Bard College at Simon's Rock: the Early College
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Dance Curriculum

A minimum of 26 credits is required to complete the dance concentration.  Prior to moderation students must have completed or be in the process of completing Dance Fundamentals I which encompasses not only basic movement technique but also introduce students to dance history and culture.  Additionally, students must take Dance Fundamentals II, a minimum of four semesters combined of Modern Dance Technique, Ballet Technique, and/or Flamenco Dance at the 200/300 level, three semesters of Dance Composition and one theater course.  All students who have a concentration or compliment in dance must attend Dance Concert Workshop and they are expected to be major participants in at least four dance concerts.

Introductory/Foundational Courses (100-Level)

  • Dance Fundamentals I and or II
  • Beginning technique classes (Ballet, Modern or Flamenco)

Intermediate Courses (200-Level)

  • Beginning Dance Composition I
  • Beginning Dance Composition II

Minimum of two courses in dance technique at the 200-level. Examples include:

  • Advanced Beginning/Intermediate Ballet Technique
  • Intermediate Modern Dance Technique
  • Intermediate Flamenco Dance

One course in theater. Examples include:

  • Viewpoints
  • Movement: Analysis of Expression
  • Lighting for Performance

Advanced Coursework (300- and 400-Level)

  • Intermediate/Advanced Dance Composition
  • Advanced Ballet/Modern or Flamenco technique
  • ECP at Berkshire Pulse
  • Advanced level course work at Bard College Annandale-on Hudson
  • Dance Tutorials

Methodology/Practice

All dance technique classes meet the Methodology requirement.

Additional Requirements

Dance Concert Workshop is mandatory for all students with a Dance Concentration as well as participation in at least four Dance Concerts as choreographer and performer.

Senior Theses

For the Senior Thesis in Dance students are expected to present in performance original choreographies as well as a written component (of at least 30 pages) consisting of research into a topic connected to the thesis.  Additional written material may include commentary on one’s creative process and a description of artistic goals.  Visual recording of any performances must be included.

Sample Senior Theses

“The Subtle Movements of Philip Morris:  Study in the Corporate Sponsorship of Dance”

“Dancing My Generation:  Performance Study and Perspective Exploration of Urban Hip-Hop and Street Dance”

“While You Were Watching: An Exploration of Accessibility and Objectification in Dance”

“Movement as Communication and Expression of Emotion as Utilized in Dance/Movement Therapy”

“Parabola:  Study of Object-Oriented Performance”

“Once Upon A Thesis: An Original Fairy Tale and

Dance Narrative”

“The Naked Venus and Harriet Tubman”

“Moving the Lines: Writing Performance and

Dancing Words”

“A Physical Exploration of Non-Textual Narratives: Fuck You and Your Book”

Faculty Contact

Kati Garcia-Renart

For information about the facilities, auxiliary program, and studying abroad, please visit http://www.simons-rock.edu/academics/concentrations/dance.