Department of Dance

Main Page Content

Department of Dance

Hartwell Hall
(585) 395-2153

Chairperson: Jacqueline Davis. Distinguished University Professor: Garth Fagan. Professor: Sondra H. Fraleigh. Associate Professors: Jacqueline Davis, Santo Giglio, Clyde Morgan, Susannah Newman. Assistant Professors: Rosalie Jones (Daystar), Khalid Saleem, Juanita Suarez, Wallie Wolfgruber. Lecturer: Jacqueline Barlow, Edward Murphy, Marianne Reilly, Patricia Simmons, Leslie Tillotson. Professional Employees: J.J. Kaufman, Gregory H. Ketchum, Mark Olivieri, Christian Tucker, Adam West.

• Requirements
• Courses

SUNY College at Brockport is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance, and offers the most broadly based dance program in the SUNY system.

The Department serves students with varied backgrounds, some entering with considerable experience in dance technique and performance; some with minimal previous experience. Many dance majors are interested in dance performance as a career and select SUNY Brockport because of its high degree of professionalism in a strong liberal arts setting. Others have just discovered dance and are eager to study it in depth with the possibility of continuing to the graduate level. Many students are interested in dance education or one of the other areas of emphasis offered by our diversified faculty. Students have the opportunity to prepare themselves for professional dance careers through participation in the Department of Dance touring companies: DANSCORE, a contemporary dance ensemble, and SANKOFA, an African dance and drum ensemble. Besides being directed by faculty and guest artists, students have numerous occasions to create and perform their own works in formal and informal settings. Opportunities for a semester of foreign study in dance are available and encouraged.

A degree in dance can lead to graduate study or work in: performance, choreography, designing (lights, costumes, sets), notation, movement analysis, dance reconstruction, teaching, technical work, management, dance history, research, criticism, therapy, dance music and accompaniment, kinesiology, dance science/medicine, somatics, administration, or other fields.

Programs in Dance:

1. BA or BS degree in dance studies (often coupled with a second major)
2. BFA degree in dance
3. BA or BS degree with a major in arts for children and specialty in dance
4. Minor in dance
5. MA degree in dance
6. MFA degree in dance
7. MA with K-12 dance teacher certification

Required Auditions

All students wishing to major or minor in dance must pass an audition and enroll in DNS 204 and DNS 205, prerequisites for other required courses in the dance major. Contact the Department of Dance for audition dates and information.

Three auditions are held each year; DNS 204 and DNS 205 are offered only in the fall. Students may enroll in elective dance courses before they have successfully completed the audition process.

Students may enter the dance major or minor as freshmen, sophomores or juniors. As a rule, BA/BS degrees in dance studies and dance minor requirements can be completed during two academic years. Careful planning of course sequences and consultation with faculty advisors is essential for all programs.

The BFA dance major requires 85 credits in dance (out of 120) and emphasizes preparation for performance-related careers.

The BA/BS dance studies major requires 35 (out of 120) credits; up to 19 additional elective dance credits, however, may be taken to meet degree requirements. Many dance studies majors also complete requirements for a minor or second major in another discipline.

Note to transfer students: Transfer credits in dance are usually accepted as dance electives. A maximum of 18 credits may be transferred into the BA/BS dance major and 42 into the BFA.

Assignment to an appropriate level of Dance Technique (beginning, intermediate, advanced) will be based on a placement examination each semester.

Major Requirements BA/BS in Dance Studies

Grades of "C" or better are required in all 35 dance studies credits.

BFA in Dance

Dance Technique (29 credits)
Must complete at least two semesters of DNS 445-450 (advanced level modern dance) and two semesters advanced-level study in one or two other forms.

Grades of "C" or better are required in all 85 dance major credits.

The BFA degree in dance requires 35 General Education credits in addition to the 85 credit dance major. A student who meets the General Education requirements with fewer than 35 credits may select any non-dance electives. Except for one Fine Arts Breadth Component course, no DNS courses may be used. This policy is intended to insure breadth of experience within the BFA degree. A student who takes additional dance or other courses will graduate with more than the required minimum 120 credits.

Interdisciplinary Arts for Children: Dance Specialty

Students wishing to major in Arts for Children with a dance specialty should contact the Department of Dance for information about the required entrance audition. A minimum of "C" must be maintained in all required courses.

¹ This course must be taken as soon as possible after entering the program.
² This course must be taken by all IARC majors at the conclusion of program of study.
³ Prerequisite: DNS 205 and MUS 300.
⁴ Prerequisite: DNS 205 or instructor's permission.
⁵ Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.
⁶ Prerequisite: DNS 106 or instructor's permission.
⁷ Prerequisite: DNS 205, MUS 300, and DNS 364
⁸ Prerequisite: DNS 205 or instructor's permission.
⁹ Prerequisite: An introductory art course or instructor's permission.
¹⁰ Prerequisite: MUS 105 or instructor's permission.

Minor in Dance

Students may declare a dance minor on a contractual basis only. The minor is 18 credits in dance selected with departmental advisement. An audition is required for entrance into the dance minor program, and courses must include DNS 205 and one semester of Dance Technique and Theory.

General Education courses in dance which fulfill the Fine Arts Breadth Component are:

• DNS 102 Traditional Dance Jazz
• DNS 103 Traditional Dance Tap
• DNS 104 Traditional Dance Ballet
• DNS 105 Traditional Dance Afro-Caribbean
• DNS 106 Traditional Dance African
• DNS 115 Introduction to Dance
• DNS 125 Dance in America
• DNS 200 Traditional Dance Styles
• DNS 225 Movement and Self-Awareness

For BA/BS in dance studies majors, these courses count toward the maximum of 54 credits in dance, as well as for one Breadth Component requirement in fine arts.

Dance Courses

DNS 102 Traditional Dance Jazz (A,P). A study of selected traditional jazz dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. The artistic and educational uses of traditional jazz dances. Reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional jazz dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 103 Traditional Dance Tap (A,P). A study of selected traditional tap dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. The artistic and educational uses of traditional tap dances. Reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional tap dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 104 Traditional Dance Ballet (A,P). A study of selected traditional ballet dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. The artistic and educational uses of traditional ballet. Reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional ballet dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 105 Traditional Dance Afro-Caribbean (A,P). A study of selected traditional Afro Caribbean dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. The artistic and educational uses of traditional Afro-Caribbean dances. Reading along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional Afro-Caribbean dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 106 Traditional Dance African (A,P). A study of selected traditional African dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. The artistic and educational uses of traditional African dances. Reading, along with experiencing the recreational value of the traditional African dance styles. 3 Cr.

DNS 115 Introduction to Dance (A,P). Provides an introduction to the study of dance as an art form and its relation to other art forms, and considers the role of dance in history and society. Includes studio classes in elementary modern dance technique, fundamentals of movement, elements of rhythm and spatial awareness, simple composition and improvisational dance studies. Provides the non-major with an awareness of the aesthetics and creative processes of dance. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 200 Traditional Dance Styles (A,P). Provides a study of selected traditional dance forms and development of skills through studio experience. Includes traditional dance styles such as folk and country dance, African, Afro-Caribbean dance, jazz, tap and ballet. Covers the artistic and educational uses of traditional dances, while allowing students to experience the recreational value of traditional dance styles. DNS 200 can be repeated, but only three credits may be used toward the 120 credits required for graduation. 3 Cr.

DNS 204 Dance Conditioning Lab (B). Explores conditioning methods and materials/equipment for dancers including discussions of wellness issues (i.e., stress management, diet, rest, etc.). Students are introduced to the Bodywork Studio and given conditioning programs tailored to their needs. Focus is on providing information and dance-specific materials appropriate for independent use. 2 Cr.

DNS 205 Beginning Technique and Survey of Dance (A). Prerequisite: Must pass audition prior to enrollment. Provides an introduction to the Department of Dance and to the many aspects of the dance profession. Covers modern dance technique, improvisation, and dance composition assignments. Discusses pertinent topics in dance. Prerequisite to all other dance major courses. Includes studies in dance science and somatics. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 206 20th-century Dance: Issues and Styles (A,P,W). Provides for the study of the origin and evolution of 20th-century dance; important dance artists and their work; contemporary forms, trends and styles; a survey of dance literature through film, and video and written materials. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 207 Dance Production (B). Covers all aspects of dance production including light, stage management, costume, scenery and properties, and dance design as an art. Requires extensive evening crew work. While enrolled in DNS 207, students may not enroll in evening classes or perform in major Hartwell productions without instructor's permission. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 208 Dance Production Practicum (B). A practicum experience which provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the dance production process. Students registered for DNS 208 should not take night classes or perform in dance concerts. 0 Cr. Spring.

DNS 225 Movement and Self Awareness (A,P). Enables students to improve movement habits and increase self-awareness through effective and efficient movement. Develops awareness of postural and movement characteristics, and observational skills for everyday movement and dance. Utilizes both movement and touch. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 232 African Music and Drumming for Dance (A,P). Cross-listed with AAS 232. Studies selected traditional musical instruments for dance accompaniment; and develops performance skills and techniques through studio and live performance applications. Explores traditional styles and their social and artistic needs for formal religious and recreational application. Also explores modern educational and cultural usages in African schools and colleges. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 245, 247, 249 Dance Technique and Theory: Beginning (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Entails a series of beginning-level courses to train the dancer to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses primarily on modern dance and ballet technique. Placement in a particular level is determined by previous training and skill rather than academic standing. Includes studies in dance science and somatics. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 305 Kinesiology for Dancers (A). Prerequisites: BIO 221 and DNS 205. Explores the mechanical, physiological and anatomical requirements of specific dance techniques; limitation of the body in performing these techniques; and methods of safely extending the body's capacity for performance. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 306 Beginning Dance Composition (A). Prerequisites: DNS 205, MUS 300, and DNS 364. Allows for beginning work in composition. Requires students to choreograph short studies and short dances as they learn the various elements of composition. 3 Cr.

DNS 313 Movement for Theater (A). Develops dance skills as related to basic dance forms commonly used in theater productions. Allows for execution of basic dance forms such as jazz, tap and modern dance for the theatre; and provides studies in techniques of movement with emphasis on the performance aspect. 3 Cr.

DNS 315 Dynamic Balance: Movement Theories (A). Prerequisites or corequisites: DNS 305, and inter mediate or advanced techniques. Allows for the performance of skills from the work of Bartienieff, F. Alexander, L. Sweigard and others; relating of kinesiological principles to the improvement of human movement patterns; significance of the mind/body relationship; and application of skills and principles to one's own performance. 3 Cr.

DNS 316 History and Development of Dance (A,W). Surveys the history of dance as a cultural medium from prehistoric times to the early years of the 20th century, and the roles of women and men in dance performance, choreography, literature and education. Emphasizes dance in Western cultures, non-Western influences and African-American dance. Has a strong writing component. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 330 African Dance II (A). Cross-listed as AAS 330. Prerequisite: DNS 106 or instructor's permission. Provides a more detailed examination of the content of DNS 106. Provides background of the African dance with historical linkages with dance movement forms within the Afro-American, Caribbean and Latin American setting; a general survey of the material of the dance; the structure and design of African dances in relation to ceremonial and recreational forms, e.g. linear circular forms, massed and team dances; and social organization of the dance. 3 Cr.

DNS 339 Survey of Tap Dance II (A). Prerequisite: DNS 103 or instructor's permission. Covers complex rhythmic and technical skills; familiarity with periods, personalities and specific contributions involved in the development of tap dance; notation of dance steps in terms of vocabulary and rhythmic components; and the development of technique that focuses on rapidity of movement articulation and complex sequential patterns of movement, for intermediate/advanced dancers. 3 Cr.

DNS 345-350 Dance Technique and Theory: Intermediate (A). Prerequisites: DNS 205 and instructor's permission. Entails a series of courses on the intermediate level to train the dancer's body to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses primarily on modern dance and ballet technique. Placement in a particular section is deter mined by previous training and skill rather than academic standing. Includes studies in dance science and somatics. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 352 Ballet Technique II (A). Prerequisite: DNS 104 or instructor's permission. Provides exercises performed at the barre; and center, allegro and adagio combinations and their relationship to developing physical skill. Covers phrasing, musicality and performance qualities; and ballet terminology and how to communicate its use. Provides exercises and performance class. 3 Cr.

DNS 360 Philosophy and Aesthetics of Dance (A). Explores dance as art, ritual and play; the aesthetic attitude, and specific aesthetic questions in relation to dance; several philosophical perspectives in relation to dance; the role of perception in dance; dance mythology and world-views; and dance criticism. 3 Cr.

DNS 364 Dance Improvisation: Technique and Theory (A). Prerequisites: DNS 205 and MUS 300 or 420. Provides beginning dance and movement improvisation as a compositional and performance technique, covers historical background and relationship to other arts, and develops skill in improvising dance movement and structuring dance improvisations. 2 Cr. Spring.

DNS 371 Modern Dance Technique I (B). Provides an introduction to contemporary modern dance technique and theoretical background including an appreciation of historical and aesthetic perspectives of modern dance and movement vocabulary. Focuses on acquisition of basic dance skills, conditioning of the body and increased movement body awareness in the studio. Requires concert attendance and discussion of contemporary dance in relation to other dance and art forms. 3 Cr.

DNS 372 Modern Dance Technique II (B). Prerequisite: DNS 371 or equivalent. Continues DNS 371 for students not majoring in dance. Develops motor skills in modern dance, dance vocabulary, body awareness, study of dynamics and rhythm. Emphasizes modern dance technique, but also employs movement exploration, improvisation, basic composition, concert attendance, dance films and discussion. 3 Cr.

DNS 375 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (A). Prerequisite: DNS 205 or instructor's permission. Introduction to Rudolf Laban's system of movement analysis, with an emphasis on qualitative description of movement. Sometimes called Effort/Shape, Laban Movement Analysis provides a structure for intellectual and physical understanding of the body in motion. Course work includes reading, observations of live and recorded movement, lectures, and movement activities. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 399 Independent Study. To be defined in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.

DNS 424 Dance Repertory and Literature I (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Covers the relationship of specific dance literature to a broad range of dance works and literature. Enables students to perform works with clarity and feeling; relate knowledge to obtain goals; and study selected dance works in depth. 3 Cr.

DNS 425 Dance Repertory and Literature II (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Enables students to become familiar with a selected body of choreographed works through an in-depth study of the dances; and perform a learned repertory for public concerts. 3 Cr.

DNS 427 Dance Performance Techniques (A). Prerequisites: Advanced technical work; at least inter mediate/advanced technique. Develops performance skills and awareness of the many components involved in the artistry of the performing dancer, and covers various techniques and aesthetics of performance. 3 Cr.

DNS 430 Intermediate Dance Composition (A). Prerequisites: DNS 205, 306 and MUS 420. Allows students to further develop skills learned in Beginning Composition, with an emphasis on developing choreographic skills for duet and small groups. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 433 African Dance III (A). Cross-listed as AAS 433. Prerequisite: DNS 330 or instructor's permission. Covers advanced dance for recreation, and ceremonial dance, including festival, war, court and ritual forms. Enables students to develop a mental, emotional and aesthetic awareness of the performance of an African dance. Examines the role of the African dance in the service of society in campus and off-campus performances. 3 Cr.

DNS 437 Modern Jazz II (B). Prerequisite: DNS 102 or instructor's permission. Covers basic jazz styles, rhythms, artists and dances; jazz idiom; performing style and definition of movement. Enables students to perceive and coordinate movement quickly in combined steps, and improvise lengthy jazz sequences in the jazz idiom. 3 Cr.

DNS 440 Summer Dance Workshop (A). Entails Summer Arts Festival workshops with guest artists. Includes topics such as dance technique, composition, repertory or other special topics. See summer session bulletins for complete descriptions. 2-6 Cr.

DNS 445-450 Dance Technique and Theory: Advanced (A). Prerequisite: DNS 205 and instructor's permission. Entails a series of courses on the advanced level, designed to train the dancer's body to respond to a broad range of movement demands. Focuses on modern dance and ballet technique. Placement in a particular section is determined by previous training and skill rather than academic standing. Includes studies in dance science and somatics. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 452 Somatics (A). Movement re-education for reducing stress and pain, improving posture, balance, mobility and self-image. Processes of somatics derived from Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons (ATM). Yoga, body/mind centering, dance movement improvisations, and hands-on body work. 3 Cr.

DNS 454 Dance Styles (B). Prerequisite: DNS 205 or instructor's permission. Provides a concentrated study in a specific dance form (e.g. jazz, tap, ballet I VI, musical theater) or a specific modern dance style (e.g. Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Merce Cunningham, Garth Fagan). May be repeated if topics are different. 1-4 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 460 Foreign Studies in Dance I (A). Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and departmental approval. Explores dance, its uses and forms in another culture. Requires dance performance activities and academic study associated with dance at an institution in another country. The Department of Dance has ex change programs with England, Ghana, and Jamaica. 3-15 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 462 Lighting for Dance (B). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Covers lighting design, techniques, lighting production; relationships among designer, choreographer and other production personnel; and stage lighting as a spatial and temporal art form. Requires students to conceive, design and supervise lighting of a major dance concert. 3 Cr.

DNS 463 Advanced Production and Design (B). Prerequisite: DNS 207. Concentrates on theatrical elements of dance production and design. Allows students to research, render, and in some cases, execute studio design of scenery, costumes, properties and make-up salient to dance. 3 Cr.

DNS 480 Dance Science: Injury Prevention (A). Prerequisites: BIO 221 and DNS 305. Examines various dance training techniques, along with cur rent information on injury prevention. Gives both the dancer and the trainer/kineseologist/exercise physiologist an opportunity to understand the special demands of the dance discipline on the body and its health. Includes weight and resistance training, motor imaging, proprioception, nutrition, skill repetition and the strength/flexibility ratio. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 481 Dance in Secondary Schools I (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Enables students to outline goals for a semester, construct lesson plans, and teach and analyze technique classes. Field practicum. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 482 Dance in Secondary Schools II (B). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Covers class management/organization. Allows students to develop course outlines and unit and lesson plans, and requires students to teach dance skills and con duct simple lectures and discussion. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 483 Children's Dance I (A). Covers basic movement skills applied to creative dance with children, especially in the classroom; pertinent resources for children's dances; and how to work effectively with dancers and dance specialists. Evening class. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 484 Children's Dance II (B). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Provides a basic orientation to teaching creative dance to young children; and covers the use of various approaches, such as problem solving, teacher-directed method, and invention. Allows students to develop curricular materials and evaluate procedures. Conducted with children during an after-school program. 3 Cr. Spring.

DNS 485 Dance Education Practicum (B). Prerequisites: Grades of "C" or better in all dance BFA requirements and DNS 481, 482, 483, and 484 and required K-12 school observation. A one semester student teaching assignment which prepares the dance artist/educator for a specialist teaching position in kindergarten through 12th grade school settings. Under college and master teacher school supervision, full participation as a member of the school's professional team is expected, including teacher/parent communication and extracurricular activities. Focus is on planning, preparing, presenting, and assessing dance in the curriculum. 12 Cr.

DNS 489-491 Sankofa (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. African dance and music performance ensemble; provides an opportunity for study, performance and touring for intermediate and advanced students of African dance. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 495 Senior Seminar in Dance (A). Prerequisite: Junior or senior dance major. Prepares students for transition from student life to the professional world. Includes self-evaluation, finishing unrealized goals as a student at SUNY Brockport, exploring career options, writing a resume, building a portfolio and pursuing job interviews. Involves discussions about the artist in society, the business of dance, companies and careers and the funding and promotion of dance. 3 Cr. Fall.

DNS 496-498 DANSCORE (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Modern dance performance ensemble; provides an opportunity for study, performance and touring to intermediate and advanced modern dance students. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

DNS 499 Independent Study. To be defined in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-6 Cr.

MUS 100 Fundamentals of Music for Dance (A). Provides a study of rhythm and elements of music. Explores the significance of " time" in movements and its importance to rhythmic phrasing in music and dance. 2 Cr. Fall.

MUS 201 Computers and Music (A,T). Prerequisite: MUS 300. Provides an introduction to computer basics and hands-on experience with music software. Explores computers as used by musicians and artists. Emphasizes sound analysis and digital music production. Surveys electronic and computer music. 3 Cr.

MUS 300 Music for Dance (A). Emphasizes the correlation between rhythm and dynamics in music and movement, and rhythmic notation in relation to dance. Studies musical techniques needed to provide percussion accompaniment for dance movement. Provides some analysis of simple musical forms, and an introduction to music resources for the dance. 3 Cr. Fall.

MUS 420 Music Literature for Dance (A). Prerequisites: MUS 300. Provides a study of musical literature with particular reference to interrelationships between dance and music; a historical survey; selection of music for dance; and Western classical, jazz, and world music resources. 3 Cr. Spring.

MUS 455 Music Resources for Dance (B). Prerequisite: MUS 300. Explores music materials and resources for use in choreography; techniques of taping and creating taped collages for production; and concerns for original scores. Analyzes musical forms and rhythmic structure; and historical styles of music. 3 Cr.