Dance Studies (Interdisciplinary)
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Since the beginning of human existence, dance has played an integral role in human activity: storytelling, ritual, cultural identity, personal expression and artistic invention. At HSU, our unique dance programs honor and explore all of these vitally important aspects of dance. Whether your interest is choreography, performance, multiculturalism, communication, or personal/spiritual growth, you can find an invigorating course of study at HSU. Our students experience and explore dance with intelligence, a global perspective, and with undeniable joy.
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Dance Studies (ISDS): This innovative faculty-designed degree is based on the goals of the National Dance Education Organization and has three concentration area options:
- Dance Performance as Arts Integration
- Dance as Language and Culture
- Dance as a Sacred Tradition
With guidance from your advisor, the ISDS major offers tremendous flexibility and allows you to integrate various fields of study, have a second major, study abroad, and/or gear your degree towards graduate school admission and viable career options.
B.A. in Theatre Arts with a Dance Emphasis: This cutting-edge degree enhances your dance education by incorporating knowledge, techniques, and skills from the theatric and cinematic arts. This degree program is ideal for dancers who would like to: gain practical experience in dance production; develop design skills for stage, lights and/or costumes; develop a deeper understanding of performing arts theory and criticism; and work collaboratively to create cross-disciplinary and multimedia performances.
Dance Minor: Our dance minor provides a solid foundation in technique, choreography and performance.
The dance programs at HSU are enhanced by social and folk dance courses offered in the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration and by an active dance community.
Performance Opportunities and Facilities
The dance programs enjoy two informal and one formal concert annually on the main stage of the John Van Duzer Theatre. Our concerts involve over 50 dancers, and student choreography and production management are strongly encouraged. We share two large dance studios, one medium sized studio and two studio theatres with other programs.
Dance students participate annually in the American College Dance Festival Association by studying and performing at regional conferences. The past two years, HSU dance students and faculty have traveled and performed internationally.
Degrees Offered
BA, Minor