OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you have the talent and a desire to perform? Do the grace, beauty, and power of the human form inspire you? Does the challenge and satisfaction of dance motivate you? Have you ever wanted to be part of a live dance production as a choreographer, performer, artistic director, producer, designer, or a member of a dance production crew? Do you aspire to choreograph, perform, and produce your own style of dance? Have you ever wanted to become a member of a touring dance company or work in the television, film, or music video industry? Are you interested in owning your own dance studio or teaching dance in the public schools or at a university or college? Then a major in Dance may be the right choice for you.
Creative involvement in all forms of dance characterizes the dance program at Colorado State. The dance curriculum includes courses in ballet, modern, and jazz technique, choreography, repertory, history, dance appreciation, production and teaching methods. Students will have a theoretical foundation complete with practical experience in the area of dance education and a basic working knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and various movement theories relating to dance techniques. Students are placed in the technique level where they may best be challenged toward developing expertise in many forms and styles of dance. Close supervision and personal evaluations help monitor a student’s progress. Visiting guest artists teach master classes and workshops and choreograph for the students on a regular basis. Graduates will achieve an intermediate/advanced level of proficiency in modern, jazz, and ballet technique and have a solid knowledge and appreciation of the history and philosophy of dance from many cultures and time periods. .
Many performing, choreography, and teaching opportunities are available. Students and faculty collaborate to produce works that incorporate many styles of dance, including the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts, Senior Concerts, and Studio Night. Dance students are encouraged to audition for departmental musical and opera productions of which all three areas in the Department - music, theater, and dance - collaborate. There are also performing and teaching opportunities in the community with the CSU touring dance group, local public schools, and dance companies in the Fort Collins area. Creative and Performing Arts Awards are available for talented dance majors.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* A broad liberal arts education
* Competence in several dance techniques including: ballet, modern, and jazz
* Theoretical and practical experience in choreography
* Theoretical and practical experience in dance teaching methods including anatomy and kinesiology.
* An understanding of the history of dance
* Experience in various aspects of dance production, designs and techniques of costuming, sound and lighting, publicity, and makeup
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Dance careers are rigorous and demanding, requiring years of training and discipline. Dance professionals must be versatile with a broad base of experiences in dance or related fields. Dance majors often select a second major such as music, theatre, business, occupational therapy, technical journalism, or exercise and sport science to enhance their job prospects. Experience acquired through extracurricular performances or internships is highly recommended to enhance your practical training, development, and career opportunities. Students are encouraged to go on for advanced study at the graduate level in dance in order to secure teaching positions in higher education.
Listed below are some of the career opportunities in Dance:
* Professional dancer
* Professional choreographer
* Artistic director
* University/College faculty
* Studio owner and faculty
* Conservatory/School faculty
* Dance critic/teacher
* Dance therapist
* Dance somatic specialist
* Arts manager
* Lighting designer
* Costume designer
* Sound designer
* Scenic designer
* Theatre technician
* Production crew
* Producer
* Fashion coordinator
* Special events coordinator
* Makeup artist
* Musical theatre director
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Performing Arts Advisory Council
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MORE INFORMATION
School of the Arts
Division of Dance & Theatre
349 General Services Building
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6330
http://www.dancetheatre.colostate.edu/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center College Liaison
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-8008
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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