College of Performing Arts

Dale Merrill, M.F.A., Interim Dean

Rick Christophersen, M.A., Administrative Director

The College of Performing Arts brings together Chapman University’s Conservatory of Music and the departments of dance and theatre. This partnership strengthens each discipline, while positioning the College of Performing Arts as the cultural and aesthetic center of the university. Students will enjoy the college's atmosphere, which combines scholarship, creativity, free expression and intellectual curiosity through both curricular offerings and a broad spectrum of cultural events. College of Performing Arts students also have many opportunities to perform at special events, such as Chapman’s American Celebration, a Broadway-style musical review that serves as the university’s largest annual fundraiser. Under the leadership of Dean William Hall, Chapman University has plans for a new performing arts complex on the Orange campus that will serve the needs of our students and the entire community.

Department of Dance

Nancy Dickson-Lewis, M.F.A., Chair

Associate Professors: Merrill;

Assistant Professors: Dickson-Lewis, Kish, Maxwell, Okouchi-Guy.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance

Admittance to the department of dance is by audition.

The mission of the Chapman University department of dance is to develop well–rounded and versatile independent artists to excel in careers of teaching, choreography and performance of dance.

The department of dance offers both a bachelor of fine arts and a bachelor of arts degree. The bachelor of arts degree is a broad-based program requiring 47 credits, which allows students to take electives in other disciplines and makes it possible to pursue double majors or minors. The bachelor of fine arts program is designed for students who plan to enter the world of dance as professional performers or choreographers. This course of study in intensive technique training, history, choreography, dance science and pedagogy requires 77 credits.

Students pursuing a degree in the department of dance must maintain at least a 2.000 GPA in the major. All courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a "C" (not a "C–") or higher.

Departmental Opportunities

• Fall faculty choreographed dance concert.
• Spring student choreographed dance concerts.
• American Celebration musical theatre revue performance each fall.
• Dance Tour: program recruitment tour.
• Opportunities to crew productions.
• The student–governed Chapman Dance Alliance.
• Dance Clubs: Team Shaka and Chapman Dance Team.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors are given to those students that have exhibited a professional demeanor and made an outstanding contribution of their time and efforts to the department of dance while maintaining a GPA of 3.500 or higher.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Acceptance to the BA in dance is by audition only. The curriculum is designed to provide students with dance training within the context of a liberal arts degree, and to provide the basis for further involvement in professional dance, education, or graduate study. Students are expected to achieve technical competency in a variety of dance styles and gain experience in choreography, performance, production and teaching. Also emphasized is an understanding of dance history, dance science and the role of dance in culture and education.

Technique and Performance Studies

Dance majors are placed in technique levels by audition. It is suggested that BA in dance majors take a minimum of 2 technique classes per semester. Dance technique classes may be repeated for credit as content changes each semester. Students performing are required to be enrolled in a minimum of one technique class.

core requirements (32 credits)

dance technique requirements (12 credits)

three courses from the modern dance sequence

three courses from the jazz sequence

three courses from the ballet sequence

three credits from the following

electives (3 credits)

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance

Acceptance to the BFA in dance is by audition only and is for currently enrolled dance majors who demonstrate excellence in technique, artistry, and performance. In order to be considered for the BFA program, students must qualify for advanced level technique courses and have performed in two dance concerts.

The BFA program is designed to provide students with rigorous dance training within the context of a liberal arts education and to provide the basis for further involvement in professional dance, education, or graduate study. Students are expected to achieve competency in advanced levels of modern dance, ballet, and jazz technique and gain experience in choreography, performance, production, dance science and teaching. Also emphasized is an understanding of dance history and the role of dance in culture and education. Students are provided with a wide variety of production opportunities to demonstrate understanding of acquired knowledge. All BFA students are required to take at least one daily technique class. Course enrollment and participation will be monitored by the BFA dance advisor.

Technique and Performance Studies

core requirements (41 credits)

performance requirements (5 credits)

dance technique requirements (22 credits)

six courses from the modern dance sequence

six courses from the jazz sequence

six courses from the ballet sequence

two credits of the following

two credits of the following

electives (9 credits)

Minor in Dance

Students interested in completing the minor in dance can apply for minor status after one semester of study within the department (minimum of one technique class). For acceptance as a minor, students must submit an application and attend the dance minor audition held each spring (see dance department administrator for details). All dance students are placed in technique levels by audition or evaluation. Dance technique classes may be repeated for credit as content changes each semester. Higher level technique classes may be used to fulfill lower level technique requirements. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper--division.

requirements (15 credits)

one credit of the following (1 credit) - courses generally offered every semester

two of the following (6 credits) - courses not offered every semester

Course Descriptions – Dance

DANC 113 Dance Performance

Prerequisite, audition, or consent of instructor. This course is designed for those students who have been given performance responsibilities in dance productions. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 130 Hip–Hop

This dance activity course is designed to teach participants basic hip–hop dance vocabulary and style. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 132 Modern Dance

Prerequisite, non-majors, or minors only. This dance activity course is designed for non-majors and dance minors with previous dance experience and will introduce students to movement concepts, vocabulary, and style specific to modern dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 134 Jazz

Prerequisite, non-majors, or minors only. This dance activity course is designed for non-majors and dance minors with previous dance experience and will introduce students to movement concepts, vocabulary, and style specific to jazz dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 136 Ballet

Prerequisite, non-majors, or minors only. This dance activity course is designed for non-majors and dance minors with previous dance experience and will introduce students to movement concepts, vocabulary, and style specific to ballet. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 138 Tap Dance

Prerequisite, prior experience in tap dance. This dance activity course is designed as a progressive development of beginning to low intermediate movement concepts, skills, vocabulary, and style specific to tap dance. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 139 Ballroom Dance

This dance activity course is an introduction to social dancing with an emphasis on American ballroom dances: fox trot, waltz, swing, and Latin ballroom dances: cha cha, mambo, and tango. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 141 Introduction to Dance Studies

Prerequisite, dance major, or dance minor. Through discussion, lecture, critical analysis, readings, and other assignments, this course will present an introduction to dance history and philosophy, professional ethics, dance production issues and practice, and dance as an art form and popular entertainment. Self-analysis, goal setting, and career options will also be explored. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 172 Modern Dance

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes the fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 174 Jazz

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes the fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 176 Ballet

Prerequisite, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 220 Special Studies in Dance Technique

Prerequisites, DANC 272, 274, 276, dance major, consent of chair. This course is designed to provide greater depth and breadth of instruction and exploration of dance topics and techniques. Topics will include study with artists in modern dance, jazz, ballet, partnering, movement analysis systems, and improvisation. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

DANC 229 Experimental Course

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This course is designed to provide additional opportunities to explore experimental areas and subjects of special interest. It may be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

DANC 230 Intermediate Hip-Hop

Prerequisite, DANC 130, or consent of instructor. This dance activity course is an intermediate study of hip–hop and is designed for students with prior hip–hop dance experience. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) ½ credit.

DANC 233 Pointe

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This course is an introduction and development of pointe technique for the intermediate and advanced ballet student. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 238 Intermediate Tap Dance

Prerequisite, departmental placement, or consent of instructor. This dance technique course is designed as a progressive development of intermediate movement concepts, skills, vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to tap dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 239 Intermediate Ballroom Dance

Prerequisite, DANC 139, or consent of instructor. This dance activity course will prepare students to execute and perform intermediate ballroom technique. The course content will include skills and competencies applicable to compete in Dance Sport competitions as a Newcomer, Pre–Bronze, Bronze I or full Bronze level, contingent upon each student's understanding of the presented material. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 250 Dance Repertory

Prerequisite, DANC 172, or consent of instructor. For interested dance students, this course is designed to provide greater depth and breadth of instruction and exploration of dance topics and techniques. Topics may include study with artists in modern dance, jazz, ballet partnering, movement analysis systems, and improvisation. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

DANC 260 Yoga for Dancers

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of yogic philosophy. Included in the training will be breathing and meditation techniques, anatomical awareness, and the use of imagery in order to integrate the students' functional and creative potential. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

DANC 261 Somatics: An Exploration of the Mind/Body Experience

This course is designed to provide movement integration for the dance student, in order to develop anatomically correct function in the body and awareness of expressive intention. Included in the training will be developmental movement patterning, yogic principles, applied kinesiology, Bartenieff Fundamentals, and Laban Movement Analysis. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 267 Conditioning for Dance

This course is designed to provide supplemental training for dancers. Included in the training will be Pilates principles, injury prevention, and kinesiological awareness designed to improve the students level of dance performance and technique. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 272 Modern Dance

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 274 Jazz

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz dance. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 276 Ballet

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. This course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 280 Dance Improvisation

Prerequisite, DANC 132, or 172. This course focuses on creating and developing movement through dance improvisation in solos, duets, and groups. Contact improvisation and partnering, the uses of improvisation in choreography and performance, and the creative process will be explored. Students will be guided toward finding their own artistic voice through movement, discussion, and writing. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered spring semester.) 2 credits.

DANC 281 Choreography I

Prerequisites, DANC 141, 280. This course is an exploration of movement and analytical study of the art of making dances. The course will concentrate on the four basic elements of composition: space, shape, time, and energy, and will include discussions and readings about the creative process. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 290 Independent Internship

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) ½ -3 credits.

DANC 299 Individual Study

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

DANC 310 Dance Ensemble

Prerequisite, audition. This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students will gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Choreography will subsequently be presented in various educational settings in surrounding areas. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 1 credit.

DANC 311 Dance Performance and Study Tour

Prerequisite, audition, or consent of instructor. This course is a combined field experience in dance performance and study in selected regions or countries, one being selected for each course. Fee: $75. (Offered interterm, alternate years.) 2 credits.

DANC 313 Dance Performance

Prerequisite, audition, or consent of instructor. Designed for those students who have been given performance responsibilities in dance productions. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 329 Experimental Course

This course is designed to provide additional opportunities to explore experimental areas and subjects of special interest. It may be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

DANC 338 Advanced Tap Dance

Prerequisite, departmental placement, or consent of instructor. This dance technique course is designed as a progressive development of advanced movement concepts, skills, vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to tap dance. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

DANC 340 Principles of Dance Production

Prerequisites, DANC 141, 281, or consent of instructor. This course is designed to introduce students to the elements of technical theater specific to a dance production and to prepare students to organize a production in a variety of media. The course covers the fundamentals of lighting and costume design; sound/music/video recording and other multi-media devices; and basic elements of production management such as contracts, labor issues, budgets, facility rentals, marketing, and fundraising. Lab experience in technical theatre is included. Fee $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 342 Dance in Film

Prerequisite, DANC 281. Dance in Film will provide an overview of dance produced for the camera. Students will view, analyze, critique, and research dance produced for the mediums of television, video, and film. This course will examine the unique differences of dance created for the camera versus dance solely produced for live performance. In addition, students will be introduced to the practical applications of creating dance for the camera. Students will direct, shoot, and edit a dance in film project as a final assignment. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 347 Music for Dancers

Prerequisite, DANC 281. This course is a study of selected music fundamentals emphasizing rhythmic skills, structural analysis of music, and basic music vocabulary. Additional activities include an introduction to historical trends and styles in music, the study of musical forms, and skills for working with musicians. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 353 Dance in World Cultures

This course is a study of dance as a performing art, expression of religious faith, vehicle for social interaction, and popular entertainment. The role of dance in world cultures, emergence of social dance, and historical development of performance are explored through reading, videos, discussion, and attendance of live performances. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 360 Movement Anatomy and Exercise Physiology

This course is designed to introduce students to human anatomy and exercise physiology. Students will learn the terminology and processes of the human body with significant emphasis placed on the response of the human body to movement and exercise as well as to rest and disease. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 361 Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention

Prerequisite, DANC 360. Anatomical and mechanical principles which relate to human movement are reviewed, as well as the analysis, management, and prevention of dance injuries and analysis of body types and technical ability and the means by which to improve dance ability. Aspects of teaching safe technique classes and alternative methods will also be explored. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 372 Modern Dance

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed as a progressive development of complex movement concepts, skills, vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 374 Jazz

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed as a progressive development of complex movement concepts, skills, vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 376 Ballet

Prerequisites, dance major, consent of chair. This dance technique course is designed for junior and senior dance majors and includes the concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

DANC 377 BFA Dance Techniques

Prerequisite, BFA major, or consent of instructor. This dance technique course is designed for dance majors and includes concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression in a variety of dance styles. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

DANC 381 Choreography II

Prerequisite, DANC 281, or consent of instructor. This course builds on the skills of DANC 281. Critical evaluation and analysis is emphasized. An emphasis on creative resources for choreography will be explored through reading, discussion, and improvisation. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 382 Choreography Workshop

Prerequisites, DANC 281, 381, or consent of instructor. This course will concentrate on the creation of dances around a theme utilizing large and/or small groups as well as solo composition. This course is designed to lead choreographers through the process of building dances to the level of performance. Completed choreography will be presented in concert. May be repeated for credit. (Offered spring semester.) 1–3 credits.

DANC 399 Individual Study

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

DANC 420 Special Studies in Dance Technique

Prerequisites, DANC 272, 274, 276, dance major, or consent of instructor. For intermediate and advanced dance majors, this course is designed to provide greater depth and breadth of instruction and exploration of dance topics and techniques. Topics will include study with artists in modern dance, jazz, ballet, partnering, movement analysis systems, and improvisation. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

DANC 429 Experimental Course

This course is designed to provide additional opportunities to explore experimental areas and subjects of interest. It may be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

DANC 440 Dance Teaching Methods

Prerequisites, DANC 141, 172, 174, 176. This course educates the student in methods of teaching dance in secondary school, community college, university, and dance studio settings. (Much of the course material is applicable to dance education in K–8.) It encompasses the basic objectives of dance education, and the components of excellence in teaching, physical training, fitness, and art. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 453 Dance History: Forces and Figures

Prerequisites, DANC 141, 281, or consent of instructor. This course is a comprehensive comparative study of dance in the 20th and 21st centuries. The focus is on significant trends and individuals who shaped the development of modern dance, ballet, jazz, and vernacular dance in the modern era. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 490 Independent Internship

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) ½ -3 credits.

DANC 498 Senior Seminar

Prerequisites, DANC 141, 281, 340, 347, 360, dance major. This course represents a capstone of study in the dance major and each student will complete an individually designed project. Students will complete a research, choreographic, or production project subject to departmental approval. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

DANC 499 Individual Study

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Individual research and projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.