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Duluth Campus

Dance Minor

Theatre
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Undergraduate free-standing minor
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Required credits in this minor: 23 to 31
Dance technique courses are offered in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, and are complemented with courses in dance appreciation, dance history, dance composition, and/or related academic areas. The Dance Studies Emphasis provides students an in-depth appreciation of dance as a performance and social art form, while the Applied Dance Emphasis offers experienced dancers opportunities to further develop technique, artistry, and knowledge of the field. Annual dance concerts provide opportunities for performance and choreography.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Students should confer with a faculty adviser from the Department of Theatre to develop a sound schedule for taking courses to complete the minor in less than four years. Students are advised to note prerequisites and to take courses in proper sequence. Some courses are repeatable and students are encouraged to repeat courses to develop their technique.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Applied Dance
Core (17 cr)
History & Analysis
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 1001 - Introduction to the World of Dance [LE CAT, FINE ARTS, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
· DN 3401 - Dance Composition (3.0 cr)
· DN 3611 - Dance History (3.0 cr)
Beginning Level Technique
Students with previous dance study may be exempt from some beginning level technique requirements and should consult the department about placement.
Take 4 or more course(s) totaling 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 1111 - Jazz Dance Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 1121 - Tap Dance Technique I (2.0 cr)
· DN 1131 - Ballet Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 1151 - Modern Dance Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
Foundations (14 cr)
Students are encouraged to take classes in more than one style at the intermediate level.
Intermediate Level Technique
Take 4 or more course(s) totaling 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 2101 - Physical Conditioning for Dance (1.0 cr)
· DN 2111 - Jazz Dance Techniques II [FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 2131 - Ballet Technique II [FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 2151 - Modern Dance Technique II (2.0 cr)
· DN 3202 - Improvisation for Dance (2.0 cr)
· DN 3211 - Jazz Dance Technique III (2.0 cr)
· DN 3231 - Ballet Technique III (2.0 cr)
Intermediate/Advanced Level Technique
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 3221 - Tap Dance Technique II (2.0 cr)
· DN 3241 - Social Dance for the Stage (1.0 cr)
· DN 3251 - Modern Dance Technique III (2.0 cr)
· DN 3995 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (1.0-3.0 cr)
· DN 4311 - Jazz Dance Technique IV (2.0 cr)
· DN 4331 - Ballet Technique IV (2.0 cr)
Dance Studies
Core (17 cr)
History & Analysis
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 1001 - Introduction to the World of Dance [LE CAT, FINE ARTS, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
· DN 3611 - Dance History (3.0 cr)
· DN 3995 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (1.0-3.0 cr)
or TH 1071 - Musical Theatre History [LE CAT, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
Beginning Level Technique
Students with previous dance study may be exempt from some beginning level technique requirements and should consult the department about placement.
Take 4 or more course(s) totaling 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 1111 - Jazz Dance Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 1121 - Tap Dance Technique I (2.0 cr)
· DN 1131 - Ballet Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 1151 - Modern Dance Technique I [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
Foundations (6 cr)
Students are encouraged to take classes in more than one style at the intermediate level.
Intermediate Level Technique
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· DN 2101 - Physical Conditioning for Dance (1.0 cr)
· DN 2111 - Jazz Dance Techniques II [FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 2131 - Ballet Technique II [FINE ARTS] (2.0 cr)
· DN 2151 - Modern Dance Technique II (2.0 cr)
· DN 3202 - Improvisation for Dance (2.0 cr)
· DN 3211 - Jazz Dance Technique III (2.0 cr)
· DN 3231 - Ballet Technique III (2.0 cr)
 
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DN 1001 - Introduction to the World of Dance (LE CAT, FINE ARTS, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The course will foster appreciation for and deepen understanding of the varied styles, forms, and functions of dance. By looking at dance from multiple perspective - historical, cultural, political, social, aesthetic - the course demonstrates the range of roles that dance plays in how we look at ourselves, others, and our world. Course activities will include reading, video, discussion and lecture, and movement experiences.
DN 3401 - Dance Composition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to dance composition, based on the idea of introducing tools for the dancemaker's toolbox to help develop a personal choreographic voice and style. The philosophical approach will emphasize rediscovering a sense of play and freedom to experiment without internal judgements disrupting creative exploration. Students will learn to generate and manipulate movement through exercises and improvisation and will expand those skills into shaping dances. Areas to be explored include elements of movement, musical structures, narrative, partnering and site specific work among others. prereq: instructor consent
DN 3611 - Dance History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
The primary focus will be Western Theatrical Dance traditions from the 18th century to the present, with supplemental attention paid to world dance forms as well as vernacular and social dance. The course will explore how the innovations of the 18th and 19th centuries laid the groundwork for the explosion of 20th century creativity leading to today's diverse dance landscape. Balancing between a broad survey and an in depth seminar the course will build a chronological framework for the evolution of dance but also delve more deeply into particular artists and works. Students will also develop an understanding of dance history as both a scholarly and creative discipline. prereq: 1001 or instructor consent
DN 1111 - Jazz Dance Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Jazz Dance Technique I is designed for students with some previous dance experience to develop primary jazz dance skills with emphasis on rhythm, musicality, flexibility, strength, placement, line and coordination. Concurring with Liberal Education objectives, the course will provide opportunities for creative expression through active participation and presentation. The course will also develop an appreciation for diverse cultural and historical influences on jazz dance as we experience it today.
DN 1121 - Tap Dance Technique I
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Beginning Tap dance technique with emphasis on musicianship. The course will also introduce improvisational skills, and an appreciation for the history of Tap dance as an American vernacular dance form. prereq: 4 credits of 110, 1111 or 1131, instructor consent
DN 1131 - Ballet Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will introduce fundamental barre and center exercises of a traditional ballet class. Emphasis will be placed on correct positions of the body, vocabulary, anatomy and musicality, Class work will be augmented by video analyses, performance observation, supplemental readings, lecture and discussion. Upon successful completion, students will have a solid foundation of ballet technique and an appreciation for the historical and performance aspects of the art form.
DN 1151 - Modern Dance Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Modern Dance Technique I is designed to introduce Modern Dance as both a historical form and contemporary practice and intended to develop Modern Dance skills with emphasis on placement, coordination, balance, and musicality. Concurring with Liberal Education objectives, the course will provide opportunities for creative expression through active participation and presentation. In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the diverse cultural influences on and stylistic variety in Modern Dance as a performance dance form.
DN 2101 - Physical Conditioning for Dance
Credits: 1.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Introductory course in physical conditioning specifically aimed at cross training for dancers. Course will include basic anatomy, strengthening, stretching including static and dynamic, and addressing and eliminating muscular imbalances that inhibit proper technique. prereq: Completion of one 1xxx Dance course or instructor consent
DN 2111 - Jazz Dance Techniques II (FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course is designed to strengthen jazz dance skills initially developed in Jazz I and/or other technique courses. Underlying technical goals - increased flexibility, increased core strength and functionality, clear isolations and clear alignment will contribute to more secure movement execution which makes possible more dynamic and expressive dancing. The courses also further explores selected historical and theatrical styles. Students are expected to have the following: DN 1111 with grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.
DN 2131 - Ballet Technique II (FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will provide students with the opportunity to build upon beginning level ballet skills within the context of a complete and traditional ballet class. Emphasis will be placed on solidifying current technique while improving the ability to quickly learn and retain combination. New skills such as epaulement and body facings will be introduced alongside continued study of ballet terminology, theory, and history. Students are expected to have the following: DN 1131 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.
DN 2151 - Modern Dance Technique II
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
The course is designed to further develop the student as a modern dancer, building on skills and experience gained in previous technique classes including Modern I. Incorporating elements of various aesthetics including Humphrey/Lion, Horton, release techniques and post-modernism, the class will continue to emphasize basic principles - flexibility, strength, placement and musicality - but with greater stress on phrase work and more complex movement. prereq: instructor consent
DN 3202 - Improvisation for Dance
Credits: 2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The course is an exploration of spontaneous movement creation in solo, duet and groups. Students will get to know themselves better as movers through exercises to integrate technical skills with kinesthetic intuition in order to create dynamic movement and engaged sequences. The course will include improvisation as its own form, as well as the application of improvisation techniques to movement generation for set choreography. pre-req: successful completion of DN 2201 and/or DN 3201 with grade of 'B' or better, or by permission of instructor
DN 3211 - Jazz Dance Technique III
Credits: 2.0 [max 18.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course builds on the foundations developed in previous technique classes, including Jazz I and II with a focus on intermediate work in lyrical and percussive jazz dance styles. Students will also work on developing personal artistry through attention to dynamics and phrasing. Students are expected to have the following: DN 2111 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 9 repetitions totalling up to 18 credits.
DN 3231 - Ballet Technique III
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The course explores ballet technique in greater depth with regard to steps, discipline - specific vocabulary, history, and pedagogy. The traditional ballet class will move at an accelerated pace and will be augmented by video analyses, performance observations, and supplemental readings. The course will culminate in the study, analysis, and dancing of classical repertoire from the great ballets of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students are expected to have the following: DN 2131 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.
DN 3221 - Tap Dance Technique II
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course focuses on musicianship, including tonal variation and speed. The course will hone improvisational skills, analysis/synthesis skills, and deepen the appreciation for the history of tap dance as an American vernacular dance form. Students are expected to have the following: DN 1121 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 4 repetitions totalling up to 8 credits.
DN 3241 - Social Dance for the Stage
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
An introduction to social dance forms commonly used in theatrical staging and musical theatre choreography. As a studio course, the majority of work will be learning dance vocabulary and partnering techniques for social dances. Information on the historical and cultural contexts of the dances will be covered through discussion, brief reading assignments, and viewing of performance examples. The course draws primarily from 19th and 20th century European and American dances, but will also include other cultures' influences. prereq: minimum 60 credits, BFA Theatre major, instructor consent
DN 3251 - Modern Dance Technique III
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
This course is a technique class in modern and contemporary dance at the high intermediate level. Drawing on a range of aesthetic traditions, with a special emphasis on the integration of somatic awareness as a means to depepen expressive capabilities, students will focus on longer phrasework and easeful transitions between set and improvised movement. pre-req: Successful completion of DN 2151 or 3201 with a grade of B or better, or permission of the instructor
DN 3995 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics not included in the regular curriculum. repeatable: Allow up to 9 repetition(s) totalling up to 9.0 credit(s). (Allow multiple enrollments in a single term.)
DN 4311 - Jazz Dance Technique IV
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is designed to challenge the intermediate/advanced dancer, building on skills and experience gained in previous technique classes in the Jazz sequence. Synthesizing essential principles - flexibility, strength, placement and musicality - the course incorporates elements of various styles within the jazz idiom, with greater stress on longer phrase work, complex movements and personal artistry. prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit
DN 4331 - Ballet Technique IV
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Students taking this course will expand their foundational knowledge of classical ballet technique both physically and intellectually. Technique class will progress at an accelerated rate and will be rigorous and disciplined. Students are expected to approach ballet class in a professional and goal oriented manner. Dancers will also have the opportunity to explore pointe work, character dance and partnering (pas de deux) techniques. Class work will be enhanced with performance and video analyses and will culminate in restagings of classical ballet repertoire with an emphasis on solo variations. prereq: 3231, instructor consent; no grad credit
DN 1001 - Introduction to the World of Dance (LE CAT, FINE ARTS, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The course will foster appreciation for and deepen understanding of the varied styles, forms, and functions of dance. By looking at dance from multiple perspective - historical, cultural, political, social, aesthetic - the course demonstrates the range of roles that dance plays in how we look at ourselves, others, and our world. Course activities will include reading, video, discussion and lecture, and movement experiences.
DN 3611 - Dance History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
The primary focus will be Western Theatrical Dance traditions from the 18th century to the present, with supplemental attention paid to world dance forms as well as vernacular and social dance. The course will explore how the innovations of the 18th and 19th centuries laid the groundwork for the explosion of 20th century creativity leading to today's diverse dance landscape. Balancing between a broad survey and an in depth seminar the course will build a chronological framework for the evolution of dance but also delve more deeply into particular artists and works. Students will also develop an understanding of dance history as both a scholarly and creative discipline. prereq: 1001 or instructor consent
DN 3995 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics not included in the regular curriculum. repeatable: Allow up to 9 repetition(s) totalling up to 9.0 credit(s). (Allow multiple enrollments in a single term.)
TH 1071 - Musical Theatre History (LE CAT, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Musical theatre genre focusing on integration of theatre, music, and dance. Major librettists, composers, directors, choreographers, and performers.
DN 1111 - Jazz Dance Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Jazz Dance Technique I is designed for students with some previous dance experience to develop primary jazz dance skills with emphasis on rhythm, musicality, flexibility, strength, placement, line and coordination. Concurring with Liberal Education objectives, the course will provide opportunities for creative expression through active participation and presentation. The course will also develop an appreciation for diverse cultural and historical influences on jazz dance as we experience it today.
DN 1121 - Tap Dance Technique I
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Beginning Tap dance technique with emphasis on musicianship. The course will also introduce improvisational skills, and an appreciation for the history of Tap dance as an American vernacular dance form. prereq: 4 credits of 110, 1111 or 1131, instructor consent
DN 1131 - Ballet Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will introduce fundamental barre and center exercises of a traditional ballet class. Emphasis will be placed on correct positions of the body, vocabulary, anatomy and musicality, Class work will be augmented by video analyses, performance observation, supplemental readings, lecture and discussion. Upon successful completion, students will have a solid foundation of ballet technique and an appreciation for the historical and performance aspects of the art form.
DN 1151 - Modern Dance Technique I (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Modern Dance Technique I is designed to introduce Modern Dance as both a historical form and contemporary practice and intended to develop Modern Dance skills with emphasis on placement, coordination, balance, and musicality. Concurring with Liberal Education objectives, the course will provide opportunities for creative expression through active participation and presentation. In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the diverse cultural influences on and stylistic variety in Modern Dance as a performance dance form.
DN 2101 - Physical Conditioning for Dance
Credits: 1.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Introductory course in physical conditioning specifically aimed at cross training for dancers. Course will include basic anatomy, strengthening, stretching including static and dynamic, and addressing and eliminating muscular imbalances that inhibit proper technique. prereq: Completion of one 1xxx Dance course or instructor consent
DN 2111 - Jazz Dance Techniques II (FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course is designed to strengthen jazz dance skills initially developed in Jazz I and/or other technique courses. Underlying technical goals - increased flexibility, increased core strength and functionality, clear isolations and clear alignment will contribute to more secure movement execution which makes possible more dynamic and expressive dancing. The courses also further explores selected historical and theatrical styles. Students are expected to have the following: DN 1111 with grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.
DN 2131 - Ballet Technique II (FINE ARTS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will provide students with the opportunity to build upon beginning level ballet skills within the context of a complete and traditional ballet class. Emphasis will be placed on solidifying current technique while improving the ability to quickly learn and retain combination. New skills such as epaulement and body facings will be introduced alongside continued study of ballet terminology, theory, and history. Students are expected to have the following: DN 1131 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.
DN 2151 - Modern Dance Technique II
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
The course is designed to further develop the student as a modern dancer, building on skills and experience gained in previous technique classes including Modern I. Incorporating elements of various aesthetics including Humphrey/Lion, Horton, release techniques and post-modernism, the class will continue to emphasize basic principles - flexibility, strength, placement and musicality - but with greater stress on phrase work and more complex movement. prereq: instructor consent
DN 3202 - Improvisation for Dance
Credits: 2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The course is an exploration of spontaneous movement creation in solo, duet and groups. Students will get to know themselves better as movers through exercises to integrate technical skills with kinesthetic intuition in order to create dynamic movement and engaged sequences. The course will include improvisation as its own form, as well as the application of improvisation techniques to movement generation for set choreography. pre-req: successful completion of DN 2201 and/or DN 3201 with grade of 'B' or better, or by permission of instructor
DN 3211 - Jazz Dance Technique III
Credits: 2.0 [max 18.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course builds on the foundations developed in previous technique classes, including Jazz I and II with a focus on intermediate work in lyrical and percussive jazz dance styles. Students will also work on developing personal artistry through attention to dynamics and phrasing. Students are expected to have the following: DN 2111 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 9 repetitions totalling up to 18 credits.
DN 3231 - Ballet Technique III
Credits: 2.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The course explores ballet technique in greater depth with regard to steps, discipline - specific vocabulary, history, and pedagogy. The traditional ballet class will move at an accelerated pace and will be augmented by video analyses, performance observations, and supplemental readings. The course will culminate in the study, analysis, and dancing of classical repertoire from the great ballets of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students are expected to have the following: DN 2131 with a grade of B or better and/or technical proficiency appropriate to the level. prereq: instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 6 repetitions totalling up to 12 credits.