School of Theatre and Dance

James Madison University

School of Theatre and Dance

Dance Major

Student Handbook

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………..………4

a. Mission Statement for the School of Theatre and Dance……………………………4

Statement of Values for the Dance Major……………………………………………5
Program Objectives for the Dance Major…………………………………………...5

SOURCES OF INFORMATION………………………………………………………..6
School Bulletin Boards…………………………………………………………...6
Dance Theatre……………………………………………………………………6
THE B.A. DEGREE IN DANCE……………………………………………………….7
Admission…………………………………………………………………………7
Academic Advising……………………………………………………………….7
Course Load………………………………………………………………………7
General Education………………………………………………………………..7-8
Dance Ensembles………………………………………………………………...8
Bachelor of Arts Degree- Dance Major Requirements………………...... 9-10
TEACHING LICENSURE IN DANCE………………………………………………..11
DANCE CONCERTS……………………………………………………………………11
New Dance Festival………………………………………………………...... 11
DanceShare………………………………………………………………………11
Senior Dance Concerts………………………………………………………….12
Contemporary Dance Ensemble in Concert…………………………………..12
Virginia Repertory Dance Company in Concert………………………………12
American College Dance Association Regional Festival Adjudications……..12
Studio 1270 Dance Showcase……………………………………………………13
Alumni Concert……………………………………………………………...... 13
Encore Series……………………………………………………………………13
Student Dance Concerts………………………………………………………..13
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES…………………………………………14
Assessment……………………………………………………………………...14
Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………14
Summer Attendance Policy……………………………………………………15
Music Rights….………………………………………………………………..16
Complimentary Ticket Policy…………………………………………………16-17
Usher Guidelines……………………………………………………………….17
STUDENT DANCE CONCERT POLICIES………………………………………..17
Auditioning Procedure for Student Dance Concert………………………….17
Adjudicator Panel for Student Dance Concert……………………………….18
During the Run of the Student Dance Concert……………………………....18
Checklist for the Student Directors of Dance Concerts in Estes Center……18-19
FORBES CENTER POLICIES………………………………………………………20
Lost and Found……………………………………………………………….20
Poster Policies…………………………………………………………………20-21
ESTES CENTER (EC) DANCE STUDIOS REHEARSAL SIGN-UP POLICY…22
TUITION AND SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS………………………………………23
FACILITIES………………………………………………………………………….....23
Dance Studios………………………………………………………………….23
Locker Rooms…………………………………………………………………24
Offices…………………………………………………………………………..24
EMERGENCY INJURY PROCEDURES-DANCE STUDIOS…………………….24-25
Severe Injury Procedure……………………………………………………….25
Minor Injury Procedure………………………………………………………..25
Injury Involving Open Blood Wound…………………………………………25-26
APPENDIX……………………………………………………………………………27
Student Dance Concert Audition Panel Feedback Form for Choreographers27
Student Dance Concert Audition Panel Scoring Form…………………….....28
Policy for Dance Participation in the Contemporary Dance Ensemble……..29
Recommendation and Reference Requests……………………………………30-32

INTRODUCTION

This Student Handbook is designed as a resource for the Dance Major in the School of Theatre and Dance. It is a collection of information, policies and procedures meant to guide you throughout your years in the dance program at James Madison University.

Mission Statement for the School of Theatre and Dance

The School of Theatre and Dance is rooted in the belief that the relevant artist is the thinking

artist who couples the mastery and embodiment of concrete skills with knowledge of and

sensitivity to the cultural environments of ideas, artistic forms, and other persons. The School

trains and educates artists, scholars, and teachers in the rich traditions and current practices of

dance, theatre, and musical theatre. Dedicated to the value of the intensive BA, the School’s

programs blend liberal arts education and critical thinking with intensive, pre -professional

training and practice. Faculty foster an environment that values and cultivates creative,

passionate, disciplined, curious, innovative, engaged, articulate, collaborative, and independent -

thinking artists and scholars. Committed to a teaching approach that emphasizes mentorship and

individual attention to students, faculty members of the School empower students in the

development of their own personal strengths, provide them with tools and opportunities to realize

their potential, and equip them for successful work in professional environments, graduate

programs, and as lifelong learners.

To realize this mission, the School of Theatre and Dance strives to:

Develop in students the ability to work productively and sensitively in creative

and collaborative processes

Offer multiple opportunities for students to self-initiate and self-produce work in

a context supportive of experimentation

Produce performances and creative experiences of high quality
Present performances by and learning experiences with visiting artists
Motivate students to take active responsibility for their work, processes, and

careers

Promote, support, and enable faculty professional development so that teachers

continue to provide the education for students that only growing, current, and

active creative artists and scholars can provide

Inspire and prepare students to be advocates for the arts
Foster an understanding of the roles of the artist and the arts in society
Advance dynamic partnerships with diverse communities

In addition to the general mission and goals for the School of Theatre and Dancethe Dance Major has the following Statement of Values.

Statement of Values for the Dance Major

The Dance Major at James Madison University is part of a liberal artsprogram, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Participation inthe dance major provides immediate artistic growth for the individualand encourages a long-range concern for excellence in dance-related

activities. Attention is given to the recognition and nurturing of eachstudent’s individual creative potential; the tools necessary to create,perform, produce, and appreciate dance; the historical, philosophical,and cultural significance of various dance forms; and the art of

expression and movement within the dance experience.

Program Objectives for the Dance Major

The student shall develop an articulate individual choreographic voice, through

coursework in improvisation and composition, frequent feedback from faculty and

peers, and substantial opportunities to present work in both formal and informal

settings.

The student shall develop creative potential as a performer, through training which

emphasizes the integration of technical and expressive skills.

The student shall have opportunities to develop rehearsal and performance skills

through participation in one or more of the following: the Associate Group Dance

Repertory, Contemporary Dance Ensemble and the Virginia Repertory Dance

Company in works by self, peers, faculty, and guest choreographers.

The student shall demonstrate knowledge of the historical, philosophical, and cultural

dimensions of dance past and present, including people, places, and events that have

influenced the development of dance as an art form, and the varying roles of dance

and dance artists in society and world culture through coursework, the Master Class

Series, and guest artist residencies.

The student shall demonstrate the ability to analyze, write, and speak about dance,

creativity, and artistic processes in course assignments that require the integration of

theoretical knowledge.

The student shall exhibit knowledge of anatomical terminology and basic principles

of human structure and function, and demonstrate application of that knowledge

towards more efficient, expressive, and sustainable dancing.

The student shall experience a wide range of dance perspectives through coursework,

the Master Class series, workshops, seminars and lectures by visiting professionals,

and the opportunity to view work in performance both on and off campus.

The student shall gain a basic knowledge of the interactive nature of the design

process through coursework, as well as practical experience with the

choreographic/designer dialogue.

The student shall gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in technical

dance production areas to include: lighting and sound technology, costume

construction, make-up design and implementation, set construction, production

management and arts administration.

The student shall gain experience designing and/or implementing movement

experiences for people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities, through

coursework and additional opportunities within the program and the community.

The student shall develop individual career goals and gain experience in professional

skills including grant and resume writing, approaches to marketing, creation of a

digital portfolio, and employment placement strategies.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

School Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards can be found in and outside of the dance studios. Please familiarize yourself with their location and checkthem regularly.

Virginia Repertory Dance Company Schedule and Information - located outside of the Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre, 1270
Contemporary Dance Ensemble Schedule and Information - located outside of the Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre, 1270
Workshops, Training Programs and Opportunities – located outside dance studio 1298
Audition Announcements and Employment Opportunities - located outside dance studio 1298
Alumni News – located outside dance studio 1299
Visiting Artists, Master Class Schedule, Announcements – located outside dance studio 1298
Concert Information – locatedoutside of the Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre, 1270

Dance Theatre

JMU Dance Theatre is the student club organization that is part of the University’s student organization system and is located within the School of Theatre and Dance. JMU Dance Theatre is composed of dance majors and minors and elects a board of officers from within its members. The organization meets once a month to develop and implement projects that benefit the organization, the Dance Program, the School of Theatre and Dance, and the local community. These include sponsoring master classes, community outreach activities, arranging trips to see outside performances, hosting a spring prom evening, and mentoring freshman majors within a “Big/Little” connection program. The organization does fundraising activities through the year to run these activities. All new Dance Majors- Majors should plan on being a part of Dance Theatre as a way to meet and connect with upper class dance majors within the program.

THE B.A. DEGREE IN DANCE

Admission

An audition is required for admission to the Dance Major in the School of Theatre and Dance. The Dance Program has two audition days each year scheduled for prospective students who have contacted the STAD office and applied to JMU.

Students who want to become Dance Major candidates after enteringJMU, audition and interview during the semester of their request. If they are successful, they willbe accepted and advised about major courses for the following semester. Transfer students areexpected to participate in the audition/interview process, at which time their transfer credits arealso evaluated. If a transfer student is accepted to the Dance Program, they will be advised aboutcourses to take for the next semester. Students who do not appear to have the ability or aptitudeto complete the program successfully are counseled by the dance faculty to examine alternativecareers.

Academic Advising

During summer orientation, all new students are assigned to faculty or professional advisers who discuss academic policies and procedures, the university’s various programs of study, advanced placement/exemption testing and registration procedures. Second semester of freshman year, dance majors are assigned a dance faculty member for advising. Once a semester, dance majors receive one-on-one advising. Student progress both within and outside the concentration is discussed. Students are highly encouraged to check in and meet with their faculty advisers. Dancemajors are not permitted to enroll in dance major courses until they have met with their faculty adviser.

A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in all courses that apply to a major in the School of Theatre and Dance.

Course Load

In all programs, the normal load per semester is 15 or 16 credit hours. A student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better may register for 21 credit hours per semester. Any student in good standing may take a maximum of 19 credit hours without securing special permission. Students in good standing who wish to exceed these credits per semester limitations must secure permission from Terry Brino-Dean, the director of the School of Theatre and Dance.

General Education

The General Education program at James Madison University anchors the academic experience.

It requires all students to take 41 hours in cross-disciplinary courses designed to provide students

with the knowledge and skills that form the basis of study for lifelong learning.

The program is organized around five clusters (Skills for the 21st Century, Arts and Humanities,

The Natural World, Social and Cultural Processes, Individuals and the Human Community). It

invites students to synthesize ideas, information and theories with opportunities to understand

how the concepts of one field can integrate with other fields. In 2009, the JMU General

Education program won the Association for General and Liberal Studies Exemplary Program

award for Improving General Education.

In addition, B.A. students are required to fulfill 0-14 credit hours of foreign language and 3

credit hours of philosophy study.

Dance Ensembles

The performance ensemble structure is central to the curriculum. A series of performance groups

provide rehearsal, performance, choreographic, technical production, design, management, and

direction experiences appropriate to the experience level and interest of the participants. The

ensembles provide a forum for other activities central to the mission of the dance program. The

Associate Group Dance serves as a sort of “freshman orientation” course, introducing students to

the Dance Program and the dance major experience. The faculty director and student assistant

directors support members in the transition to dance in a university setting. Efforts are made to

integrate new majors into the larger dance major community by encouraging them to join Dance

Theatre, the student dance organization, and to audition for pieces being made by the students in

the advanced composition class. The Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE) requires that each

member holds a variety of production and leadership positions that are introduced in

DANC/THEA 171, the core production course taken by all STAD majors. These positions

support productions in the Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre and the Mainstage Theatre. They

include but are not limited to direction of student concerts, stage management of studio and

mainstage productions, box office management, concert publicity, costume and lighting design,

rehearsal assistant positions, and backstage crew positions. The CDE also facilitates the

production of student choreography in both mainstage and studio concerts. The student

choreography that appears in studio and mainstage concerts is selected by audition. Student

choreographers selected for the mainstage concerts work with faculty and guest costume and

lighting designers. Members of the CDE are given the opportunity to audition and participate in

works by faculty and guest choreographers. It is important to note that members of the Virginia

Repertory Dance Company (VRDC) are required to participate in the Contemporary Dance

Ensemble. This integration creates a positive and cooperative learning environment and

circumvents the perception that the VRDC is an elite company separating its members from the

core objectives of the Dance Program. Members of the VRDC learn skills associated with

touring, such as developing an effective personal warm-up and designing lecture-demos and

workshops for schools.

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Dance Major Requirements2016-2017

Major Requirements

All students pursuing a B.A. degree in the School of Theatre and Dance must complete the core requirements listed below.

Core Requirements / Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: / 2-3
DANC 142.Elementary Ballet
DANC 143.International Folk Dance
DANC 144.Ballroom Dance
DANC 147.Tap Dance
DANC 325.Dance in Community (3 credits)
DANC 390.New Directions in Dance
THEA 251. Acting I. Basic Acting (3 credits)
Complete all of the following below.
THEA /DANC 250. The Collaborative Artist: Sophomore Studio
THEA/DANC 100. Theatre and Dance Colloquium (4 enrollments) / 3
THEA/DANC 171.Performance Production / 0
3
Total Core Requirements / 8-9

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Dance Major Requirements:
DANC 245.Dance Improvisation / 2
DANC 248.History of Dance / 3
DANC 320.Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer / 3
DANC 345.Dance Composition I / 3
DANC 445.Dance Composition II / 3
DANC 449.The Dance Professional / 3
DANC 479.Methods of Teaching Dance / 3
Ensemble Courses
DANC 110. Associate Group Dance Repertory I / 1
DANC 210. Associate Group Dance Repertory II / 1
DANC 211. A,B. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I / 2
DANC 311. A,B. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II / 2
Two semesters for a total of four credits:* / 4
DANC 240.Intermediate Modern Dance I
Two semesters for a total of four credits: / 4
DANC 340.Intermediate Modern Dance
One semester for a total of two credits: / 2
DANC 440.Advanced Modern Dance
Select four credits from the following courses: / 4
DANC 242.Intermediate Ballet I
DANC 342.Intermediate Ballet II
48-49

* The student is required to complete 10 credits in modern and four credits in ballet technique, with placement to be assessed in conference with dance faculty. Modern, ballet and jazz technique classes all have an advanced level course in the curriculum. The requirements listed above are the minimum level expected of dance concentration students. Most majors will take additional technique courses as university electives throughout their study in the dance program.

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Recommended Schedule for Dance Major

First Year
DANC 110.Associate Ensemble (fall)
DANC 171.Performance Production
DANC 210.Associate Ensemble (spring)
DANC 240.Intermediate Modern (fall and spring)
DANC 242.Intermediate I
DANC 245.Dance Improvisation
THEA/DANC 100. Theatre and Dance Colloquium
Second Year
THEA/DANC 250.The Collaborative Artist: Sophomore Studio
DANC 143,DANC 144orDANC 146.Folk, Ballroom or Jazz Dance
DANC 211.Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I (fall)
DANC 345.Dance Composition
DANC 311.Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II (spring)
DANC 340.Intermediate Modern II (fall and spring)
DANC 342orDANC 442.Intermediate or Intermediate Ballet II
THEA/DANC 100. Theatre and Dance Colloquium
Third Year
DANC 320.Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer
DANC 445.Dance Composition II
DANC 479.Methods of Teaching Dance
DANC 411orDANC 312.Contemporary Dance Ensemble
Repertory III or Virginia Repertory Dance Company
Other dance technique courses to fit the student's schedule.
THEA/DANC 100. Theatre and Dance Colloquium
Fourth Year
DANC 449.The Dance Professional
Other dance technique courses to fit the student's schedule.

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TEACHING LICENSURE IN DANCE

The goal of the Teaching Licensure in Dance is to provide a specialized area of concentration in

dance education. In order to obtain a Teaching Licensure in Dance, students major in