Dance, BA

College Of Fine and Performing Arts

What Is the Study of Dance?

In the course of their Dance studies, students will learn to understand and evaluate contemporary thinking about dance and related arts, while nurturing a physical and intellectual understanding of the language of movement that is reflective of and insightful toward the human condition.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

The BA is a broadly based degree, with a liberal arts orientation, and is designed for students with a general interest in dance and its applications. BA candidates will focus on pedagogical and historic aspects of Dance Art as well as on the performance/generative components. They will be encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in pedagogy.

How to Declare:

To declare, a student must have completed the following requirements:

  • 15 college credits
  • Modern placement of Level One or above.

Contact Cher Carnell/Associate Chair of Theatre & Dance

Advising tips: Students should seek early departmental advising.

Coursework

  • DNC 121 - Modern Dance I - Level 1
  • DNC 122 - Modern Dance I - Level 2
  • DNC 123 - Modern Dance I - Level 3
  • DNC 221 - Modern Dance II - Level 1
  • DNC 222 - Modern Dance II - Level 2
  • DNC 223 - Modern Dance II - Level 3
  • DNC 231 - Introduction to Dance in Western Cultures
  • DNC 232 - Movement and Culture
  • DNC 242 - Choreography I
  • DNC 257 - Performance
  • DNC 321 - Modern Dance III - Level 1
  • DNC 322 - Modern Dance III - Level 2
  • DNC 323 - Modern Dance III - Level 3
  • DNC 339 - Functional Alignment
  • DNC 340 - Anatomy for Dancers
  • DNC 342 - Choreography II
  • DNC 357 - Repertory
  • DNC 431 - History of Western Dance Since 1450
  • THTR 255 - Theatre Production: Technology
  • 12-18 credits from:
    • DNC 211 - Ballet II - Level 1
    • DNC 212 - Ballet II - Level 2
    • DNC 213 - Ballet II - Level 3
    • DNC 311 - Ballet III - Level 1
    • DNC 312 - Ballet III - Level 2
    • DNC 313 - Ballet III - Level 3
  • One course from:
    • DNC 433 - Creative Movement for Educators With Lab
    • DNC 434 - Dance Arts in Education
  • One course from:
    • THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
    • THTR 212 - Introduction to Stage Technology
  • One course from:
    • THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
    • THTR 212 - Introduction to Stage Technology
    • THTR 216 - Introduction to Costuming
    • THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
    • THTR 314 - Stage Management

GURs:

These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.

  • CCOM: DNC 231
  • ACGM: DNC 232
“My experience with WWU has been very positive. The faculty is a group of creators and innovators who push us to also create and innovate. I have no doubt in my mind that the faculty truly care about the success of each dancer in whatever path they intend on taking.”

- Collette Rood, Student

“Students pursuing their BA in Dance at WWU benefit from many performing opportunities, in both large and intimate theaters. Our faculty members – who are rotated through the various technique levels - are unique in that they not only have academic resumes; they have also been extensively involved in professional dance as dancers, choreographers, and teachers. Our students are encouraged and supported throughout their growth in our program and graduate with a variety of career opportunities from performance to teaching.”

- Cher Carnell, Faculty

Notable Alumni

Jovon Miller

Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer

Ty Vennewitz

Performer with Cirque de Soleil

Sample Careers

  • Dance Educator
  • Public School Teacher
  • Dance Administration
  • Dance Studio Director
  • Fitness Trainer
  • Aerobics Instructor
  • Choreographer

Department

Contact

Dance Program Director:

Cher Carnell
19 High St. Hall
360-650-2274 ext. 2
Cher.Carnell@wwu.edu

Related Majors

Dance, BFA