Dance

Department of Theatre and Dance
College of Arts and Sciences
285 Alumni Arena
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-5030
(716) 645-6898
Fax: (716) 645-6992
Web: Theatre and Dance
Vincent O'Neill, Chair
T. G. Crehan, Co-Director, Dance
T. Ralabate, Co-Director, Dance; Assistant Chair, Dance
M. Casarella, Assistant to the Chair; Director, Undergraduate Advising

The Program
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers B.A. and B.F.A. degrees and a minor in dance. Prospective majors and minors should meet with the director of dance and the undergraduate advisor as early as possible. All dance courses have outside reading and writing requirements, attendance requirements, and written practical examinations. An audition is required.

For students with prior training, course requirements may be adjusted based on placement auditions. If lower-level courses are waived, additional courses may be assigned. This policy applies to all majors and minors.

For information about the Department of Theatre and Dance, please see the theatre, dance, music theatre entry on page 245.

Dance (THD)

111 Body Movement I (3)
Development of movement awareness through body-mind exercises and basic technique. Emphasis on space, energy, and time in movement; for nondancers. LEC/LAB

201-202 Modern Dance 1-2 (3-3) (F; Sp)
THD201 prerequisite: none
THD202 prerequisite: THD201
Foundations course in basic movement concepts of time, space, and energy, with emphasis on technical development and creative exploration. LEC/LAB

210-211 Tap Dance 1-2 (2-2) (F; Sp)
THD210 prerequisite: none
THD211 prerequisite: THD210
Fundamentals of tap dance, including basic rhythmic structure and incorporation of dance fundamentals, such as alignment and style, in conjunction with tap technique. LEC/LAB

213-214 Ballet 1-2 (2-2) (F; Sp)
THD213 prerequisite: none
THD214 prerequisite: THD213
Fundamentals of ballet technique, including correct body alignment, basic barre and center work, and combinations at the elementary level. LEC/LAB

263-264 Jazz Dance 1-2 (2-2) (F; Sp)
THD263 prerequisite: none
THD264 prerequisite: THD263, and permission of instructor
Jazz forms: barre and center work emphasizing relationship to lineage-based societies, classical, contemporary, rock, and popular dance. LAB/LEC

300-301-302-303 Beginning Pointe (1-1-1-1) (Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor; open to men and women
Pointe work is an extension of ballet study using a blocked shoe. Introduces correct placement and use of the foot on pointe. SEM/LAB

310-311 Tap 3-4 (2-2) (F; Sp)
THD310 prerequisite: THD211 or permission of instructor
THD311 prerequisite: THD310
Expands the tap dancer's movement, vocabulary, and historical understanding of this dance form. Special emphasis on the aural, visual, and expressive elements of tap dance. SEM/LAB

337-338 Dance Studio-Zodiaque (4-4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: audition only
Performing experience in Zodiaque, the university's resident dance company. SEM/LAB

340 Dance Studio (1-4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: audition only
Designed to extend the student's work in a particular area of interest related to dance production. Possibilities include a choreographic project, supervision of a workshop production, or promotion and publicity for a major concert or touring project. The format consists of individual meetings with the instructor and studio and/or fieldwork, depending on the project's requirements. Students in Zodiaque Dance Ensemble also register under this course number. SEM

341-342 Ballet 3-4 (3-3) (F; Sp)
THD341 prerequisite: THD214 or permission of instructor
THD342 prerequisite: THD341
Continuation of THD213-214. Extends technical and artistic ballet skills through increasingly complex combinations, introduction of technical vocabulary, and emphasis on style and presentation. LEC/LAB

345-346 Modern Dance 3-4 (3-3) (F; Sp)
THD345 prerequisite: THD202 or permission of instructor
THD346 prerequisite: THD345
Continuation of THD201-202. Expands technique and theory through increasingly complex combinations, movement analysis, introduction of new technical vocabulary, and style and presentation. LAB/SEM

371-372 Intermediate Jazz Dance 3-4 (2-2) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: THD264 or permission of instructor; THD371 is a prerequisite for THD372
Continuation of THD263-264. Expands the jazz dancer's movement and performance vocabulary. Emphasizes classic jazz style and technique and its relationship to established musical jazz styles. Strong focus given to classic Matt Mattox technique, combining neuromuscular coordination with warm-ups, locomotor skills, and combination work. LEC/LAB

378-379 Pas de Deux 1-2 (F) (1-1)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Studies partnering through classical and contemporary pas de deux. Emphasizes technical and dramatic aspects of partnering, rhythm, breathing, correct placement, timing, counterbalancing the movements of a partner, projection, and development of dramatic content through movement using gesturing and line. SEM/LAB

381-382 Social Dance Forms 1-2 (2-2) (Sp)
Prerequisites: THD201, THD213 or THD263, permission of instructor
Covers the history and performance of approximately fourteen early and contemporary social dances, including the pavane, galliard, minuet, waltz, foxtrot, swing, tango, and Latin Caribbean dances. SEM

385 The Male Dancer (1)
Prerequisites: one year of dance, permission of instructor; open to men and women
Studies the role of the male in dance. Includes character interpretation, upper-body strength, elevation, pirouettes, and variations from the male dance repertory. SEM

400 Creative Movement (2) (Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Explores creative problem solving, mind-body integration, and the creative process in movement using simple through increasingly complex individual and group exercises. Prerequisite for THD441.

407-408 Tap 5-6 (2-2)
THD407 prerequisite: THD310-311
THD408 prerequisite: permission of instructor
Extends the tap dancer's movement vocabulary. Integrates tap exercises and combinations with other fields, such as ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Technique and performance are emphasized. LABS

410-411 Modern Dance 5-6 (3-3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Continuation of THD345-346. Technique and style of increased difficulty and variety in combinations of extended length; attention to precision of performance and projection. Studio course. SEM/LAB

415 Mind-Body Integration (3)
Surveys systems of alignment, placement, movement efficiency, and tension reduction. Designed to give developing artists a strong movement foundation from which to build in their particular disciplines. Theatre, dance, and music majors are given preference. Welcomes nonmajors on a space-available basis. SEM

417-418 Jazz Dance 5-6 (2-2) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: THD372 or permission of instructor
Continuation of THD371-372. Technique and style of increased complexity, attention to technical precision, performance, and stylistic execution. LEC/LAB

421-422 Ballet 5-6 (3-3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Continuation of THD342. Technique of increased difficulty, variety, and complexity; attention to precision of execution, performance, and style. Studio course. LEC/LAB

430 Dance History (3) (F)
Prerequisite: sophomore/junior/senior standing
Studies the creative process in dance from early history to the present. Includes videos and discussions on dance and related fields. Knowledge of dance essential. Preference is given to dance, music theatre and theatre majors. LEC

432 Applied Kinesiology and Anatomy for Dancers (3)
Prerequisite: one of the following: THD341, THD345, THD364, THD371, or permission of instructor
The science of motion applied to dance and movement. In-depth study of the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems. LEC

441-442 Choreography 1-2 (4-4)
THD441 prerequisite: THD400
THD442 prerequisite: permission of instructor
The art and craft of making dances. Studies the elements of dance composition, including the development of solo and group studies for class presentation. SEM/LAB

454 Teaching Methods in Dance (2)
Prerequisites: two of the following courses-THD341-342, THD345-346, THD371-372-and permission of instructor
Designed for upper-level dance students interested in expanding their knowledge and practical experience in preparation for a career in the field of dance education. Includes lesson plan development, injury prevention, and experience in practical teaching situations. SEM

475 Internship in Dance Teaching (1-3)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Qualified students gain experience as teaching assistants or teaching interns. SEM/LAB

481-482 Research in Dance (3-3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor by prior arrangement
Substantial study and scholarship in dance and related fields. SEM

491-492 Variations (1-1)
Prerequisite: THD341 or THD342
Study and analysis of classical and contemporary solo dance variations from the works of major choreographers. SEM/LAB

499 Independent Study (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Independent study at undergraduate level. SEM/LAB

113-229-279-367-479 Tutorials in Dance (1-4)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor, audition
For students who require additional study in a particular area. TUT/LAB

Dance - B.F.A.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following six prerequisite courses: TH 101, TH 106, TH 135 or 136 Practicum, THD202, THD214, and THD264
Minimum grade of "C" in all required courses
Audition
Letter of intent (for continuing students)
Interview with program director

Required Courses
MUS115 Understanding Music
TH 101 Introduction to Theatre-Majors/Intended
TH 106 Introduction to Technical Theatre with TH 135 or 136 Practicum
TH 108 Basic Acting 1
TH 203 Visual Imagination
THD201 Modern Dance 1
THD202 Modern Dance 2
THD210 Tap Dance 1
THD211 Tap Dance 2
THD213 Ballet 1
THD214 Ballet 2
THD263 Jazz Dance 1
THD264 Jazz Dance 2
THD310 Tap 3
THD311 Tap 4
THD337 Dance Studio-Zodiaque or THD340 Dance Studio***
THD338 Performance***
THD338 Dance Studio-Zodiaque or THD340 Dance Studio***
THD341 Ballet 3
THD342 Ballet 4
THD345 Modern Dance 3
THD346 Modern Dance 4
THD371 Jazz Dance 3
THD372 Jazz Dance 4
THD378 Pas de Deux 1
THD381 Social Dance Forms 1
THD385 The Male Dancer or one semester of THD300/301/302/303 Beginning Pointe
THD400 Creative Movement
THD410 Modern Dance 5
THD415 Mind-Body Integration
THD417 Jazz Dance 5
THD421 Ballet 5
THD430 Dance History
THD441 Choreography 1
THD481 Research in Dance
Four 200/300-level TH practicums
Dance tutorials*
Electives**

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements
Placement in dance and performance courses is based upon audition.
Performance is an option each semester.

First Year
Fall-THD201, THD213, THD263, TH 106/135
Spring-THD202, THD214, THD264
Fall or Spring-TH 101, TH 203

Second Year
Fall-THD210, THD341, THD345, THD371, THD337 or THD340 ***, TH 108, THD430
Spring-THD211, THD342, THD346, THD372, THD400, THD338 Performance***, one 200/300-level TH practicum

Third Year
Fall-THD310; THD337 or THD340***; THD410, THD417, THD421, THD441; THD385 or one semester of THD300/301/302/303
Spring-THD311, THD338***, MUS115, Dance Tutorials*, one 200/300-level TH practicum; level VI technique classes offered, not required

Fourth Year
Fall-THD337 or THD340***, THD378, THD415, one 200/300-level TH practicum, dance tutorials*, electives**
Spring-THD338 or THD340***; one 200/300-level TH practicum, electives**, dance tutorials*
Fall or Spring-THD381, THD481

*Tutorials may be taken for technique classes.
**Three electives, which may be completed within or outside the department, are required. See department for selection.
***A minimum of three semesters of performance is required; placement is based upon audition; performance is an option each semester.

Dance - B.A.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following six prerequisite courses: TH 101, TH 106, TH 135 or 136 Practicum, THD202, THD214, THD264
Minimum grade of "C" in all required courses
An audition
Interview with program director
Foreign language requirement - 0-16
Proficiency in a foreign language through the second semester of the second year or its equivalent, to be demonstrated through classroom courses or through alternatives outlined on page 255 (B.F.A. programs are excluded). S/U grading may not be selected for courses taken to fulfill this requirement.

Required Courses
TH 101 Introduction to Theatre-Majors/Intended
TH 106 Introduction to Technical Theatre with TH 135 or 136 Production Practicum
TH 203 Visual Imagination
THD201 Modern Dance 1
THD202 Modern Dance 2
THD210 Tap Dance 1
THD211 Tap Dance 2
THD213 Ballet 1
THD214 Ballet 2
THD263 Jazz Dance 1
THD264 Jazz Dance 2
THD310 Tap 3
THD311 Tap 4
THD341 Ballet 3
THD342 Ballet 4
THD345 Modern Dance 3
THD346 Modern Dance 4
THD371 Jazz Dance 3
THD372 Jazz Dance 4
THD400 Creative Movement
THD410 Modern Dance 5 or THD417 Jazz Dance 5 or THD421 Ballet 5
THD430 Dance History (F)
THD432 Applied Kinesiology and Anatomy for Dancers
THD441 Choreography
THD454 Teaching Methods
THD475 Internship in Dance Teaching
THD482 Research in Dance*
Dance tutorials*
Two 200/300-level TH practicums
Two electives
Foreign language courses, as necessary (see above statement)

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements
Placement in dance and performance courses is based upon audition.
Performance is an option each semester.
Please note that schedule does not include performance credits.

First Year
Fall-THD201, THD213, THD263
Spring-THD202, THD214, THD264
Fall or Spring-TH 106 with TH 135 or 136, TH 101, TH 203

Second Year
Fall-First semester of a language, THD210, THD341, THD345, THD371
Spring-Second semester of a language, THD211, THD342, THD346, THD372, THD400

Third Year
Fall-Third semester of a language, THD310, THD410 or THD417 or THD421, THD441
Spring-Fourth semester of a language, one 200/300-level TH practicum, THD311, THD454, THD475, electives, level VI technique classes offered, not required

Fourth Year
Fall-Dance tutorials*, THD430, one 200/300-level TH practicum
Spring-Dance tutorials*, THD432, electives
Fall or Spring-THD482*

*Tutorials may be taken for technique classes.

Dance - Minor

One course at the appropriate level (determined by audition) from each of the following, with at least one at the 400 level:

• Modern Dance (3)
• Ballet (2)
• Jazz Dance (2)
• Tap Dance (2)
• THD430 Dance History
• One semester of Research in Dance (either THD481 or THD482)

Theatre And Dance - Minor

TH 101 Introduction to Theatre-Majors/Intended
TH 106 Introduction to Technical Theatre and TH 135 or TH 136 Practicum, TH 108 Basic Acting I, THD430 Dance History or 300/400-level theatre history or literature
A minimum of 9 additional credit hours with at least one each of the following at the appropriate level:

• Modern Dance (3)
• Ballet (2)
• Jazz Dance (2)
• Tap Dance (2)

Academic Affairs

Phone: (716) 645-6003

Fax: (716) 645-2549

Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:20 EST