Q: I plan to major in Dance. What courses should I take during my first year?
A: There are two courses for the Dance major that you should be aware of now: DNC 115 and BIO 102/BIO 151. These are described below.
If you plan on majoring in Dance, the department suggests you take DNC 115 your first year fall semester, as it is not offered in the spring. It is also suggested that you take BIO 102 or BIO 151 as a first year student, as it is a required cognate course for the Dance major and does not require any prerequisites. Most dance majors take BIO 102 instead of BIO 151, unless they are double majoring in a science or applying to physical therapy programs.
- DNC 115: Dance Practices I – An investigation of dance as a physical, artistic, and social practice. This is the foundational course of the dance major. First year students who are considering majoring or minoring in dance are highly encouraged to enroll. The course explores the theoretical basis of concert dance via: differing dance techniques, performance practices, dance somatics, creativity, and more. Students will explore the cognitive basis of dance through various movement, analytical, and discussion-based experiences, considering such topics as anatomy, biomechanical principles of movement, and artistry. (1 credit)
- BIO 102: Concepts of Biology : Biology of Movement – This course covers topics related to the science of movement. The structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems, the nervous system, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems will be studied. In addition, students will explore exercise physiology. This course is especially designed for dance majors and others who have a particular interest in the biology of movement. (1 credit)
Q: Does every student majoring in Dance take the same courses?
A: No. Each student majoring in Dance is required to select at least 1 area of concentration: Performance, Choreography, Dance Education, or Dance Science. Each concentration has required courses in addition to the required core courses. You don’t need to know which concentration you will pursue at this point. Most students choose their area of concentration when they declare their major, which normally occurs towards the end of the first year. Though all the Dance majors take the same core courses DNC 115, BIO 102/151 (mentioned above), DNC 170, DNC 215, and DNC 201 (normally taken sophomore year), different concentrations require different courses.
Q: I’m interested in double-majoring in Theatre and Dance. In addition to the core courses for Dance, what Theatre courses should I take during my first year?
A: In addition to supplemental theatre classes, most prospective Theatre majors should take THR 100: Theatre & Society during the first year. It is offered in both the fall and spring semesters. This is a foundational course for the Theatre major, and studies the historical development of world theatre.
Q: When should I declare my major?
A: You may declare anytime, though the Theatre & Dance Department encourages you to wait until the “Major Declaration Period” during the spring semester. This gives you a chance to explore Muhlenberg’s liberal arts curriculum more fully. Waiting to declare won’t prohibit you from taking any Dance courses for first-year students.
Q: I will probably choose a Performance concentration when I declare my Dance major what course can I take during my first year besides DNC 115?
A: First semester of your first year you will probably only take DNC 115. However, second semester you can take DNC 160: Movement Workshop for Actors and Dancers as it is a prerequisite for future core courses. You will probably take two technique courses in Ballet, Jazz, Jazztap, or Modern (.5 credit each). Movement workshop is described below.
- DNC 160: Movement Workshop for Actors and Dancers – Taught by Professor is a beginning course focused on refining the performer’s use of body, movement, and physical expression. Elements include Modern Dance, Sound and Movement Improvisation, Contact Improvisation, Body Therapies, Yoga, and Theatre Studies. (.5 credit)
Q: My Dance major concentration probably won’t be Performance. In addition to the core courses, what else should I take my first year?
A:
- Prospective Dance majors contemplating a concentration in Choreography should consider taking THR 165: Stagecraft: Aesthetics and Lighting (.5 credit) or THR 167: Stagecraft: Costume Techniques (.5 credit). They should also consider taking DNC 160: Movement Workshop for Actors and Dancers (.5 credit) as it is a prerequisite for Dance Composition. All of the above courses are required for the choreography concentration.
- Prospective Dance majors contemplating a concentration in Dance Education should consider taking DNC 160: Movement Workshop for Actors and Dancers (.5 credit) which is mentioned and described above.
- Prospective Dance majors contemplating a concentration in Dance Science should consider taking DNC 250: Experiential Anatomy and Somatic Practices for Dancers (.5 credit). This course provides a studio experience for investigation of applied anatomy and kinesiology with an emphasis on movement re-patterning. Studio work emphasizes participation in at least one form of somatic practice and how it enhances study in traditional dance technique class.
Q: Can I participate in the Theatre & Dance Department’s main stage performance season as a first-year student?
A: Absolutely! Whether you’re interested in performing, stage management, design, if you want to be a part of the performance season, you can be. There are many opportunities. Some things to be aware of:
- Auditions: Auditions for fall productions are held during the first week of the fall semester; auditions for spring productions are held the first week of classes during the spring semester. Auditions are open to all Muhlenberg students registered for a technique class.
- Academic Credit: Students do not receive academic credit for participating in the main stage season.
- First Year Students and Casting: It may go without saying, but performance opportunities for actors and dancers are not unlimited. if you’re a performer and not cast in any of the fall semester productions, don’t be disheartened; it doesn’t mean that you’re “bad”, or that you won’t be cast in the future. Remember you can still participate in a non-performer capacity!
- The MDA and MTA: Make sure to come to the MDA kick-off meeting during the first week of school. It’s a great way to meet everyone at Muhlenberg who is interested in dance… including faculty! And if you’re interested in theatre too, come to the MTA meeting too!
