愛荷華大學(xué)

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

achieve proficiency in contemporary concert dance techniques, especially in forms derived from ballet, modern dance, postmodern dance, and somatic movement practices, while developing stylistic versatility, expressive range, and efficient body mechanics;
learn to think critically about the historical, cultural, and social contexts of dance as an art form and cultural practice while developing strong writing skills and effective oral expression;
master formal compositional elements and improvisational techniques toward the creation of original choreographic work, and learn to articulate and render their creative intentions with clarity, with opportunities to present these works in public performances;
acquire performance skills, such as interpretation, expressivity, physical agility, and refinement, by participating in auditions, rehearsals, and studio and public performances;
acquire knowledge of anatomical and kinesiological principles and injury prevention for effective dance training and career longevity; and
attain an understanding of digital arts tools currently practiced in contemporary dance.

Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program provides students with a conservatory-like studio experience that is enriched by studies in the liberal arts and sciences. Students train daily in Western classical and concert dance techniques, and are afforded ample opportunities to perform in faculty and student creative research and to produce their own choreographic works in the department’s concert season. A preprofessional degree, the B.F.A. in dance establishes a strong foundation for creative and intellectual development, and cultivates multiple approaches to dance, career, and citizenship. Studies in dance technique, performance, and choreography are complemented by courses in improvisation, dance history and theory, multicultural movement practices, global dance studies, digital performing arts, kinesiology, pedagogy, and community engagement.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in dance requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 81 s.h. of work for the major (78 s.h. in dance course work and a 3 s.h. anatomy course). Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 3.50 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. Students must earn at least half of their semester hours in the major at the University of Iowa.

Careers for dance majors include professional work in performing, choreography, education, private teaching, and related areas such as arts management, technical theater, or dance and physical therapy. Many graduates from the UI dance program are currently working in arts organizations throughout the United States.

The discipline and creative challenges of dance training transfer well to other careers. Students have combined dance with a second major in another field, such as business or communication.