Dance in the Department

Dance Photo Dance Photo Dance Photo

The Dance Program at MSU is unique in numerous ways. Students have the opportunity to study dance while engaged in their primary course of studies. Indeed, learning how rich the art form of dance is will broaden possibilities in educational and career choices. The Dance Program challenges students - artistically, physically, and intellectually – in all courses, ranging from the studio technique class to dance history. The diversity of students involved in these classes as well as performances creates a vibrant learning environment. Whether pursuing the dance specialization or not, classes and performance opportunities are open to all students ready to engage in the rigors of the art form.

For more information, contact…

Sherrie Barr MFA, CMA
Director of Dance
Asst. Professor of Theatre
117 Auditorium
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517)355-0329 or barrsh@msu.edu


ORCHESIS OPEN HOUSE

SAVE THE DATE

ORCHESIS OPEN HOUSE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

4:00 PM

IM Sports Circle - Room 34 Dance Studio

  • Meet and Dance with Orchesis Board Members
  • Learn about upcoming classes, auditions, performances
  • Take advantage of group ticket rates for touring companies
  • Orchesis classes begin September 8

Dance Specialization Program

Students enrolling in the dance specialization program pursue a course of studies that introduces them to dance as a performing concert art form. Students will experience the disciplined technique and creative processes involved in dance while developing an awareness of its historical, cultural and analytical aspects. 20 credits are required.

Students must regularly meet with their dance advisor. These meetings serve to inform students of needed prerequisites, course availability, placement in the dance technique offerings and general progress toward the successful fulfillment of the specialization. Upon graduation, the dance specialization is notated on the student’s transcript.

Required Courses

  • THR 257 - Movement for the Performer (2-4 credits)

    • Offered every year

  • DAN 353 - Laban Studies (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Fall odd year semesters
    Prerequisite: THR 257. Restrictions: not open to freshmen

  • DAN 354 - Choreography and Production (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Spring even year semesters
    Prerequisite: THR 257 and 2 credits of Dance Technique offering. Restrictions: not open to freshmen

  • DAN 455 - History of Dance to 1900 (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Fall even year semesters
    Prerequisite: University Tier I writing course. Restrictions: not open to freshmen or sophomores

  • DAN 456 - History of Dance since 1900s (3 credits)

    • Offered alternate years in Spring odd year semesters
    Restrictions: not open to freshmen or sophomores

6 Credits of DANCE TECHNIQUE taken from the following:

  • DAN 351 - Dance Technique I (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for low intermediate-to-intermediate level dancer

  • DAN 352 - Dance Technique II (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for the intermediate level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 351 or instructor permission

  • DAN 451 - Dance Technique III (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for high intermediate to advanced level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 352 or instructor permission

  • DAN 452 - Dance Technique IV (2-6 credits)

    • Dance technique for high intermediate to advanced level dancer
    Prerequisite: DAN 451 or instructor permission

TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS IN SPECIALIZATION - 20 Cr

For an appointment to set up the Specialization, please contact:

Sherrie Barr MFA, CMA
Director of Dance
Asst. Professor of Theatre
117 Auditorium
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517)355-0329 or barrsh@msu.edu

Dance Specialization Information Sheet (PDF)

ORCHESIS

Orchesis, a student organization working closely with dance and theatre faculty, welcomes all MSU students interested in dance to be members. The group’s mission is to enhance and enrich the presence of dance as an art form on campus. To fulfill this mission, Orchesis promotes numerous activities. Some examples include co-sponsoring guest artists, organizing student participation in American College Dance Festival, and offering non-credit technique classes.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

The Dance Program offers a variety of performance opportunities in which students dance in works by faculty, guest choreographers and students. Participants are chosen by audition.

MSU Repertory Dance Company is produced in concert as part of the Department of Theatre’s production season. Company members can also be involved in outreach activities. For the biannual main stage concert, guest choreographers are commissioned to set and create works on selected students. Participating in the Repertory Company, whether as dancer, rehearsal assistant, or production crew, provides opportunities to learn about dance as a concert art form in extraordinary ways.

The annual Department of Theatre main stage musical provides additional performance options for students. Collaborations with other theatre and music productions also hold possibilities for performance opportunities.

Orchesis regularly produces organized studio productions and concerts. Students are encouraged to participate as performers, choreographers and to experience the production aspects of concerts.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Dance residencies with distinguished national and international companies sponsored by the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts provide exciting and additional possibilities for student participation.

Orchesis provides options for students interested in teaching. Through a supervised mentoring program, students gain hands-on experience teaching an array of styles.