The Department of Drama now offers a Minor in Dance.

WHAT IS CORE TO THE DANCE PROGRAM at UVa?
The Dance Program at U.Va. 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 students interested in dance with a balanced program that offers all of these elements to enable students to become strong technical, expressive, and articulate dancers. Because dance is a physical and kinesthetic art form, it is crucial that technique class serve as the core study of Dance at U.Va.  Minors can expect to experience these classes as the foundation of the program. Students are required to take four credits of Technique including Modern, Ballet, and Jazz. Dance Improvosation, Dance Composition, and Dance Production allow students to delve further into specific areas of interest within dance. Each student is also expected to complete 4 credits of dance electives which will help illuminate the breadth and depth of the professional dance world.  Amongst these offereings are Contact Improvisation, Dance for the Camera, Repertory, and Independent Study (special topics). Laban Movement Analysis is offered to provide students access to the skills necessary for observing, analyzing, and discussing dance.  Additionally students will be required to take The Art of Dance and Dance History to empower their critical thinking regarding the development and progression of dance as an art form, as well as the field's relevance and impact on contemporary society. All of these courses are presented with a conscious emphasis on Modern Dance in Western Society.

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

For information on upcoming Dance Concerts, click here.
To see photos from past Dance Concerts, click here.

Course Requirements

Modern Technique (2 credits)

DANC 2220 Modern Dance I (1)
DANC 3220 Modern Dance II (1)

Ballet Technique (1 credit) from

DANC 2210 Ballet I (1)
DANC 3210 Ballet II (1)

Jazz Technique (1 credit) from

DANC 2230 Jazz Dance I (1)
DANC 3230 Jazz Dance II (1)

History, Literature, Criticism (6 credits)

DANC 1400 The Art of Dance (3)
DANC 3400 Dance History (3)

Composition (4 credits)

DANC 2300 Dance Improvisation (2)
DANC 3300 Dance Composition (2)

Electives (4 credits) from

DANC 3610 Contact Improvisation (1)
DANC 3640 Dance for the Camera (3)
DANC 3630 Dance Theatre (3)
DANC 3620 Dance Repertory (1-3)
DANC 4640 Laban Movement Analysis (3)
MUEN 3690 African Drumming and Dance Ensemble (2)
DRAM 3440 Movement for Theatre (3)
DANC 4993 Independent Study: Dance (1-3)

Production (3 credits) from

DANC 3650 Dance Production (3)

Total credits required for the minor is 21.

In addition to academics, students are provided with a wide range of opportunities.  Each year a number of dance minors are given the chance to attend American College Dance Festival during which they participate in master classes, attend performances, network with other dance students and artists, and perform in pieces of choreography taken for adjudication.  Students are also exposed to master classes, guest choreographers, and varied performance opportunities on Grounds. Our performance venues vary.  In the past we have performed in our own productions in the Culbreth and Helms Theatres, in Drama Productions, at Piedmont 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 Dance minor, please contact Kim Brooks Mata.

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

(Photos by Jack Looney)