Dance

Dance is part of a liberal arts curriculum and provides students with a foundation for future advanced work in performance or movement-related work. Faculty work closely with students to guide them on the educational track that best serves their career goals.

Undergraduate Program

Adviser
261 Meany, Box 351150
206-543-0550
uwdance@u.washington.edu

The Dance Program offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in dance.
• A minor in dance.

Bachelor of Arts

Program Admission Requirements

Applications that meet the following requirements are accepted during autumn, winter, and spring quarters.

1. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.
2. Interview with Dance Program adviser to assess applicant's dance background and preparation for the major to ensure proper placement in dance coursework.
3. Current enrollment in a UW dance technique course (ballet or modern) so faculty can determine a demonstration of minimum level of dance skill required to ensure timely completion of requirements, and to evaluate appropriate level for further dance study.

Major Requirements

Minimum 67 credits in dance as follows:

1. Core Curriculum Courses: DANCE 166 (5 credits), DANCE 242 (3), DANCE 250 (5), DANCE 270 (2 credits, 1 crew minimum), DANCE 344 or DANCE 345 (5), DANCE 390 (5), DANCE 480 (3), DANCE 493 (5). (33 credits)
2. 28 credits from the following (12 credit minimum at the 300-level or above; 6 credits minimum in both ballet and modern dance): DANCE 104, DANCE 105, DANCE 106, DANCE 107, DANCE 108, DANCE 109, DANCE 110, DANCE 111, DANCE 112, DANCE 201, DANCE 202, DANCE 203, DANCE 204, DANCE 205, DANCE 206, DANCE 210, DANCE 211, DANCE 212, DANCE 230, DANCE 231, DANCE 301, DANCE 302, DANCE 303, DANCE 304, DANCE 305, DANCE 306, DANCE 310, DANCE 311, DANCE 312, DANCE 401, DANCE 402, DANCE 403, DANCE 404, DANCE 405, DANCE 406.
3. Minimum of two courses from the following dance electives: DANCE 234, DANCE 266, DANCE 366, DANCE 371, DANCE 420, DANCE 490. Up to 4 additional credits of DANCE 270 may be taken as electives and count toward completion of the dance major (minimum 6 credits).

Minor

Minor Requirements: Minimum 25 credits to include 10 credits from DANCE 166, DANCE 234, DANCE 235, DANCE 242, DANCE 250, DANCE 270, DANCE 336, DANCE 344, DANCE 345, DANCE 390, DANCE 420, DANCE 490, DANCE 493; 15 credits from DANCE 102, DANCE 103, DANCE 104, DANCE 105, DANCE 106, DANCE 107, DANCE 108, DANCE 109, DANCE 110, DANCE 111, DANCE 112, DANCE 201, DANCE 202, DANCE 203, DANCE 204, DANCE 205, DANCE 206, DANCE 210, DANCE 211, DANCE 212, DANCE 230, DANCE 231, DANCE 301, DANCE 302, DANCE 303, DANCE 304, DANCE 305, DANCE 306, DANCE 310, DANCE 311, DANCE 312, DANCE 401, DANCE 402, DANCE 403, DANCE 404, DANCE 405, DANCE 406.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The Dance Program curriculum provides a balance between academic rigor and artistic development and serves as a basis for a broad range of career choices. Majors are encouraged to supplement their dance studies with coursework in other disciplines that provide a foundation for later specialization in dance ethnology, dance history and criticism, performance art, education, movement therapy, or movement science.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: Three spacious and well equipped dance studios in Meany Hall. Use of Meany Hall and the Meany Studio Theatre for Dance Program performances.
• Honors Options Available:  With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: See adviser.
• Department Scholarships: See adviser.
• Student Organizations/Associations: Dance Student Association, University Ballet Company

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
258 Meany, Box 351150
206-543-5594
uwdance@u.washington.edu

The dance program offers graduate study leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree. This program is designed specifically for professional dance performers who wish to prepare for a transition into college teaching careers. All graduate students will comprise the Chamber Dance Company and will hold teaching assistantships.

Master of Fine Arts

Admission Requirements

1. A letter of application and resume.
2. An undergraduate degree.
3. A minimum of eight years of professional performing experience.
4. The ability to demonstrate movement skills at a professional level in at least one idiom, and an in-person audition or performance video tape.
5. Three letters of reference verifying success and responsibility in the professional dance arena. Neither a foreign language nor the Graduate Record Examination is required. Application deadline is January 15.

Degree Requirements

During the two-year program, a student will be expected to enroll full-time (minimum of 10 credits/quarter) for three quarters each year (summer quarter excluded). A student must complete at least 72 credits in order to earn the degree, 31 of which are in required courses.

• Required Coursework:
• Either PHIL 445 (5) or PHIL 446 (5)
• DANCE 510 (3)
• DANCE 515 (3)
• DANCE 520 (3)
• DANCE 521 (3)
• DANCE 530 (2)
• DANCE 531 (3)
• DANCE 595 (3)
• Coursework or Competency: Students must have taken the following courses as an undergraduate, or have mastered the content of the following courses through practical experience, or complete these courses during their two years in the program:
• DANCE 420 (3)
• DANCE 493 (3-5)
• DANCE 544 (3-5)
• DANCE 545 (3-5)
• DANCE 590 (3-5)

Financial Aid

All graduate students will receive tuition waivers and teaching assistant stipends.