Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

Dance, Bachelor of Arts (630P, 630)

Department website: https://www.wku.edu/theatre-and-dance


Program Coordinator

Amanda G. Clark, amanda.clark@wku.edu

The AB in Dance is designed to provide a solid foundation in the discipline of dance. A minor (or second major) in another field is also required. The AB in Dance is a 46 credit hour program. You must achieve a level 4 in one dance genre and level 3 in a second genre in order to graduate. By integrating dance and general studies, we strive to create “Thinking Artists,” individuals who work to achieve their highest potential as artist, technicians, and scholars.

Program Requirements (46 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

In addition to the standard WKU admission process, incoming students (including transfer students) wishing to major in Dance must also participate in the department’s initial dance placement audition process, after which they will be enrolled as “seeking admission” into the AB in Dance program. The auditions for course placement will be held every semester. Prospective students must attend one of the audition days or submit a link to a video audition. Following a review of the audition, the dance faculty will send the student a copy of their technique assessment and course placement. The student may then be enrolled as “seeking admission” into the A.B. in Dance degree. Further developmental assessments of seeking admission students will be made by the dance faculty during the first two semesters.

A student may apply for full admittance into the AB in Dance degree after the completion of 2 semesters (transfer students must complete at least 15 hours at WKU).

Students must meet the following minimum requirements before applying:

  • A minimum overall grade point average 2.5
  • Completion of 8 hours of dance technique
  • Students must have taken or currently be enrolled in a 300 level dance technique course (ballet, jazz, modern).
  • Demonstrate proficient talent, commitment, and a reasonable likelihood of achieving the technique level requirements of the degree program.

Following faculty review of applications for the AB in Dance degree, letters of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent to the students. Students can re-apply once after non-acceptance. Students denied admission into the AB in Dance program may appeal that decision by submitting a written appeal to the department chair. The student must apply for admittance by their 4th semester and be accepted by the completion of their 5th semester. Transfer students must apply and be accepted prior to completing 30 credit hours at WKU.

Once admitted to the AB in Dance degree, each student will be regularly assessed by the dance faculty to ensure that he or she is successfully progressing within the degree program. Please see the most current Dance Program Handbook, located on the Department of Theatre & Dance website, for complete information regarding auditions, admission, and retention.  
 
At least 23 credits applied to this major must be upper-division (300 level or above).  DANC 110: Dance Appreciation is recommended for Colonnade Explorations – Arts & Humanities.  DANC 360: Dance in Culture is recommended for Colonnade Connections – Social & Cultural Studies.
The following courses are required:
PERF 175University Experience: Performing Arts2
PERF 120Rehearsal and Production1
PERF 220Production Lab I (take once as a 1 credit class, or twice as a .5 credit class)1
Dance Technique (16 hours)
Initial placement based on demonstrated skill level. Must achieve at least level 4 in a selected genre and level 3 in a second genre.
Ballet: A minimum of two ballet technique classes (2 credit hours each)4
Jazz: A minimum of two jazz technique classes (2 credit hours each) 4
Modern: A minimum of two modern technique classes (2 hrs. each)4
Tap: A minimum of two tap technique classes (2 credit hours each)4
Dance Study (9 hours)
DANC 301Dance Pedagogy3
DANC 350Dance History3
DANC 445Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology3
Choreography (8 hours)
DANC 235Dance Improvisation2
DANC 310Choreography I3
DANC 420Choreography II3
Dance Production (3 hours)
THEA 250Stage Electrics3
or THEA 241 Costume Technology
or THEA 311 Stage Management
or DANC 400 Visual Media for Dance
Restricted Electives (6 hours)
Any two relevant upper-division DANC, PERF, or THEA courses with advisor's approval. 6
Total Hours46

For a complete explanation of the AB in Dance policies and procedures, please visit the Theatre and Dance department website at https://www.wku.edu/theatre-and-dance/schedules_and_forms/departmental-forms.php and download a copy of the current AB Dance Handbook.

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Ballet Technique Course2Ballet Technique Course2
Jazz Dance Technique Course2Modern Technique Course2
PERF 1201DANC 1103
PERF 1752PERF 2201
ENG 1003COMM 1453
MATH 1093HIST 101 or HIST 1023
Minor Course3Minor Course3
 
 16 17
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Jazz Technique Course2Modern Technique Course2
Tap Technique Course2Tap Technique Course2
DANC 2352DANC 3103
ENG 2003DANC 3503
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Sciences3
Minor Course3Minor Course3
Minor Course3 
 18 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2
Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2
DANC 4203DANC 4453
Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/lab3
Minor Course3Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3
Minor Course3Minor Course3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2
Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2Additional Dance Technique Course Suggested2
DANC 3013THEA 242, THEA 250, THEA 311, or DANC 4003
Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3General Elective3
Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3Minor Course3
Dance Elective2Dance Elective2
Dance Elective2Dance Elective2
 17 17
Total Hours 133
  • Students will apply for full admission into the BA in Dance in the 3rd semester. Prior to that point they are classified as "seeking admission."
  • Students cast in dance concert pieces will take DANC 300 – Dance Company (1 hr.)
  • B.A. in Dance students must achieve at least a level 4 in a selected genre and a level 3 in a second genre in order to graduate. 
  • At least 50% (22.5 credit hours) of the degree must be in upper-division courses, numbered 300 +.
  • B.A. in Dance students are expected to participate fully in the Jury/Portfolio Review (JPR) process and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Failure to do so may result in the student being placed on departmental probation. See the Dance Program Handbook for details.