Technique and performances | Creative track | Theoretical courses | General studies
Technique and performance track
Technique courses
Primary components include disciplined training and concentration in the medium of modern dance and a diverse range of technical training and performance opportunities. Within the technique track, students must acquire technical information and integrate it into performance. The primary concern in the study of technique is enhancement of student performance capacities - qualitatively, expressively and kinesthetically.
Classes include modern, ballet, tap, jazz, African-Caribbean, ballroom, Hawaiian dance, yoga and t'ai chi.
Performance courses
A wide range of performance courses and opportunities are presented to students beginning at the freshman level. All incoming students learn the basics of rehearsing and performing with a professional choreographer, and students may audition for repertory and guest artists works. Rehearsing with student and faculty choreographers on new works during the academic year provides flexible opportunities for credit and often results in performance opportunities. Solo and group works are creatively explored during the composition and choreography course sequence. Studies at VCU Dance culminate in the senior project in which students have the opportunity to choreograph, present work and perform.
Performance opportunities
Student/Faculty concert – a combined evening of faculty and adjudicated student works. Students and faculty work together to produce this annual event held in the spring semester at the Grace Street Theater.
Senior project concerts – the culminating projects for the B.F.A. degree. Senior students must choreograph and also perform in a peer's senior project. The senior choreographer selects dancers from the entire VCU Dance major population. Performances are at the Grace Street Theater.
Informal concerts – spring evening concerts presented with minimal production at the Grace Street Theater. All students enrolled in dance classes (majors and non-majors) may present work in an informal concert. The evenings offer students many chances to perform a diverse range of work. It gives student choreographers opportunities to explore, take risks and experiment.
Festivals – the VCU Department of Dance and Choreography has a tradition of attending numerous dance festivals including the American College Dance Festival, International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and Black College Dance Exchange. Choreography chosen to be performed at a festival goes through an adjudication process. This offers the VCU student opportunities to perform and take master classes in formal and informal settings beyond the VCU campus.
Salon – an informal showing of any number of student works moderated by a professional in the dance field. The VCU Dance Salon is modeled after a "field day" and provides an opportunity to discuss works-in-progress with student choreographers. "The Field" is a dance service organization that offers independent artists workshops centered on peer feedback and performances with facilitated discussions.
Informal showings – biannual informal showings of student works - complete and in progress - occur in the Dance Center. A peer audience of dance majors provides written feedback and comments at their discretion.
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of the Arts
Department of Dance and Choreography
dance@vcu.edu
Date Last Modified: 11/23/2009