Dance
Program Description
The Colorado Mesa University Dance program offers a broad, liberal arts approach to studying dance and movement. CMU’s BA in Dance curriculum is unique in that we provide a strong technical foundation across a variety of dance styles. Students develop versatility and an appreciation for historical roots and current trends in the field. Within a supportive learning community, students engage in rigorous technical training and are invited to explore creative experimentation and collaborative possibilities.
Dance majors are immersed in a holistic approach to dance studies with coursework in various dance forms, somatic practices, conditioning, movement analysis, dance history, choreography, pedagogy, dance company, and experiential anatomy. Students have numerous opportunities to choreograph, perform, and teach throughout their degree. Students develop skills in various technical styles, critical thinking, creative experimentation/scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communication within a supportive learning environment.
Special Requirements
Students seeking admission as dance majors must successfully audition for acceptance into the program. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission into one of these programs. Prospective theatre majors should consult the Theatre Department website or contact the department directly for information regarding audition dates and requirements. Prospective students interested in departmental scholarships must audition no later than May 1 of the year they seek admission.
Contact Information
Department of Theatre Arts
Moss Performing Arts Center 141
970.248.1242
DANC 115 Dance Appreciation-GTAH13 Credits
Exploration of the roots and trends of the art of dance, from the primitive to the contemporary. Introduction of aesthetic guidelines for looking at dance as it relates to America and the world.
Essential Learning Categories: Fine Arts
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 140 Dance Company and Production2 Credits
Experience in elements that go into creating a dance production, including: rehearsal, choreography, performance, collaboration, and community engagement. For first year students.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DANC 154 Dance Team1 Credit
Participation on the Mavettes Dance Team at the freshman standing level. Audition or permission of instructor required. Only one credit hour of DANC 154 counts as a KINA activity credit.
DANC 156 Dance Performance1 Credit
Participation in the creation and production of a dance choreographed by faculty, guest artist, and/or student choreographer. Students participate in an audition. For first year students.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 160 Beginning Ballet1 Credit
Introduction to ballet technique for students interested in completing a wellness requirement.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 169 Beginning Modern Dance1 Credit
Introduction to modern technique for students interested in completing a wellness requirement.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 174 Beginning Jazz Dance1 Credit
Introduction to jazz technique for students interested in completing a wellness requirement.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 177 Beginning Tap Dance1 Credit
Introduction to tap technique for students interested in completing a wellness requirement.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 180 Beginning Hip Hop Dance1 Credit
Introduction to Hip Hop technique for students interested in completing a wellness requirement.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 181 Ballet I2 Credits
Study of ballet technique at the beginner level.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 182 Jazz I2 Credits
Study of jazz dance technique at the beginner level.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 183 Contemporary Modern I2 Credits
Study of contemporary modern dance technique at the beginner level.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 184 Tap I2 Credits
Study of tap technique at the beginner level.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 185 Hip Hop I2 Credits
Study of Hip Hop dance at the beginner level.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 196 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
DANC 220 Moving Anatomy and Wellness3 Credits
Introduction to principles of embodied wellness, experiential and functional anatomy, and somatic conditioning practices.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 222 Dance Conditioning3 Credits
Introduction to musculoskeletal system as it applies to cross-conditioning for dancers and other performing artists and athletes. Best practices in stretching, strength training, and injury prevention.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 230 Contemporary Modern IIA2 Credits
Study of contemporary modern dance at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 183.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 231 Contemporary Modern IIB2 Credits
Continued study of contemporary modern dance at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 183.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 232 Jazz IIA2 Credits
Continued study of jazz dance technique at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 182.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 233 Jazz IIB2 Credits
Continued study of jazz dance technique at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 182.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 234 Ballet IIA2 Credits
Study of ballet at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 181.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 235 Ballet IIB2 Credits
Continued study of ballet at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 181.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 236 Tap IIA2 Credits
Study of tap technique at an advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 184.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 237 Tap IIB2 Credits
Continued study of tap technique at the advanced beginner level.
Prerequisites: DANC 184.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 240 Dance Company and Production2 Credits
Experience in elements that go into creating a production, including: rehearsal, choreography, performance, collaboration, and community engagement. For second year students.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DANC 250 Dance Improvisation2 Credits
Introduction to and application of basic theories of dance improvisation.
DANC 254 Dance Team1 Credit
Participation on the Mavettes Dance Team at the sophomore standing level.
DANC 256 Dance Performance1 Credit
Participation in the creation and performance of a dance choreographed by faculty, guest artist, and/or student choreographer. Students must participate in an audition. For second year students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor by audition.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 260 Movement Analysis and Improvisation3 Credits
Introduction to the functional and expressive elements of human movement with a specific emphasis on Laban Movement Analysis, improvisation, and creative practice.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 285 Hip Hop II2 Credits
Study of Hip Hop dance at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 185.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 290 Choreography Practicum I1 Credit
Student practice in choreography and producing an original dancework. May be repeated once for credit.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 296 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
DANC 310 Dance Pedagogy3 Credits
Theory and application of methods of teaching dance techniques.
Prerequisites: Must have completed three of the following: DANC 230, DANC 231, DANC 232, DANC 233, DANC 234, DANC 235, DANC 285, DANC 330, DANC 331, DANC 332, DANC 333, DANC 334, DANC 335, or DANC 385.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 315 History and Philosophy of Dance3 Credits
Study of the history and development of concert and theatrical dance, emphasizing 20th and 21st century dance.
Prerequisites: ENGL 112.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 316 History and Philosophy of Dance II3 Credits
Cultural, historic, and aesthetic exploration of dance in the 20th Century.
Prerequisites: DANC 315.
DANC 330 Contemporary Modern IIIA2 Credits
Study of contemporary modern dance at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 230 or DANC 231.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 331 Contemporary Modern IIIB2 Credits
Continued study of contemporary modern dance at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 230 or DANC 231.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 332 Jazz IIIA2 Credits
Study of jazz dance technique at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 232 or DANC 233.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 333 Jazz IIIB2 Credits
Continued study of jazz dance technique at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 232 or DANC 233.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 334 Ballet IIIA2 Credits
Study of ballet at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 234 or DANC 235.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 335 Ballet IIIB2 Credits
Continued study of ballet at the Intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 234 or DANC 235.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 336 Tap IIIA2 Credits
Study of tap dance at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 236 or DANC 237.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 337 Tap IIIB2 Credits
Continued study of tap dance at an intermediate level.
Prerequisites: DANC 236 or DANC 237.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 340 Dance Company and Production2 Credits
Experience in elements that go into creating a production, including: rehearsal, choreography, performance, collaboration, and community engagement. For third year students.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DANC 354 Dance Team1 Credit
Participation on the Mavettes Dance Team at the junior standing level.
DANC 355 Choreography and Creative Practice3 Credits
Investigation and application of theories of choreography and creative practice, including critical analysis of the art form.
Prerequisites: DANC 260.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 356 Dance Performance1 Credit
Participation in the creation and performance of a dance choreographed by faculty, guest artist, and/or student choreographer. Students must participate in an audition. For third year students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor by audition.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 385 Hip Hop III2 Credits
Study of Hip Hop dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 285.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 390 Choreography Practicum II1 Credit
Student practice in choreography and producing an original dance work. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: DANC 290 or permission of instructor.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 395 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
DANC 396 Topics:1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
DANC 430 Contemporary Modern IVA2 Credits
Study of contemporary modern dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 330 or DANC 331.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 431 Contemporary Modern IVB2 Credits
Continued study of contemporary modern dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 330 or DANC 331.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 432 Jazz IVA2 Credits
Study of jazz dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 332 or DANC 333.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 433 Jazz IVB2 Credits
Continued study of jazz dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 332 or DANC 333.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 434 Ballet IVA2 Credits
Study of ballet technique at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 334 or DANC 335.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 435 Ballet IVB2 Credits
Continued study of ballet technique at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 334 or DANC 335.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 436 Tap IVA2 Credits
Study of tap dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 336 or DANC 337.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 437 Tap IVB2 Credits
Continued study of tap dance at the advanced level.
Prerequisites: DANC 336 or DANC 337.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 440 Dance Company and Production2 Credits
Experience in elements that go into creating a production, including: rehearsal, choreography, performance, collaboration, and community engagement. For fourth year students.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DANC 454 Dance Team1 Credit
Participation on the Mavettes Dance Team at the senior standing level.
DANC 456 Dance Performance1 Credit
Student participation in the creation and performance of a dance choreographed by faculty, guest artist, and/or student choreographer. Students must participate in an audition. For fourth year students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor by audition.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 490 Choreography Practicum III1 Credit
Student practice in choreography and producing an original dance work.
Prerequisites: DANC 390 or permission of instructor.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
DANC 494 Senior Dance Capstone3 Credits
Research and sharing of a creative and/or scholarly project to demonstrate skills necessary to enter the professional field of dance. Completion of a professional portfolio.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
DANC 495 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
DANC 496 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
DANC 499 Internship1-9 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.