to take five credits of Technique including the Modern and Ballet requirements. Students will be required to take two courses (3 credits) in Composition, 6 credits of dance electives, and one Production/Design course within the Drama Department.  These courses allow students to delve into specific areas of interest within dance. The electives begin to represent the breadth and depth of the professional dance world.  All of these courses will be presented with a conscious emphasis on Modern Dance in Western Society.  Students will be offered elective classes in Laban Movement Analysis to ensure they have access to the skills required for observing and discussing dance.  Students will be required to take Modern Dance History to empower their critical thinking regarding the development and progression of dance in history as well as in the current dance world.

In addition to the coursework, dance minors will be required to participate in 1-2 dance performances within the department.

The total credits required for the minor is 20.

Required Courses:

Modern Technique (2 credits)
DRAM 246 Modern  Dance I (1)
DRAM 248 Modern Dance II (1)

Ballet & Jazz Technique (choose 3 credits)
DRAM 241 Ballet I (1)
DRAM 245 Ballet II (1)
DRAM 247 Jazz Dance I (1)
DRAM 249 Jazz Dance II (1)

History, Literature, Criticism (3 credits)
DRAM 308 History of Modern Dance (3)

Composition (3 credits)
DRAM 244 Dance Improvisation (1)
DRAM 250 Dance Composition (2)

Electives (6 credits) from
DRAM 450 Special Topics in Dance; Contact Improvisation (1)
DRAM 450 Special Topics in Dance; Dance Production (2)
DRAM 450 Special Topics in Dance; Dance Theater (2)
DRAM 450 Special Topics in Dance; Intro to Laban Movement                         Analysis/Bartenieff Fundamentals (3)
MUEN 369- African Drumming and Dance Ensemble (2)
DRAM 344- Movement for Theatre (3)
DRAM 500 Independent Study; Dance (1-3)
         
Production (3 credits) from
DRAM 352- Production Management (3)
DRAM 411- Lighting Design (3)
DRAM 431- Costume Design (3)
DRAM 262- Sound Design (3)

= 20 credits Total

In addition to academics, students are provided with a wide range of opportunities.  Each year dance minors are given the opportunity to attend American College Dance Festival in which they participate in master classes and performances.  Students are also provided with opportunities on grounds such as master classes, time to work with guest choreographers and varied performance opportunities.  Our performance venues vary.  In the past we have performed in the Drama Productions, at Peidmont Virginia Community College, and in site specific locations on grounds and in the surrounding community.  Students are also encouraged to become involved with various student dance organizations on grounds. 

To declare a minor in Dance please contact the Dance minor advisor Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp.

Interested in supporting the Dance Program? Click here for information on how your gift can help.