Dance Specialization

Students enrolling in the dance specialization 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. 20 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 specialization. Upon graduation, the dance specialization is notated on the student’s transcript.

Required Courses

  • THR 257 - Movement for the Performer (2-4 credits)

    • Offered every year

  • DAN 353 - Laban Studies (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Fall odd year semesters
    Prerequisite: THR 257. Restrictions: not open to freshmen

  • DAN 354 - Choreography and Production (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Spring even year semesters
    Prerequisite: THR 257 and 2 credits of Dance Technique offering. Restrictions: not open to freshmen

  • DAN 455 - History of Dance to 1900 (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Fall even year semesters
    Prerequisite: University Tier I writing course. Restrictions: not open to freshmen or sophomores

  • DAN 456 - History of Dance since 1900s (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Spring odd year semesters
    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 SPECIALIZATION - 20 Cr

For an appointment to set up the Specialization, please contact:

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

Dance Specialization Information Sheet (PDF)