DANCE

Professor: Cheryl V. Cutler (Chair)

Associate Professor: Cynthia J. Novack

Assistant Professor: Pedro Rodrigues

Visiting Assistant Professor: William Seigh

Visiting Lecturer in African American Studies and Dance: Mickey Davidson

Visiting Artists: Patricia Beaman, Lauren Cowdery, Susan L. Lourie, Urip Sri Maeny, Helen Mensah

Wesleyan's dance program seeks to maintain high standards of artistic excellence within the framework of liberal arts education. The theoretical orientation to dance is humanistic, encouraging a questioning of the nature of dance, the body, and the self in a given cultural context. Skills are developed important to original work in all fields--sharp observation, rational definition of and imaginative solutions to problems, concentration, and respect for craftsmanship.

The Dance Department offers a two-track major--one focusing on performance and choreography and the other emphasizing history and culture. The following courses constitute the requirements for the performance/choreography track: six dance technique courses, including at least two upper-level (II or III) courses in at least two of the following technical traditions--Modern Dance I (209, 210, 211), Modern Dance II (215), Modern Dance III (309), Ballet I (202), Ballet II (302), Jazz I (208), Jazz II (308), Tap I (304), West African Dance I (260), West African Dance II (360), Javanese Dance I (251), Javanese Dance II (351), or Bharata Natyam (261); Dance Production Techniques (105); Dance Production Practicum (305); Composition (249 and 250); Choreography Workshop (371); American Dance History (375) or Perspectives on World Dance (377); performance in two dances--Advanced Dance Practice A (435) or B (445); Analyzing the Meaning in Movement (303) or Dance Teaching Workshop (241) and Dance Teaching Practicum (447); Improvisational Forms (254) or Anatomy and Kinesiology (301). A senior choreographic project and thesis are required of all majors. All majors are also expected to assist with the technical production of dance concerts by serving as stage manager or assistant stage manager for two concerts.

The dance major track emphasizing history/culture differs from the above in the following particulars: four dance technique courses rather than six are required, Perspectives on World Dance (DANC 377) replaces Choreography Workshop; performance in dances are not required; three courses relevant to the student's interests (courses from a second major are not eligible) are selected by the student in consultation with his/her adviser from specifically recommended courses in anthropology, ethnomusicology, American studies, African American studies, history, or theater; the senior project takes the form of a written thesis--no choreography required.

Freshmen interested in becoming dance majors are encouraged to take dance technique at the appropriate technical level. Sophomores are urged to take Dance Composition (240 and 250). Students wishing to present their own work in fall and spring dance concerts must be presently enrolled in or have previously taken the composition or choreography course.

Preregistration is possible for some dance courses. All students interested in applying to dance classes should contact the Dance Department during preregistration or several days before classes begin for further information concerning procedures for acceptance into classes. (Students majoring in dance or indicating strong curricular commitment to dance will be given enrollment preference in all Permission of Instructor courses.)

Procedure for honors in dance. The dance major who wishes to be a candidate for departmental honors must complete an honors thesis, having discussed the proposed project with his or her prospective tutor. A project must follow these guidelines:

1. The work will result in a written thesis and one or two concert pieces or some other active involvement in dance. Where the project is a concert piece(s), it typically consists of approximately 20 minutes of choreography (usually two dances) and a 50-80 page essay situating the choreography within an aesthetic and historical context.

2. It should be related to the special interests and talents of the student.

3. It must involve enough work to warrant two credits.

Each honors candidate is required to make a commitment to candidacy in advance. By October 1, the student must file with the department and the Honors College a written statement of his or her intention to stand for departmental honors. The department will nominate candidates for departmental honors to the Honors College by February 1. Nominations will occur only if it appears reasonably certain that the candidate will complete his or her work on time and in the desired form. Suitable mid-April deadlines will be arranged by the department, in cooperation with the Honors College, for performances or projects and the submission of theses.

In addition to the candidate's tutor, there will be two readers for each honors thesis. The department will base its recommendation for departmental honors upon the reader's written evaluations and joint recommendations.