Dance (Minor)
Dance gives us a lens through which to view humanity, as dance has been around as long as people, in every culture around the world.
- Degrees & Offerings
-
- Minor
- Location
-
- Bloomsburg
- Department
- Program Contact
-
Director of Dance, Professor of Theatre and Dance
The Dance Minor program invites students to actively grow their knowledge of current and contemporary practices, philosophies, and allows for specialized student interests to emerge through independent studies. The program seeks to develop the student physically, intellectually, emotionally and artistically through a broad range of approaches including varied coursework, dynamic performance-based experiences, close mentorship, individualized attention and feedback, opportunities for applied experiences such as choreographic studies and collaborative projects, opportunities for leadership opportunities and teaching development, guest artists, and varied master classes.
Courses and Curriculum
The Minor in Dance program consists of 21 credits which cover a broad range of topics aimed at developing technique, exploring the history of the form, expanding performance skills, exploring multi-cultural forms, and practicing the craft of dance-making. The program seeks to instill students with knowledge of current and contemporary practices and philosophies within the field, while revealing potential career possibilities both directly and indirectly related to the art form itself. Through analytical, critical, physical, artistic and practical experiences, students will digest a broad view of dance, while having the ability to select electives appropriate to their direct interests and/or area of major studies.
Note: Students enrolled prior to the Fall 2023 semester should speak directly with their assigned academic advisor about any questions regarding their specific requirements for graduation instead of using the linked document/text.
Dance Minor Requirements
- 21 credits required for minor completion
- Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the minor.
- SLO 1: History/Criticism/Literature - Graduates of the program will be able to research varied social/cultural dance forms and/or key dance figures and identify/explain the results of their findings, including the significance of its/their impact and/or contribution to the field.
- SLO 2: Knowledge of Choreographic Design Process - Graduates of the program will be able to create a dance work at least four to five minutes in length demonstrating clear artistic intent.
- SLO 3: Knowledge of Studio Training - Graduates will demonstrate codified dance terminology, alignment goals, the techniques/practices of standard studio training and apply performance skills in a variety of dance contexts at an intermediate or higher level.
- SLO 4: Rehearsal and Performance - Graduates of the program will exhibit the skills required to learn a dance work including working collaboratively with a choreographer, memorizing movement material, and adapting to new styles of movement, and perform assigned movements with artistry, consistency and precision for an audience.
The CU Difference
Careers
The study of dance as an art form develops superb intellectual, artistic, physical and emotional competencies. Dedication, precision, shared collaboration, and critical body awareness are just a few of the skills students may gain. Such work is highly transferable to many fields including nursing, teaching, counseling, physical therapy, and theatre among others.
Potential Job Opportunities
- Arts Therapy
- Dance Therapy
- Education
- Physical Therapy
- Choreography and Performance
- Educational Psychology
- Cultural Studies and Anthropology
Top Skills Employers are Looking For
- physicality
- creativity
- attention to detail
- coordination
- sense of expression
Applying to This Program
Apply
-
Application Process
Review the step-by-step process whether you're a first-year student, transferring to CU, or more.
-
Apply Now
By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.
-
Scholarships
As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.
Explore More
-
Explore Commonwealth University
There's no better way to learn more than to experience Commonwealth University for yourself! Set up a campus tour or connect with us virtually.
-
Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Applying to college is a big step. You have questions, and we have answers!
-
Understanding Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be a complex topic. Our Financial Aid team is here to tell you what you need to know and help you navigate the financial aid process.