Department of Dance
Mather Dance Center
http://dance.case.edu/
Phone: 216.368.1491; Fax: 216.368.6936
Karen Potter, Department Chair
karen.potter@case.edu
The Department of Dance offers education and participation in many aspects of dance, with course offerings in modern dance and ballet technique, choreography, kinesiology, history, production and more. Students have the opportunity to perform on stage as well as to serve on the technical crews in dance concerts. The high ratio of faculty to students ensures that students will be able to work closely with highly skilled professionals. The department treats all performances as educational experiences and welcomes the participation of all students, particularly in Mather Dance Collective (MaDaCol), regardless of their academic majors and career goals.
Graduates of the dance program are currently employed as modern dance company members (regionally and nationally), company directors/choreographers, and dance production managers, and as teachers, program directors, and administrators in colleges and universities. Others have transitioned into such disciplines as physical therapy and massage therapies.
Department Faculty
Karen Potter, MFA
(Case Western Reserve University)
Professor and Chair
Contemporary dance technique; choreography; pedagogy
Gary Galbraith, MFA
(Case Western Reserve University)
Professor; Artistic Director, Mather Dance Ensemble
Contemporary dance technique; choreography; dance wellness; production and technology
Undergraduate Programs
Major
Degree requirements for the major in dance, Bachelor of Arts degree, are as follows:
| Technique Core (all but 103 and 160 are repeatable for credit as advised and/or desired) | 21 | |
| Modern Techniques: By advisement and placement, select from among the 3-credit and floating credit classes below (15 credits): | ||
| First-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| First-Year Contemporary Dance Techniques II | ||
| Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Thrid-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Third-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Ballet Techniques: By advisement and placement, select from among the 3-credit and floating credit classes listed below (6 credits): | ||
| Introduction to Ballet Technique I | ||
| Introduction to Ballet Technique II | ||
| Second-Year Ballet Technique I | ||
| Second-Year Ballet Technique II | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II | ||
| Core Theory and Creative Research Requirements | 9 | |
| History of Modern Dance | ||
| Select two from among: | ||
| Dance in Culture - Ethnic Forms | ||
| Dance in Culture - Theatrical Forms | ||
| The Craft of Choreography | ||
| Kinesiology for Dance and Sport Performance | ||
| Additional Core Requirements (choose 3 from below): | 9 | |
| Dance in Culture - Ethnic Forms | ||
| Dance in Culture - Theatrical Forms | ||
| Religion and Dance in South Asia | ||
| Choreography and Music | ||
| Dance Production Resources | ||
| Contemporary Dance Pedagogy | ||
| Kinesiology for Dance and Sport Performance | ||
| Topics in Dance Medicine, Science, and Wellness | ||
| SAGES Senior Capstone in Dance | ||
| Additional Performance/Physical Requirements | 2 | |
| Production Practicum (repeatable for credit) | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance | ||
| Total Units | 41 | |
Departmental Honors
All majors are encouraged to apply for DANC 397 Honors Studies I and DANC 398 Honors Studies II in their final year. This adds 6 hours to the total.
Minor
| DANC 103 | First-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | 3 |
| DANC 104 | First-Year Contemporary Dance Techniques II | 3 |
| DANC 203 | Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | 3 |
| DANC 204 | Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | 3 |
| Two of the following*: (6) | 6 | |
| Introduction to Ballet Technique I | ||
| Introduction to Ballet Technique II | ||
| Second-Year Ballet Technique I | ||
| Second-Year Ballet Technique II | ||
| Thrid-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I | ||
| Third-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II | ||
| Additional requirements: (one time) | ||
| DANC 385 | Production Practicum | 0 |
| * Other classes may be substituted by advisement | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts
Although the graduate dance program is geared toward the Master of Fine Arts degree (see below), all graduate students begin in the MA program. Advancement to the MFA program occurs upon faculty recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies in the third semester. The course work for the MA may be similar to that for the Master of Fine Arts, enhanced by related studies in theater and other departments. The candidate’s program of study will be designed by the primary dance faculty. The School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Dance, in accordance with the Ohio Department of Education, requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
MA candidates must complete a minimum of 30 hours, following a program similar to that suggested below. The principal faculty advisor may suggest modifications.
| Technique Classes: | 12 | |
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I and Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I and Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I and Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II | ||
| Choreography: | 9 | |
| The Craft of Choreography | ||
| Choreography and Music | ||
| Choreography and Theatrical Elements | ||
| Dance Science: | 4-5 | |
| Topics in Dance Medicine, Science, and Wellness | ||
| Additional core courses, one or more courses by advisement: | 3-6 | |
| Contemporary Dance Pedagogy | ||
| History of Modern Dance | ||
| or DANC 424 Production Resources | ||
| Thesis or Research: | 3 | |
| Special Projects | ||
| or DANC 644 Thesis | ||
| Eurhythmics | 2 | |
| Total Units | 33-37 | |
The program recommends the School of Graduate Studies' plan B, with requirements including a non-performance, non-production thesis on a topic approved by the primary program faculty. The thesis must be a substantial contribution to the field, with potential for publication or presentation. The MA thesis must be completed no later than one academic year beyond the completion of the course requirements.
Master of Fine Arts (Contemporary Dance)
The Master of Fine Arts degree, available with emphasis areas in choreography, performance, pedagogy, and complementary courses in dance science, is a terminal pre-professional degree. Candidacy for the MFA program requires an undergraduate degree with (ideally) a major in dance, equivalent training and experience, or demonstrable potential for work at the MFA level. In addition, each candidate must provide evidence of technical skill and creative ability. Participation as a part-time student is not recommended.
At the end of each semester in residence, the student’s skill and creative ability are evaluated in light of his or her work in the department. Only students who have clearly demonstrated growth and excellence are permitted to remain in the program. The award of the MFA degree is contingent upon the student’s academic progress and upon the faculty's assessment that the candidate possesses the potential to work in the field of dance on a professional level.
Requirements for the MFA degree include:
- A minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all course work on the graduate level
- Completion of the course requirements for the MFA Thesis Portfolio
- Successful completion of the third year in performance in the Mather Dance Center mainstage season
Specific requirements for the MFA degree are as follows:
| 18 hours of dance technique | 18 | |
| 12 hours of choreography | 12 | |
| 4 hours of Ensemble, DANC 485 | 4 | |
| MUDE 501 | Special Reading (M.M. and M.A.) | 1 |
| MUDE 501 | Special Reading (M.M. and M.A.) (MUDE 501 is to be taken twice for a total of 2 credit hours) | 1 |
| 3 hours of contemporary dance history | 3 | |
| 3 hours of Production Resources, DANC 424 | 3 | |
| 12 hours from Kinesiology, Pedagogy, Dance Wellness, research or elective | 12 | |
| 6 hours of creative thesis | 6 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Courses
DANC 103. First-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I. 3 Units.
Introduction to contemporary dance technique, through active participation, to serve individual development of basic movement principles, locomotor and axial skills and dance vocabulary, all in relation to time, space and dynamics and with a broad spectrum of applications, including dance, music, sports and theater. Explorations and investigations, both practical and cognitive, are designed to lay an introductory foundation for participating in and appreciating and understanding creative expressions.
DANC 104. First-Year Contemporary Dance Techniques II. 3 Units.
DANC 121. Dance in Culture - Ethnic Forms. 3 Units.
A lecture class designed to introduce dance as an art form and the many roles it plays in a variety of cultures. Focus will be on ethnic forms and primal cultures. Counts for CAS Global & Cultural Diversity Requirement.
DANC 122. Dance in Culture - Theatrical Forms. 3 Units.
Introduction to an historical and cultural overview of many different theatrical forms of dance from various cultures specifically selected to encompass geographic diversity and represent different periods in history. Basic craft elements of the structures of theatrical dance will be introduced to provide a foundation for viewing dance and developing a personal aesthetic. Counts for CAS Global & Cultural Diversity Requirement.
DANC 160. Introduction to Ballet Technique I. 3 Units.
This introductory-level course offers the beginning ballet student the basic tenets and principles of ballet technique. Classwork will involve strong emphasis on proper alignment of the body, dynamic timings, and a command of ballet terminology.
DANC 161. Introduction to Ballet Technique II. 3 Units.
Continuation of DANC 160.
Prereq: DANC 160 or consent of department.
DANC 203. Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I. 3 Units.
Building upon the movement foundations explored in first-year contemporary dance courses, this course introduces the formalities of dance technique as a contemporary American art form with continued and progressive refinement and development of basic movement principles, locomotor and axial skills and dance vocabulary, all in relation to time, space and dynamics and with a broad spectrum of applications, including dance, music, sports and theater.
Prereq: DANC 103 and DANC 104.
DANC 204. Second-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II. 3 Units.
DANC 237. Religion and Dance in South Asia. 3 Units.
This is an experimental interdisciplinary course in religion, dance, and South Asian studies. We will explore the performance of religion in bharata natyam, one storytelling dance form from South Asia. This dance style draws upon Hindu devotional (bhakti) allegories of sacred and profane love in its choreography. Lover and beloved, as the ideal relationship between God and the human, becomes the model for the performed relationship between heroes and heroines (nayaka-nayaki) danced on stages and, more recently, Bollywood screens. To this end we will examine primary and secondary sources on bharata natyam and aesthetic theory/classical dramatics. We will also observe dance performances in the greater Cleveland area.
Offered as RLGN 237 and DANC 237.
DANC 260. Second-Year Ballet Technique I. 3 Units.
In-depth exploration of principles and foundations of ballet technique as preparation for the specialized training needs of dancers.
Prereq: DANC 161.
DANC 261. Second-Year Ballet Technique II. 3 Units.
Continuation of DANC 260.
Prereq: DANC 260 or consent of department.
DANC 303. Thrid-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I. 3 Units.
For the dance major and upper level non-major. Formalities of dance technique as a contemporary American art form serve as the basis of the aesthetic and technical challenges explored in the course.
Prereq: DANC 204.
DANC 304. Third-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II. 3 Units.
Continuation of DANC 303. Recommended preparation: DANC 303 or consent of department.
DANC 314. The Craft of Choreography. 3 Units.
An in-depth investigation of choreographic craft elements is presented through lecture, practical involvement and specified studies. Emphasized are tools to discover primary movement vocabulary, development of vocabulary through permutative investigations and the co-ordering of movement vocabulary into phrases, structural units, and larger sections.
Offered as DANC 314 and DANC 414.
Prereq: DANC 303 and DANC 304.
DANC 315. Choreography and Music. 3 Units.
Combining craft resources with emphasis on use of music. Music selections, historically categorized, are chosen for the purpose of analyzing metric and structural characteristics in accord with which choreography will be created.
Offered as DANC 315 and DANC 415.
Prereq: DANC 314 or requisite not met permission.
DANC 317. Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I. 1 - 3 Units.
Emphasis on performing skills enlarged to include rehearsal and performance of full repertory works. Adaptability, versatility, and fidelity to choreographic intention stressed.
Offered as DANC 317 and DANC 417.
Prereq: DANC 304
DANC 318. Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II. 1 - 3 Units.
Continuation of DANC 317/417.
Offered as DANC 318 and DANC 418.
Prereq: DANC 317.
DANC 324. Dance Production Resources. 3 Units.
An examination of dance production resources such as costumes construction, lighting design, and management. Exercises include design, construction, and implementation to emphasize practical applications.
Offered as DANC 324 and DANC 424.
DANC 335. Contemporary Dance Pedagogy. 3 Units.
The study and investigation of the approaches and methods of teaching contemporary dance. Detailed study is made of kinesthetic, oral, and creative factors in teaching dance. Opportunity to assist and teach under supervision.
Offered as DANC 335 and DANC 535.
Prereq: DANC 303 and (DANC 345 or DANC 314).
DANC 345. Kinesiology for Dance and Sport Performance. 3 Units.
This course is an introduction to the general principles of the science of human movement focusing on musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and mechanics specifically pertaining to dance and sport performance.
Prereq: Dance Major or PHED 332.
DANC 346. Topics in Dance Medicine, Science, and Wellness. 1 - 3 Units.
Review and application of continually emerging information from the fields of Dance Medicine and Science that impacts general dancer health and the care and prevention and treatment of dance specific injuries. Participation in the Dancer Wellness Program is encouraged to facilitate continued application of principles developed in DANC 345.
Offered as DANC 346 and DANC 446.
DANC 355. History of Modern Dance. 3 Units.
Origins and development of contemporary dance in its historical context. Counts as SAGES Departmental Seminar.
Prereq: 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSCC, FSNA, FSSO, FSSY, or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100.
DANC 360. Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I. 1 - 3 Units.
Ballet Technique for Dancers will focus on developing the ballet skills required of the contemporary dancer. The technical level of the class will range from intermediate to advanced where applicable in barre work as well as center.
Offered as DANC 360 and DANC 460.
Prereq: DANC 261.
DANC 361. Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II. 1 - 3 Units.
Ballet Technique for Dancers will focus on developing the ballet skills required of the contemporary dancer. The technical level of the class will range from intermediate to advanced where applicable in barre work as well as center.
Offered as DANC 361 and DANC 461.
Prereq: DANC 360.
DANC 385. Production Practicum. 0 - 1 Units.
Practicum for students participating in production work in the Department of Dance. Supervised laboratory experience in technical theater, construction techniques, scenery, costumes, lighting, and props; production; ticket office operations, promotion, publicity and public relations; house management; wardrobe responsibilities; stage management; assistant directing; and other production positions.
DANC 386. Rehearsal and Performance. 0 Unit.
Practicum for students participating in performance in the Department of Dance, relating to the mainstage productions at Mather Dance Center.
DANC 396. SAGES Senior Capstone in Dance. 3 Units.
This capstone course, the final requirement of the SAGES program, is limited to students majoring in Dance. As it is not required of the major, enrollment will be based on the recommendation of the student's major advisor. Projects may focus on creative or scholarly research, both of which require a written component that culminates in a formal presentation. Creative projects are only available to students who have successfully completed DANC 314, DANC 315, and DANC 324, who have also consistently excelled in their upper-level contemporary technique classes, and who have been recommended by the faculty of the Department of Dance to undertake a creative project versus a scholarly project. Except in approved situations, all capstone projects are supervised by a faculty person in the Department of Dance. Counts as SAGES Senior Capstone.
Prereq: DANC 203, DANC 204, DANC 303, DANC 304, DANC 314 and DANC 355.
DANC 397. Honors Studies I. 3 Units.
Individual projects in dance.
DANC 398. Honors Studies II. 3 Units.
Individual projects in dance.
DANC 399. Independent Study in Dance. 1 - 3 Units.
Independent research and project work in areas of dance and pedagogy.
DANC 403. Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I. 1 - 3 Units.
A logical progression of contemporary technique, this class is designed for the upper level dance major and graduate student in dance to further develop technical acumen with emphasis on aesthetic and physical challenges.
Prereq: DANC 303.
DANC 404. Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II. 1 - 3 Units.
DANC 414. The Craft of Choreography. 3 Units.
An in-depth investigation of choreographic craft elements is presented through lecture, practical involvement and specified studies. Emphasized are tools to discover primary movement vocabulary, development of vocabulary through permutative investigations and the co-ordering of movement vocabulary into phrases, structural units, and larger sections.
Offered as DANC 314 and DANC 414.
DANC 415. Choreography and Music. 3 Units.
Combining craft resources with emphasis on use of music. Music selections, historically categorized, are chosen for the purpose of analyzing metric and structural characteristics in accord with which choreography will be created.
Offered as DANC 315 and DANC 415.
Prereq: DANC 414.
DANC 416. Choreography and Theatrical Elements. 3 Units.
Use of properties, costumes, and scenic elements in both "first- and second-function" (Northrop) or "literal" and "abstract" applications challenge the functional and aesthetic appropriateness of conjoined choices. Dance structures fully developed under supervision. Successful results may be programmed for performance and tested for applicability to the Production sequence.
Prereq: DANC 414.
DANC 417. Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I. 1 - 3 Units.
Emphasis on performing skills enlarged to include rehearsal and performance of full repertory works. Adaptability, versatility, and fidelity to choreographic intention stressed.
Offered as DANC 317 and DANC 417.
Prereq: DANC 404.
DANC 418. Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II. 1 - 3 Units.
Continuation of DANC 317/417.
Offered as DANC 318 and DANC 418.
Prereq: DANC 417.
DANC 424. Dance Production Resources. 3 Units.
An examination of dance production resources such as costumes construction, lighting design, and management. Exercises include design, construction, and implementation to emphasize practical applications.
Offered as DANC 324 and DANC 424.
DANC 426. Advanced Topics in Choreography. 3 Units.
Introduction and investigation of advanced topics in choreography including but not limited to dance and technology, directing ensemble dance, and dance and the narrative. This course work is explored in the format of in-studio practicum and lecture, discussion, and peer and instructor review of student generated work. Structured studies will be developed under instructor supervision; students will be required to dedicate time and energy in the studio outside of class meetings to develop choreography studies for in-class presentation and review.
Prereq: DANC 414 and DANC 415 and DANC 416.
DANC 445. Kinesiology for Dance. 3 Units.
Seminar and laboratory for assessment of kinesiological and biomechanical principles as related to dance. Assessment of current research will be implemented to affect cross-training protocols.
DANC 446. Topics in Dance Medicine, Science, and Wellness. 1 - 3 Units.
Review and application of continually emerging information from the fields of Dance Medicine and Science that impacts general dancer health and the care and prevention and treatment of dance specific injuries. Participation in the Dancer Wellness Program is encouraged to facilitate continued application of principles developed in DANC 345.
Offered as DANC 346 and DANC 446.
DANC 447. Dancer Wellness Research. 1 - 6 Units.
This course is designed to promote research interests for those students who have had an introduction to the field of Dancer Wellness through their other coursework and/or participation in the Dancer Wellness Program annual screening and summary profiles.
Prereq: DANC 446.
DANC 455. History of Modern Dance. 3 Units.
Origin and development of modern dance in its historical context.
DANC 460. Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I. 1 - 3 Units.
Ballet Technique for Dancers will focus on developing the ballet skills required of the contemporary dancer. The technical level of the class will range from intermediate to advanced where applicable in barre work as well as center.
Offered as DANC 360 and DANC 460.
DANC 461. Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II. 1 - 3 Units.
Ballet Technique for Dancers will focus on developing the ballet skills required of the contemporary dancer. The technical level of the class will range from intermediate to advanced where applicable in barre work as well as center.
Offered as DANC 361 and DANC 461.
Prereq: DANC 460.
DANC 485. Rehearsal, Performance and Production. 1 - 6 Units.
(See DANC 385.)
DANC 505. Music Resources for Contemporary Dance. 1 - 3 Units.
Resources in the various periods and styles of music for the dancer/choreographer. Study of the choreographic use of music.
DANC 509. Introduction to Performance Theory. 1 - 3 Units.
This independent study oriented course is designed to acquaint the dance student with the major theoretical writings and practices of performance theory. Areas of exploration may include anthropological, mythological, psychological, and cultural sources of art, performance, and the creative impulse.
DANC 535. Contemporary Dance Pedagogy. 3 Units.
The study and investigation of the approaches and methods of teaching contemporary dance. Detailed study is made of kinesthetic, oral, and creative factors in teaching dance. Opportunity to assist and teach under supervision.
Offered as DANC 335 and DANC 535.
DANC 601. Special Projects. 1 - 3 Units.
(Credit as arranged.)
DANC 610. Professional Internship. 1 - 4 Units.
Involvement in intensive internships with professional dance companies, private studios, festivals, workshops or clinics to bridge the academic and professional lives. Internships may be scheduled for varying lengths of time.
DANC 640. M.F.A. Thesis Production I. 3 Units.
Preproduction conception in area of specialization researched and documented under appointed advisement, in accord with production syllabus, and subcommittee approval.
DANC 641. M.F.A. Thesis Production II. 3 Units.
Production implementation, post production evaluation/defense, and advisory assessment.
DANC 644. M.A. Project. 1 - 12 Units.
Research and development of a Master of Arts project in Dance.