Dance is an art form, an integral part of education, an element of interdisciplinary technological experimentation, and a part of daily life. The program offers a wide range of courses for majors and non-majors to study the art and science of human movement which draws on the biological, physical and social sciences as well as humanities. The Wisconsin Dance program focuses on the Thinking Dancer, a dancer with a deep understanding of the physical, spiritual and artistic aspects of the body in motion.
Dance courses focus on the study and/or practice of various dance techniques (i.e., ballet, modern, world dance), dance repertory theater, improvisation, composition, movement analysis, anatomy, theory, history, and more. Courses stress personal creativity, individual growth, and strong technical training. An undergraduate major in dance is an excellent means of gaining in-depth knowledge of the art form and its related fields.
Two undergraduate options are offered in Dance. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) undergraduate degree program in Dance is for students with a strong interest and aptitude in dance and/or professional dance theater. The Bachelor of Science-Dance option was designed for students who wish to prepare for graduate work in theoretical areas of dance or who wish to combine their interest in dance with other fields of study. The BFA requires a minimum of 79 major credits, including public presentations of original work, while the BS degree requires a minimum of 59 major credits. These major requirements highlight the differences between the two options: BS students can pursue other interests with their remaining credits, while BFA students are able to spend more time in the studio.
Students may also pursue a Dance Certificate, a special program for students in other majors and fields who also have an interest in Dance. Elementary Education majors may also choose to complete a Dance minor.
The Dance options have three components:
New first-year Dance-BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: 111 Modern Dance Technique, 144 Rhythmic Movement Lab, and 125 Ballet Technique. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses.
All students wishing to major in Dance must complete a performance audition to be admitted to the program. On-campus students wishing to be admitted to the program must audition and also have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average. See this Web site for detailed information about the audition process.
Prospective transfer students should meet as early as possible with a Dance Program advisor and with an advisor at Education Academic Services (see contact information under "Advising" below). Transfer students must audition to be admitted to the Dance Program. Course work taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by a faculty or staff member in the Dance Program.
Advising in the Dance major is handled through the Dance Program, 608-262-1691, 125 Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue. Students often meet with Education Academic Services staff regarding general education and liberal studies requirements. Contact an EAS advisor at 608-262-1651, Rust-Schreiner Halls, 115 North Orchard Street.
Incoming freshmen discuss course options with advisors during. At the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) Program, advisors help students select courses and plan their first semesters at UW-Madison. Recognizing that students often have many academic interests and more than one possible career goal, advisors help students explore options and maintain academic flexibility.