UA SCHOOL OF DANCE
The School of Dance is a vital component within the College of Fine Arts, and the University of Arizona. The vibrant ten-member faculty has extensive expertise in both the professional and academic worlds. Three of the faculty have been recipients of the prestigious Irene Putnam Award for Excellence in Teaching. Faculty are in demand nationally and internationally as teachers and scholars at festivals, workshops, schools and conferences world-wide. In 1995 the School of Dance was honored as the top department for undergraduate education at the University of Arizona (the first program on campus to receive this award), due in part to the highly interactive approach linking undergraduate students, graduate students and dance faculty members. The School of Dance is unique in its equal emphasis on Ballet, Modern Dance and Jazz dance training. The School has an enrollment of approximately 135 B.F.A. students, accepting 25-30 students each year from over 500 that audition nationally, and carries only 10-16 masters program students at any one time. The close alliance between the graduate and undergraduate students provides an opportunity for graduate students to choreograph on and perform with some of the top undergraduate dance students in the country. In addition, the triple-track program allows the graduate student to explore and gain experience, skills and knowledge in ballet, modern and/ or jazz dance. The diverse graduate population provides a sense of community in which students can learn from various perspectives.
STEVIE ELLER DANCE THEATRE
In 2003 the University of Arizona’s dance program was blessed by the completion of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. Home to the UA Dance Ensemble, dance majors rehearse and perform in this award-winning, state of the art facility. The 29,000 square foot complex, which houses a 300-seat theatre with spacious stage, full-fly system and full orchestra pit, is host to some 50 performances a year by majors in the dance program. These performances are supported as well by a costume shop, scene shop, pilates studio and ample dressing rooms. The theatre’s design -- an integration of art, movement and architecture-- features second-story studios surrounded by glass and an outdoor stage for afternoon performances. Lead architects on the project, Donna Barry and Jose Pombo (then with Gould Evans), created a space so inviting and yet so innovative that several awards announced and recognized their work. A 2003 Citation Award from the AIA and a Best Public Project over $5M were quickly followed in 2004 with the AIA Arizona Honor Award. In short order, the building was added as one of only fifteen on the list of “Arizona’s Greatest Architectural Wonders.” The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre provides a brilliant blend of form and function. The Gould Evans team created an atmosphere where their art and ours could be fused, resulting in this stunning achievement. This building will change our lives and the lives of future generations of students, artists and art patrons. -Jory Hancock, Stevie Eller Endowed Chair and Director of Dance
THE GRADUATE STUDENT
Building on a well-balanced undergraduate education, graduate students are expected to develop a thorough understanding of a specific academic discipline. A fundamental purpose of the Graduate College is to encourage each graduate student to demonstrate outstanding standards of scholarship and to produce high-quality original research, creative or artistic work. Graduate education provides an opportunity to increase knowledge, broaden understanding and develop research and artistic capability. The student’s academic achievements therefore should reflect a personal commitment to the discipline and to scholarly standards.
GRADUATE CURRICULUM
The graduate curriculum in dance allows the student to focus on teaching, research, choreography or performance for dance. It also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies with other arts, humanities and sciences in support of the student’s development as a scholar, teacher and artist. The M.F.A. degree has two emphasis areas that allow for intensive focus in performance or choreography. The program facilitates and nurtures dance artists in their area of emphasis while offering a comprehensive graduate education in dance. The M.F.A. degree is 60 units requiring 2-3 years of residency at the University of Arizona. The curriculum includes core courses and dance technique as well as courses in theory and pedagogy.
PERFORMANCE
The School of Dance 30,000 square-foot Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, christened in October 2003, is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the Center for IDEAS (Integrated Dance Education and Service). Six to eight productions are created annually, with 20-30 total performances. Touring opportunities are an important component of the programs. The UA Dance Ensemble has performed in Europe, Asia, Latin American and South America. Guest artists are regularly invited to create or stage master-works for the UA dance ensemble.
GRADUATE ADMISSION
To apply for admission for the graduate program, the candidate must have extensive dance training, hold an undergraduate degree in dance and meet the minimum requirements of the UA Graduate College. Four Steps for Graduate Application to the School of Dance: 1. MFA candidates must apply to the University of Arizona prior to auditioning for the School of Dance. 2. The School of Dance office must receive the following applicant materials prior to auditioning: • Statement of purpose letter (a brief and focused essay about one’s career or research goals) • Curriculum vitae (comprehensive resume) • Three letters of recommendation • DVD of recent work (performance/choreography) • Undergraduate transcripts 3. Mail the above audition requirements to: University of Arizona School of Dance, 121 Gittings Building ATTN. Graduate Advisor Tucson, AZ 85721-0093 4. A two-day physical audition is required. Auditions must be scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays to take and observe classes; show a 2-3 minute solo followed by an interview with dance faculty; teach a non-major class in one of three genres: ballet/modern/jazz; meet resident graduate students; and become familiar with the UA campus and Tucson proper.
GRADUATE ADMISSION STATUS Once your application to the Graduate College has been processed, the School of Dance will review all application materials and consider an on-campus audition/interview. Since nearly all applicants have previously earned a BFA degree in Dance, we do not encourage any applicant to apply without having already completed all prerequisites. A 2-3 year hiatus is also reccommended between completion of a BFA and entering the MFA program to demonstrat selfmotivated professional activity. Students will be admitted to enter graduate studies who meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Dance including: Demonstrated advanced level in technique in ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance. • Have completed at least one year of dance composition, achieving a grade of “B” or higher; or at least two professional compositions that have been publicly presented. • Have completed at least one year of Dance or Drama Theatre Production, achieving a grade of “B” or higher; or at least 2 years of professional experience. • Have competed at least one course each in: 1. Music history/literature, music for dance, or two years of applied music study. 2. Anatomy for Dance; Kinesiology; or Biomechanics. 3. Aesthetics of dance or the arts, or in dance ethnology/anthropology. 4. Dance History All students applying for admission to the program of study must also meet qualitative standards determined by the dance faculty including: • Review of three confidential letters of recommendation • Review of the applicant’s performance or choreographic work • Review of the student’s written Statement of Purpose • On-site audition, with personal interview
Criteria for admission to the program of study are based on the quantitative and qualitative requirements listed above, and admission will be determined according to: • Each student’s demonstrated expertise in performance or choreography • Evidence of self-motivated professional experience in the field • Potential for successful completion of the degree at the University of Arizona • Personal maturity, independence and academic and artistic integrity • THE GRE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION In conjunction with the Graduate Advisor, each student is responsible for developing a written Plan of Study. This plan is to be filed with the Graduate College during the penultimate semester in residence. Students must complete 60 units of graduate level courses. The specific Dance Graduate Curriculum for the MFA in Dance is designed with the option in either Choreography and/or Performance.
GRADUATE FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Only after acceptance can the School of Dance offer graduate support in the form of Teaching Assistantships which include an out-of-state tuition waiver, Graduate Tuition Scholarships, and the possibility of additional Graduate College Fellowship Awards. IMPORTANT ONLINE LINKS: http://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/apply-now/ http://dance.arizona.edu/students/future_students/admissions/graduate/ http://dance.arizona.edu/
DANCE GRADUATE CURRICULUM MFA IN DANCE WITH AN OPTION IN CHOREOGRAPHY Course #
Course Name
Units
Type
DNC545A
Advanced Choreography
4 total
GO
DNC545B
Advanced Choreography
4 total
CC
DNC555
Biomechanics for Dancers
3
CC
DNC546A
Careers in Dance
3
CC
Technique Classes
Some combination of the following: DNC540A and/or B Advanced Ballet DNC541A and/or B Advanced Modern DNC544A and/or B Advanced Jazz DNC551B Ballet Repertoire DNC539A Advanced Pointe
DNC591 001
7 total
CC
Preceptorship (Teaching Methods)
1
GO
DNC591 002
Preceptorship (Large Lecture)
3
GO
DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Based on student’s plan of study)
3
GO
DNC596A
Critical Issues in Dance
3
GO
DNC596E
Seminar in Music and Dance Collaborations
3
CC
DNC595A
Teaching Methods for Dance
3
CC
DNC696A
Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
4 total
GO
DNC694A 001
Master’s Project in Choreography (2 projects)
6 total
DNC909 001
Masters Report Choreography (Final project)
9
GO GO
TOTAL
Core Curriculum
56
GO
Elective
DNC 696B Seminar in Graduate Technique
4
GO
TOTAL
MFA Total units
60
CC denotes CoConvened. Some coursework is coconvened to provide to the graduate students the benefit of dancers on which to set and present material. This is the case for DNC545 A & B, DNC596E and DNC595A. GO denotes Graduate Only courses
Studio or Related Areas: at least 65% must be studio or related areas (at least 39 units out of 60) Course # DNC545A&B Technique DNC591 001 DNC591 003 DNC596E DNC595A DNC694A 001 DNC909 001 TOTAL
Course Name Advanced Choreography Graduate Technique (2-3 units per semester) Preceptorship (Teaching methods) Preceptorship (based on student’s plan of study-could be studio class) Seminar in Music and Dance Collaborations Teaching Methods for Dance Master’s Project in Choreography (2 projects) Masters Report (Final project) Studio/Related Areas
Units 8 7 1 3 3 3 6 9 40
DANCE GRADUATE CURRICULUM MFA IN DANCE WITH AN OPTION IN CHOREOGRAPHY CONTINUED Grad Only: at least 50% must be grad only (at least 30 units out of 60) Course #
Course Name
Units
DNC591 001
Preceptorship (Teaching methods)
1
DNC591 002 DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Large Lecture) Preceptorship (Based on student’s plan of study)
3 3
DNC545A
Advanced Choreography
4
DNC596A
Critical Issues in Dance
3
DNC694A 001
Master’s Project in Choreography (2 projects)
6 total
DNC696A
Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
4 total
DNC696B
Seminar in Graduate Technique (2 units per semester)
4 total
DNC909 001
Masters Report (Final project)
9
TOTAL
Grad Only courses
37
Academic: at least 15% must be academic (at least 9 units out of 60) Course #
Name of Course
Units
DNC 546A
Careers in Dance
3
DNC555
Biomechanics
3
DNC591 002 DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Large Lecture) Preceptorship (Could be an academic class)
3 3
DNC596A
Critical Issues in Dance
3
DNC696A
Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
4
TOTAL
Academic courses
19
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS DNC696B - Seminar in Graduate Technique (elective) is a graduate only course. (2 units) This seminar course will provide an opportunity for graduate students to discuss technical training in ballet, jazz, modern and tap at the beginning and intermediate major levels. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Usually offered: Fall and Spring DNC 545A -- Advanced Choreography (2 units) (Now graduate only) Description: Movement, motif development for solo and group composition. Graduate-level requirements include completion of a full-scale group composition, which will be evaluated by the dance faculty. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Usually offered: Fall. DNC 545B -- Advanced Choreography (2 units) Description: Balancing the intuitive and intellectual components of the creative process to create meaningful and well-crafted dances. Graduate-level requirements include completion of a full-scale group composition, which will be evaluated by the dance faculty. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be convened with: DNC 445B. Usually offered: Spring. DNC595A -- Teaching Methods for Dance (3 units) Description: This course is for dance majors and dance graduate students who are interested in developing skills in teaching ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques at the beginning level. The course is designed as a workshop where students will have an opportunity to directly apply information in a classroom setting. Dance injury prevention and the application of music to the technique class are also explored. Graduate Requirements: Graduate students are expected to show an understanding of advanced concepts and to demonstrate more sophistication in their work. This should be illustrated throughout the semester through class discussions, critiques, written materials and quality of work presented. In addition, graduate students are required to register for DNC591 001 Preceptorship (1 credit) to be taken concurrently with the course. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Prerequisite(s): intermediate level ballet, jazz, or modern dance techniques. May be convened with: DNC 495A. Usually offered: Fall. DNC 596A -- Critical Issues in Dance (3 units) Description: The purpose of this class is to identify current topics in dance, and to research those topics using traditional and contemporary research methods. Students will develop a research topic and write a research paper, an abstract, create an annotated bibliography and make a 20-minute power point presentation on their topic. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Prerequisite(s): graduate status. May be repeated: for a total of 6 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall DNC 596E -- Seminar in Music and Dance Collaborations (3 units) Description: This course is designed for dancers and musicians, specifically choreographers, composers and performers in music and dance. In this class, students will explore the collaborative process through class readings, discussion, assignments, improvisation and by creating artistic works. Graduate Requirements: Graduate students are expected to show an understanding of advanced concepts and to demonstrate more sophistication in their work. This should be illustrated throughout the semester through class discussions, critiques, written materials and quality of work presented Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. May be repeated: for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments). Identical to: MUS 596E. May be convened with: DNC 496E. Usually offered: Spring DNC 546 -- Careers in Dance (3 units) Description: Knowledge and skills to manage and pursue professional careers in dance. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Usually offered: Spring
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUED DNC 555 -- Biomechanics for Dancers (3 units) Description: The student will become familiar with the evolution of human body form; systematically study skeletal, muscle, connective tissue, and joint anatomy; review principles of mechanics and fundamental Cartesian system for analysis of movement; study basic patterns of movement; assess anatomical illustration styles and uses and become familiar with stress and injury potentials and their prevention. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper and poster project. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be convened with: DNC 455. Usually offered: Spring in odd years DNC 591 -- Preceptorship (1-3 units) Description: Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. There are three sections for this class. Section one is for one unit and is associated with the Teaching Methods course. Section two is for a preceptorship in a large lecture class. Section three is open and is designed based on the student’s plan of study. DNC 694A Masters Project in Dance (3 units) Description: This course is for graduate students in the School of Dance who are working towards their Progress Semester or Candidacy Semester requirements for the MFA in Dance with an option in choreography or performance. For students exploring the choreography option, the purpose of the course is for the student to design and implement an original, graduate-level choreographic project. For students exploring the performance option, the purpose of the course is for the student to perform a graduate level work from the dance repertoire or an original work. These projects must meet the guidelines for the Progress Semester or Candidacy Semester syllabus in accordance with the student’s individual focus and specific degree program objectives. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E. May be repeated: for a total of 12 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall, Spring and summer There are four sections for this class. Section one is for choreography projects. Section two is for performance projects. Section three is for production projects. Section four is for research and pedagogy projects. DNC 696A -- Graduate Forum (1 unit) Description This course is for graduate students in the School of Dance pursuing the MFA in Dance. Seminar topics vary by semester depending on the focus of the class but may include: teaching, grant writing, job applications, music, choreography, artist statements, and evaluation and assessment. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Prerequisite(s): graduate status. May be repeated: for a total of 4 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall, Spring. DNC909 -- Master’s Report (9 units) Description: Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master’s degrees. Section 001 is for the choreography option. Section 002 is for the performance option. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
DANCE GRADUATE CURRICULUM MFA IN DANCE WITH AN OPTION IN DANCE PERFORMANCE Course #
Name of Course
Units
Type
DNC543 DNC545A OR DNC545B DNC546A DNC555 DNC591 001 DNC591 002 DNC591 003 DNC595A DNC596A DNC596E DNC694A 002 DNC696A
Dance Ensemble Advanced Choreography OR Advanced Choreography Careers in Dance Biomechanics for Dancers Preceptorship (Teaching methods) Preceptorship (Large Lecture) Preceptorship (Based on the student’s plan of study) Teaching Methods for Dance Critical Issues in Dance Seminar in Music and Dance Collaborations Master’s Project in Performance (2 projects) Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
2 2 total 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 6 4
CC GO CC CC CC GO GO GO CC GO CC GO GO
Technique Classes
Some combination of the following: DNC540A and/or B Advanced Ballet DNC541A and/or B Advanced Modern DNC544A and/or B Advanced Jazz DNC551B Ballet Repertoire DNC539A Advanced Pointe
9 total
CC
DNC696B
Seminar in Graduate Technique (2 units per semester)
6 total
GO
DNC909 002
Masters Report Performance (Final project)
9
GO
Core Curriculum
60 60
TOTAL
CC Denotes coconvened. Some coursework is coconvened to provide to the graduate students the benefit of dancers on which to set and present material. This is the case for DNC545 A & B, DNC596E and DNC595A. GO denotes Graduate Only courses
Studio or Related Areas: at least 65% must be studio or related areas (at least 39 units out of 60) Course # DNC543 DNC545A or B
Course Name Dance Ensemble Advanced Choreography
Units 2 2
Technique Classes
Some combination of the following: DNC540A and/or B Advanced Ballet DNC541A and/or B Advanced Modern DNC544A and/or B Advanced Jazz DNC551B Ballet Repertoire DNC 539AAdvanced Ballet Pointe
9 total
DNC591 001 DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Teaching Methods) Preceptorship (Based on student’s plan of study)
DNC596E DNC595A DNC694A 002 DNC696B DNC909 002 TOTAL
Seminar in Music and Dance Collaborations Teaching Methods for Dance Master’s Project in Performance (2 projects) Seminar in Graduate Technique (2 units per semester) Masters Report (Final project) Studio/Related Areas
1 3 3 3 6 6 total 9 44
DANCE GRADUATE CURRICULUM MFA IN DANCE WITH AN OPTION IN DANCE PERFORMANCE CONTINUED Grad Only: at least 50% must be grad only (at least 30 units out of 60) Course # DNC545A DNC591 001
Course Name Advanced Choreography Preceptorship (Teaching methods)
Units 2 1
DNC591 002 DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Large Lecture) Preceptorship (Based on student’s plan of study)
3 3
DNC596A
Critical Issues in Dance
3
DNC696A
Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
4 total
DNC694A 002
Master’s Project in Performance (2 projects)
6 total
DNC696B
Seminar in Graduate Technique
6
DNC909 002
Masters Report (Final project)
9
TOTAL
Grad Only courses
37
Academic: at least 15% must be academic (at least 9 units out of 60) Course # DNC546A DNC555
Name of Course Careers in Dance Biomechanics for Dancers
Units 3 3
DNC591 002 DNC591 003
Preceptorship (Large Lecture) Preceptorship (Could be an academic class)
3 3
DNC596A
Critical Issues in Dance
3
DNC696A
Graduate Forum (1 unit each semester)
4
TOTAL
Academic courses
19
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS DNC694A 002 Master’s Project in Performance. (3 units) It will replace DNC694A 001 and is for Performance emphasis students only. The syllabus provides guidelines for those students pursuing an MFA in Dance with an option in performance. DNC 543 -- Dance Ensemble (1-3 units) Description: Rehearsal methods, repertorial development, and performance of dance with particular emphasis on ensemble. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): repertory audition, intermediate level in ballet, modern and jazz (DNC 340A-340B, DNC 341A-341B, DNC 344A-344B). May be repeated: for a total of 18 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall, Spring. Other course descriptions may be found on the MFA-Choreography Grid.
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS The School of Dance faculty is happy to announce the continuing availability of Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Tuition Scholarships to highly qualified graduate students in dance. To be considered for financial support, an on-campus audition and interview are required. Arrangements should be made for the on-campus visit by April 15. Award status will be reviewed after a candidate is accepted. If you are applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, please indicate your areas of interest and experience and return this form with your application. Ballet experience: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Modern dance experience: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Jazz experience: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Tap experience: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Musical Theatre experience: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Improvisation: Years as a performer _______Years as a teacher __________style _______________ level _______________ Other (folk, ethnic, Pilates, floor barre, etc.):__________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Regarding audition and application information for Fall 2014 and general questions, please contact Amy Ernst ame@email.arizona.edu