The Dance Studies program at HSU is designed to encourage students in their artistic, creative and technical endeavors, and to prepare students for careers or advanced graduate studies. Housed within the Department of Theatre, Film, and Dance, the program incorporates interdisciplinary perspectives and provides multiple opportunities for artistic collaboration. Additionally, the Dance Studies program offers an option for students who want to explore and develop their teaching skills.
Performance and choreographic opportunities within the program include an annual Spring Dance Concert showcasing both student and faculty creations, two informal “Evening of Dance” presentations annually, a bi-annual Interdisciplinary Concert, and several opportunities in the community throughout the year.
The Dance Studies program provides a broad spectrum of classes and experiences that integrate technical, artistic, and intellectual development. Core courses ensure a strong foundation in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz styles. Creative explorations occur in all classes and are more fully nurtured in Choreography, and our Dance Production course provides practical experience in dance concert production. Dance Science and Bodyworks explore the body from scientific, somatic, and experiential perspectives and provide a deeper awareness of the body, its movement potential, and its connection to our wellbeing. A capstone Interdisciplinary Seminar provides a culminating experience with creative and/or research projects emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additional courses are designed to expand knowledge and appreciation of dance as a human activity with great social, artistic, historic and cultural significance. In addition to Dance in World Cultures, students choose from a variety of world dance forms such as African, Middle Eastern, Hawaiian Hula, Latin, and Mexican Folkloric.
The program travels to the American College Dance Festival Conferences each spring, and we host a number of guest artists throughout the school year.
Additional Dance at HSU:
- See PE Dance Classes in the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration.
- Interdisciplinary Dance Club (IDC): The club offers diverse dance experiences and classes. Dancers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate: hsudance@humboldt.edu.
Also see HSU’s Clubs and Activities webpage for more information on the following:
- Middle Eastern Dance Club: medance@humboldt.edu
- Mexican Folklorico Club — Ballet Folklorico de Humboldt: ballet@humboldt.edu
- Salsa Dance Club: salsa@humboldt.edu
- Lindy Hop Club: hsudance@humboldt.edu
- Demolition Dance Team: dsquad@humboldt.edu
The Multicultural Center also offers various cultural dance workshops and performances through the year: mcc@humboldt.edu.