Dance
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Program Requirements
Students must fulfill the Oakland University General Education Requirements, the General College of Arts and Sciences Requirements, the College of Arts & Sciences Exploratory Requirement, and the Major Requirements. Additionally, students must complete a sufficient number of free elective courses to meet the overall credit requirement for their degree. A minimum of 120 credits is required, although some degree programs may require a higher total credit count.
Dance B.F.A. majors are exempt from the College of Arts & Sciences Exploratory Requirement.
General Education Requirements
In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their General Education courses.
Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.
Requirements for the major in Dance, B.F.A.
Admission to Dance degree programs
Admission to Dance degree programs at Oakland University (OU) is a two-tiered process. The first step in the process for all students is the Entrance Audition. These auditions are held several times a year and determine whether or not a student will be admitted to OU in any of these degree programs. The second step is the major standing audition, which determines whether students may continue in the program, and which degree program they may pursue.
Entrance Auditions
Entrance Audition days are held several times each year. The audition schedule and downloadable application are available on the department website. Please submit application to the department office. Students should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in their proposed area of specialization.
Students seeking admission to Oakland University as Dance majors must audition for the dance faculty.
Students who audition and do not enroll within two semesters must re-audition.
Students who enroll and leave school for at least two semesters must re-audition.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is intended for students who wish pre-professional and professional preparation in dance. The B.F.A. program is designed for students who wish to concentrate on performance and choreography. Grounded in a contemporary dance aesthetic informed by traditional/classical modern dance principles, our unique program aims to produce top-notch performers and choreographers through progressive study of technique, kinesiology, pedagogy, choreography and somatic principles. Professionally experienced faculty teach through an innovative curriculum to produce highly skilled and well prepared graduates for the dance field.
Students must successfully complete the performance production requirement, the events attendance requirement and the senior interview as described in the department’s Undergraduate Dance Handbook available on the department website. Students should consult with the departmental adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office to plan their degree program. Only major courses in which a grade of C has been earned will count towards the major.
Dance Requirements - 94 credits (or Placement)
Modern Dance Technique - Student must complete each of the following modern dance courses twice for a total of 24 credits:
Ballet - Student must complete 16 credits with at least 4 credits from DAN 3100 or higher:
Required Courses
course Dance Conditioning/Pilates Mat (1)
or course Dance Conditioning/Pilates Reformer (1)course Dance History and Appreciation (4)
course World Dance Traditions (4)
course Black Dance History (4)
course Dance Improvisation/Choreography I (2)
course Choreography II (4)
course Dance Production (2)
course Kinesiology for the Dancer (4)
course Contemporary Dance History: Revolution and Revisionism (4)
course Choreography III (4)
course Dance Pedagogy (4)
course Senior Recital (2)
course Senior Recital II (2)
course Opportunities and Careers in Dance (2)
course Basic Musicianship for Dancers (2)
course Introduction to Acting (3)
7 Credits from the Following Courses
Non-Credit Requirements
Freshman Seminar
Major Standing
Senior Interview
Performance Production Requirement
Applicable Minors
All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, Dance, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.