Dance Department Course Offerings
The Belhaven University Dance Department now offers the following programs in Dance: the Minor in Dance, the Bachelor of Arts in Dance, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance or dance and the Dance Apprentice Program for talented high school-age students. Download University Catalogue
*Courses from other departments may be necessary to fulfill a
particular major/minor.
Dance Department Course Descriptions:
| 115 | Beginning Ballet Technique (1). (For non-majors) (Fall only) |
| 116 | Beginning Ballet Technique (1). Prereq: DAN 115 or Instructor’s Approval. (For non-majors) (Spring only) |
| 117 | Beginning Modern Dance Technique (1). (For non-majors) (Fall only) |
| 118 | Beginning Modern Dance Technique (1). Prereq: DAN 117 or Instructor’s Approval. (For non-majors.) (Spring only) |
| 120 | Looking at Dance (3). Survey course introducing general college students to diverse forms of dance created and practiced by various societies in the world. In this course we survey the amazing variety of dance in the world from this larger cultural perspective, examining the values that societies express in their dances. (Lecture/Studio) (Spring only) |
| 125-126 | Ballet Technique I (1-1). Prereq: Placement Class or Instructor’s Approval. Beginning/Intermediate ballet technique. (125, fall only; 126, spring only) |
| 133-134 | Modern Dance Technique I (1-1). Prereq: Placement Class or Instructor’s Approval. Beginning/Intermediate modern dance technique. (133, fall only; 134, spring only) |
| 147 | Orientation to Dance (1). An introduction of dance studies at Belhaven University and a survey of dance as an art form and its related area, including health and wellness, auditioning, rehearsal etiquette, performance and performance preparations, character, worldview and cultural issues. (Fall only) |
| 148 | Performance Techniques (1). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. A continuation of DAN 147, this course is designed to broaden the student’s perspectives on dance, moving toward artistry with attention given to examining detail of movement, looking into the choreographic intention behind dance works, and questioning how all of these apply to a biblical world and life view as well as to our individual choices as dance artists. Includes the study of one to two choreographic works. (Spring only) |
| 151 | Pilates I (2). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. A physical fitness system that increase strength and flexibility through dynamic range of motion and focuses on developing core muscles through awareness of breath and alignment. (Fall only) |
| 152 | Pointe Technique I (1). Prereq: Placement Class or Instructor’s Approval. Beginning/Intermediate pointe technique. (Fall and spring) |
| 153 | Men’s Technique I (1). Prereq: Placement Class or Instructor’s Approval. Classical technique course in the study of the specific technical demands for the male dancer. (Fall only) |
| 154 | Pas de Deux I (1). Prereq: DAN 152 or DAN 252 and Instructor’s Approval. Partnering techniques and sustained adagio for the classical ballet. (Spring only) |
| 155 | Men’s and Women’s Variations I (1). Prereq: DAN 153 or DAN 352, and Instructor’s Approval. Variations from extant classical and neoclassical repertoire. (Spring only) |
| 156 | Partnering Techniques (1). Prereq: DAN 270 and Instructor’s Approval. Partnering techniques for modern dance. |
| 159 | Related Dance Forms I (1). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Dance technique course concentrating on the different techniques of various dance forms other than classical ballet and modern dance. |
| 170 | Improvisation I (1). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Introduction to principles of improvisation, utilizing basic elements of movement, movement qualities, spatial awareness, vocabulary development, and spontaneous creative decision making. (Fall only) |
| 225-226 | Ballet Technique II (1/2-1/2). Pre-req.: DAN 125-126 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate ballet technique. Continuation of DAN 125-126. (225, fall only; 226, spring only) |
| 233-234 | Modern Dance Technique II (1/2-1/2). Prereq: DAN 133-134 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate modern dance technique. (233, fall only; 234, spring only) |
| 243-244 | Performance II (1-1). Prereq: DAN 148 and Instructor’s Approval. (243, fall only; 244, spring only) |
| 251 | Pilates II (1/2). Prereq: DAN 151 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 151. (Spring only) |
| 252 | Pointe Technique II (1). Prereq: DAN 152 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate pointe technique. Continuation of DAN 152. (Fall and spring) |
| 253 | Men’s Technique II (1). Prereq: DAN 153 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 153. (Fall only) |
| 254 | Pas de Deux II (1). Prereq: DAN 154 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 154. (Spring only) |
| 255 | Men’s and Women’s Variations II (1). Prereq: DAN 155 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 155. (Spring only) |
| 256 | Partnering Techniques II (1). Prereq: DAN 270 and Instructor’s Approval. Partnering techniques for modern dance. |
| 257 | Jazz Technique (1). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate Jazz Technique. (Fall only) |
| 258 | Jazz Technique (1). Prereq: DAN 257 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate/ Advanced Jazz Technique. (Spring only) |
| 259 | Related Dance Forms II (1/2). Prereq: DAN 159 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 159. |
| 261 | Dance Theory (2). Intellectual history of 20th-century dance theory; study of theory and aesthetics as they relate to dance. |
| 270 | Improvisation II (1). Prereq: DAN 170 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 170. (Spring only) |
| 275 | Laban/Bartenieff Studies (2). Introduction to Rudolf Laban’s system of movement analysis (LMA). The LMA framework examines the interrelated aspects of body effort and space with an emphasis on qualitative description of movement. This course also explores the fundamentals developed by Irmgard Bartenieff who created a system of body reeducation and movement repatterning. The course offers a means to increase the expression and performance range of the dancer or athlete. |
| 281 | Tap I (1) Prereq: Instructor’s Approval A survey of varied tap styles from both a historical and contemporary perspective with emphasis on musical theater. Beginner/ intermediate. (Fall only) |
| 282 | Tap II (1) Prereq: Instructor’s Approval Continuation of DAN 281. Intermediate/ advanced. (Spring only) |
| 290 | Independent Study (1-3). |
| 300 | Dance Production I (2). This course will guide a student through the administrative needs, grant writing requirements and the promotional elements associated with running a dance company or self-producing your artistic product. (Fall, even years) |
| 301 | Dance Production II (2). This course provides an overview of the technical elements such as lighting, sound, and management elements such as box office and advertising elements of producing a dance event. (Spring, odd years) |
| 325-326 | Ballet Technique III (1/2-1/2). Pre-req.: DAN 225-226 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate/Advanced ballet technique. Continuation of DAN 225-226. (325, fall only; 326, spring only) |
| 333-334 | Modern Dance Technique III (1/2-1/2). Prereq: DAN 233-234 and Instructor’s Approval. Intermediate/Advanced modern dance technique. Continuation of DAN 233-234. (333, fall only; 334, spring only) |
| 343-344 | Performance III (1-1). Prereq: Dan 148. Continuation of DAN 243-244. (343, fall only; 344, spring only) |
| 345 | Dance Ministry (2). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Students will gain instruction and training specifically designing dances, text and other materials necessary for ministry, worship services, workshops, and outreach. (Spring only) |
| 351 | Related Dance Forms III (2). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Physical Theatre. (Spring only) |
| 352 | Pointe Technique III (1). Prereq: DAN 252 and Instructor’s Approval. Advanced/Pre-professional pointe technique. Continuation of DAN 252. (Fall only) |
| 353 | Men’s Technique III (1). Prereq: DAN 253 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 253. (Fall only) |
| 354 | Pas de Deux III (1). Prereq: DAN 254 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 254. (Spring only) |
| 355 | Men’s and Women’s Variations III (1). Prereq: DAN 255 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 255. (Spring odd years) |
| 356 | Partnering Techniques III (1). Prereq: DAN 256 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 256. (Spring only) |
| 359 | Related Dance Forms III (2) Prereq: DAN 259 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 259. |
| 360 | Dance History I (3). History and philosophy of dance; ritual and social components of dance; dance in early cultures; origins of dance as a theatrical art form through the early Renaissance. (Fall 2011, Spring 2013, Fall 2014) |
| 361 | Dance History II (3). History and philosophy of dance; evolution of dance as a theatrical art form from the Renaissance to the 20th century and dance in cultural context; ballet history. (Spring 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2015) |
| 362 | Dance History III (3). History and philosophy of dance; evolution of dance in the 20th century; dance in contemporary cultural context; current contemporary trends in dance. (Spring 2011, Fall 2012, Spring 2014) |
| 370 | Elements of Composition I (2). Prereq: DAN 170, 270 and Instructor’s Approval. Study of basic rhythmic, spatial, and dynamic materials in the designing of dance movement. (Fall only) |
| 371 | Elements of Composition II (2). Prereq: DAN 170, 270, 370 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 370. (Spring only) |
| 375 | Dance Pedagogy (2). Prereq. or Coreq.: Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Must be currently enrolled in a Level I (or higher) Technique course. A study of the principles, techniques and materials of teaching creative dance in studios, recreation departments and k-12 public education. Includes supervised teaching experiences. (Fall only) |
| 390 | Independent Study (1-3). |
| 400 | Senior Project (1/2). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. Culminating process in coordination with and upon approval of dance faculty. The project may include research, performance, choreography, production, or a combination of these. This course should be taken in fall and spring of senior year. (Fall and spring) |
| 401 | Dance Kinesiology I (3) and Lab I (1): Prereq: Instructor’s approval An introductory course for dance majors in principles of kinesiology for dance emphasizing anatomy, physiology, and movement analysis using concert dance as the reference model. (Fall only) |
| 402 | Dance Kinesiology II (3) and Lab II (1): Prereq: Dance Kinesiology I and Lab I This course expands on the skills and knowledge acquired in Dance Kinesiology I and Lab I. Students will be directed to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and anatomical differences through a battery of tests and measurements relevant to dance technique. It emphasizes conditioning principles, injury prevention, and an appreciation of wellness concerns as they relate to dance. Appropriate individualized conditioning programs will be designed and implemented by the students specific to their kinesiological needs. (Spring only) |
| 411 | Careers in Dance (2). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. This course facilitates an inquiry into the breadth of occupations and professional applications in the field of dance. The course intends to help orient the student to skills and bodies of knowledge to pursue and manage a professional career in dance and/or allied professions, and to address choices and character from a biblical worldview. (Spring odd years) |
| 425-426 | Ballet Technique IV (1/2-1/2). Pre-req.: DAN 325-326 and Instructor’s Approval. Advanced/Pre-Professional ballet technique. Continuation of DAN 325-326. (425, fall only; 426, spring only) |
| 433-434 | Modern Dance Technique IV (1/2-1/2). Prereq: DAN 333-334 and Instructor’s Approval. Advanced/Pre-Professional modern dance technique. Continuation of DAN 333-334. (433, fall only; 434, spring only) |
| 443-444 | Performance IV (1-1). Prereq: DAN 148. Continuation of DAN 343-344. (443, fall only; 444, spring only) |
| 450 | Dance Internship (1-3) This course is designed to give the student practical experience in either conducting a specific research project or in a professional position within an approved private firm or public agency. May combine work in residence with a dance company or ministry entity, site visitations to various facilities in pursuit of a particular preapproved topic, or a combination of documented experiences in the field. This course is open only to junior and senior dance majors. The internship may be repeated once and is graded on a pass or fail basis. |
| 453 | Men’s Technique IV (1). Prereq: DAN 353 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 353. (Fall only) |
| 454 | Pas de Deux IV (1). Prereq: DAN 354 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 354. (Spring only) |
| 455 | Men’s and Women’s Variations IV (1). Prereq: DAN 355 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 355. (Spring only) |
| 456 | Partnering Techniques IV (1). Prereq: DAN 256 and Instructor’s Approval. Continuation of DAN 256. |
| 460 | Dance and Technology (2). Prereq: DAN 370, 371 and Instructor’s Approval. Must be currently enrolled in a Level II (or higher) Technique course. Topics in dance relating to multi-media, computer-assisted choreography, video, film, CD-Rom, etc. Includes final project. (Spring only) |
| 470 | Choreography (2). Prerequisite: DAN 170, 270, 370, 371, and Instructor’s Approval. Study of choreographic forms and structures, musical forms, components of dramatic and stylistic forms. Includes choreographic project. (Fall only) |
| 475 | Teaching Methods – Ballet (2). Prereq. or Coreq.: DAN 170, 225/226, and Instructor’s Approval. Must be currently enrolled in a Level II (or higher) Technique course. Methods for teaching ballet technique to prepare for teaching in studios, recreation departments, and public schools. Includes field work. (Spring only) |
| 476 | Teaching Methods – Modern (2). Prereq. or Coreq.: DAN 170, 233/234, and Instructor’s Approval. Must be currently enrolled in a Level II (or higher) Technique course. Methods for teaching modern dance technique to prepare for teaching in studios, recreation departments, and public schools. Includes field work. (Fall only) |
| 490 | Special Topics in Dance (1-3). Prereq: Instructor’s Approval. This course covers selected areas not studied extensively in other dance related courses and may be repeated for different topics. |
