Dance Minor FAQs
"Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself."
- Havelock Ellis
What is the goal of the Dance Minor program?
To encourage original and exciting student choreographic work. The modern history course provides a context for understanding modern dance and the composition courses provide the tools to help students explore and experiment with their own movement ideas.
What courses are required for the Dance Minor and when are they offered?
Danc 220 - History of Modern Dance (Spring)
Danc 305 - Dance Composition I (Fall)
Danc 306 - Dance Composition II (Spring)
Danc 401 and 401L - Group Choreography (Fall)
Danc 406 - Independent Projects in Dance
4 credits in Modern III and/or Modern IV (Fall and Spring)
Elective credits as needed for a minimum of 22 credits of dance courses to complete the minor. View the syllabi for dance courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least one Theatre course as part of completing the Dance minor. Courses addressing production and performance are most strongly recommended including THEA 201 (Beginning Acting), THEA 213 (Intro to Lighting), THEA 307 (Costume Patterning and Construction), and THEA 312 (Sound Design). This list is not exhaustive and other options may be discussed with any dance faculty member.
What order should these courses be taken in?
Danc 305 is the first in the choreography sequence of 305-306-401-406. The latest this sequence can be started is Fall of the junior year. Danc 220 and modern technique can be taken at any time.
Are both Modern III and Modern IV required?
No, 4 credits from either level is fine.
Who are the advisors for the Dance Minor?
- Joan Gavaler 757-221-2785, [[jsgava, jsgava@wm.edu]]
- Leah Glenn 757-221-2782, [[lfglen, lfglen@wm.edu]]
- Denise Damon Wade 757-221-2786, [[dydamo, dydamo@wm.edu]]
How do I declare a dance minor?
When you have registered for the last course you need to complete the minor, fill out the declaration form and bring it to a dance faculty member to copy and sign. When you deliver the form to the Registrar, they will enter the information in your permanent record.
I’m a double major. Can I do the Dance Minor even though I won’t be able to formally declare the minor?
Yes!
I’m not sure if I want to minor in Dance. Can I enroll in Dance History (220) and Composition (305) to find out if this is right for me?
Yes!