Dance students during the annual dance minor concert at the Bloomsburg campus in Haas Center for the Arts

Dance (Minor)

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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
College
Program Contact
Director of Dance, Professor of Theatre and Dance
Illustration of Mountain

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.

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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.

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.

Minor Requirements

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the historical and cultural significance of diverse dance forms and influential dance figures. [History / Criticism / Literature]
  2. Apply choreographic principles to develop an original dance work that demonstrates artistic intent. [Knowledge of Choreographic Design Process]
  3. Apply codified dance terminology, alignment goals, and technical practices associated with intermediate-level studio training. [Knowledge of Studio Training]
  4. Demonstrate effective rehearsal and performance practices in the presentation of choreographed movement. [Rehearsal and Performance]

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
Dancer Christina Kim Davis '13 with Meghan Trainor

Rising Star

Christina Davis '13, a dance minor graduate, has been performing on tour for years as a backup dancer for many top talents, such as Meghan Trainor.

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