»Dance Studies Minor
The Dance Studies Minor at Chapman University offers students from all academic backgrounds the opportunity to engage deeply with dance as an embodied and intellectual practice. Designed for non-dance majors, the program combines rigorous coursework in dance history, theory, and science, with studio-based training providing a holistic understanding of the art form.
The Minor is geared for individuals with dance backgrounds. With flexible course options, the Minor supports students in following their passion for dance alongside their primary field of study.
The Dance Minor is open to students to all majors besides Dance BA or Dance Performance BFA. In the minor, you will:
- Continue your skills a dancer.
- Take technique classes across different genres.
- Have the chance to perform in shows on campus.
- Be able to follow your passion with enough flexibility to earn your bachelor’s degree in a separate subject.
What You'll Learn
The Dance Minor focuses on broad dance studies:
- Dance history
- Anatomy
- Theory
- And training practices
As a Dance Minor, you can continue your training in dance technique with classes in:
- Ballet
- Hip-hop
- Jazz
- Modern dance
- Tap dance
- And more
As you progress through the Minor, you can choose to take elective classes in:
- Somatics
- Yoga
- Dance in film
- Pilates teacher training
- Movement anatomy
- And more
Student-led Clubs and Organizations
Many Dance Minors participate in our on-campus dance clubs and organizations and make friends and connections, gain experience, and prepare for their career. At Chapman, our student-led dance clubs and organizations give you opportunities to:
- Audition to perform in pieces beyond what is available through the department.
- Choreograph for student-run dance concerts.
- Build professional skills that you can use in a dance career—or any career.
- Make friends and colleagues you’ll work with throughout college and beyond.
Opportunities for Minors
Dance Minors can present research at the Chapman Undergraduate Student Scholar Symposium.
Dance Minors can perform on campus in both informal and formal events. The Dance Department offers Minors the option to audition and perform in our Works-In-Progress concert and the Frameworks Dance concert in the spring. Additionally, many of our Minors join student-led dance clubs and organizations for more performance opportunities!
Dance Studies Minor Eligibility
Students interested in the Minor in Dance Studies can apply after completing one semester of study within the department, minimum one dance technique course (DANCE 132, 134 or 136 highly recommended). Spring semester of your first or second year at Chapman, students will submit an application for the Dance Studies Minor and participate in an audition. Often our Dance Minors have experience in dance training prior to attending Chapman, but all dancers interested in the Minor are eligible to apply.
If you are unsure whether the Dance Minor is a good fit for you, register for a technique class, attend a few of our concerts and get to know our dance students and faculty, and the Chapman College of Performing Arts advising team is always happy to support you.
For the full curriculum of the Dance Minor, including class and credit requirements, see our undergraduate catalog.
Should I minor in Dance?
Our Dance Minor is open to all students except those in the Dance BA or Dance Performance BFA. We encourage all eligible students passionate about dance to apply for the Minor.
Often, students who minor in Dance at Chapman are those who come from a dance background. For example, many of our Dance Minors are students who danced throughout high school but chose not to pursue dance as a major.
If you would like to continue dancing in college while earning your bachelor’s in a separate subject, the Dance Minor may be a good fit for you.
Can I minor in dance if I have no previous experience in dance classes or programs?
All eligible students passionate about dance are welcome to apply for the Minor. But keep in mind that the Dance Minor requires an audition to join, so plan accordingly.
If you are unsure whether the Dance Minor is a good fit for your experience level,
the College of Performing Arts advising team is happy to help.
