Minor in Dance (Effective Fall 2010)

Students enrolling in the minor in dance program pursue a course of studies that introduces them to dance as a performing concert art form. Students will experience the disciplined technique and creative processes involved in dance while developing an awareness of its historical, cultural and analytical aspects. 19 credits are required.

Students must regularly meet with their dance advisor. These meetings serve to inform students of needed prerequisites, course availability, placement in the dance technique offerings and general progress toward the successful fulfillment of the minor. Upon graduation, the minor in dance is notated on the student’s transcript.

Required Courses (10 credits):

  • DAN 253 - Dance Improvisation (2-4 credits)

    • Offered Fall, Spring and Summer every year

  • DAN 300 - Dance Practicum (1 credit)

    • Offered Fall, Spring and Summer every year


  • THR 300 - Production (1 credit)

    • Offered Fall, Spring and Summer every year
    Restriction: Approval of Department.

  • DAN 353 - Laban Studies (3 credits)

    • Offered Fall every year
    Prerequisite: DAN 253. Restriction: not open to freshmen

  • DAN 354 - Dance Choreography (3 credits)

    • Offered Spring every year
    Prerequisite: DAN 253 and 2 credits of Dance Technique offering. Restriction: not open to freshmen

    ONE of the following courses (3 credits):

  • DAN 455 - Dance Studies: Traditions (3 credits)

    • Offered Fall every year
    Prerequisite: University Tier I writing course. Restrictions: not open to freshmen or sophomores

  • DAN 456 - Dance Studies: Innovations (3 credits)

    • Offered Spring every year
    Restrictions: not open to freshmen or sophomores

6 Credits of DANCE TECHNIQUE taken from the following:

  • DAN 351 - Dance Technique I (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for low intermediate-to-intermediate level dancer

  • DAN 352 - Dance Technique II (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for the intermediate level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 351 or instructor permission

  • DAN 451 - Dance Technique III (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for high intermediate to advanced level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 352 or instructor permission

  • DAN 452 - Dance Technique IV (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for high intermediate to advanced level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 451 or instructor permission

TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS IN MINOR IN DANCE - 19 Cr

For an appointment to set up the Minor in Dance, please contact:

Sherrie Barr MFA, CMA
Director of Dance
Associate Professor of Theatre
149D Auditorium
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517)355-0329 or barrsh@msu.edu

Minor in Dance Information Sheet (PDF)