The Dance Department is dedicated to providing opportunities for students at all skill levels to study dance. The department prepares future dancers, choreographers, educators, and scholars through a core curriculum that includes traditional and experimental techniques, creative exploration, historical and aesthetic context, technology, and production skills. Students may also prepare for certification to teach dance through a dual program administered by the Department of Dance and the Department of Education.
Major Requirements
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Dance include a minimum of 58 credits. A grade of “C” is the minimum acceptable for credit toward the major, with the exception of the Gateway Course, DANC 320 Intermediate Contemporary Dance Technique II, which requires a minimum grade of “B”.
Students entering the program with little or no dance training are required to complete preparatory courses before taking the major requirements. Students entering the program with a high level of dance training may be placed on the Accelerated Pathway to the B.A.
Minor in Dance
The Minor in Dance offers students the opportunity to study dance technique and gain breadth of knowledge in modern dance, ballet, the history of dance, and the process of creating and performing dance.
The department holds auditions during the first weeks of each semester. All minors and non-majors enrolled in a technique class are invited to audition.
Students interested in performing in a dance concert must attend the audition for that particular concert. There are separate auditions for the Senior Concert, the First Works Concert, and the Dance Showcase. Students must be able to attend all rehearsals, showings, tech rehearsals, performance warm-ups, performances, and the technical strike to accept casting. Cast lists will be posted within 3 days of the audition.
Education Certificate
Through its relationship with the Department of Dance, UMBC’s Education Department offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study leading to initial certification for K-12 Dance teachers, recognized in Maryland and 30 other states. UMBC’s certification programs are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Acceptance into UMBC or a degree program at UMBC does not guarantee admission to the Education Department’s teacher education certification programs. Students must apply to the Education Department for admission.