Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dance (B.A.)


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Maurice Fraga, Associate Professor of Dance
Shingleton 26, (540) 665-4565, mfraga@su.edu

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance curriculum is designed for students who are interested in a broad general education while continuing to pursue their dance studies.  This degree is suitable for students preparing for a career that incorporates dance as a major focus in their position, such as a dance studio owner, dance therapist, health care provider or arts administrator.  An audition is required for entrance into the program.

The course of study will incorporate the following:

  • At least 24 hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. No more than 12 hours of university general education hours may be counted toward this requirement.
  • Competency in a second language at the intermediate level or above.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts in Dance will be able to:

  • design, develop and complete collaborative projects appropriate to their discipline and career goals;
  • dance in a variety of styles and/or performance settings;
  • integrate personal experience in dance studies with a secondary area of academic emphasis; and 
  • devise an entrepreneurial, production and advocacy skills practice appropriate to furthering a professional career in dance or a related field.

Course and Credit Requirements


Dance majors must enroll in both ballet and modern dance technique during their first two semesters in residence at Shenandoah University.

1st Year – Fall


Total: 13.5 credits


1st Year – Spring


Total: 16.5 credits


2nd Year – Fall


Total: 16.5 credits


2nd Year – Spring


Total: 15.5 credits


3rd Year – Fall


  • Dance Technique Elective(s) Credit(s): 2 *
  • Credit(s): 3 (Oral and Communicative Literacies Region)
  • Foreign Language Elective (or Open Elective(s)) Credit(s): 3
  • Open Elective(s) Credit(s): 3 (not to include performance or skill-based instruction)
Total: 3 credits

Total: 14 credits


3rd Year – Spring


  • Credit(s): 1
  • DA Dance Technique Elective(s) Credit(s): 3 *
  • ShenEd Elective Credit(s): 3 (select from any sphere)
  • Foreign Language Elective (or Open Elective(s)) Credit(s): 3
  • Open Elective(s) Credit(s): 6 (not to include performance or skill-based instruction)

Total: 16 credits


4th Year – Fall


  • Credit(s): 1 or 2
  • DA Dance Technique Elective(s) Credit(s): 3 *
  • Open Elective(s) Credit(s): 6 (not to include performance or skill-based instruction)
  • Open Elective(s) Credit(s): 3 (may include performance or skill-based instruction)

Total: 14 credits


4th Year – Spring


Total: 14 credits


Degree Total: 120 credits


*Minimum grade of “C” required.

(ALT) Offered on alternating schedule; consult with advisor.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance majors are encouraged to participate in all main-stage productions of the Dance Division as either cast (DA 386) or crew (DA 353).

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