Nebraska might be known for its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, but beneath the surface beats a vibrant heart of artistic expression, particularly in dance. For students passionate about pursuing dance as a career and a fine art, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a comprehensive and engaging Dance Major program. This program is meticulously designed to cultivate well-rounded dance professionals, fostering not only exceptional performance and technique but also a deep understanding of dance history, choreography, and pedagogy.
This guide delves into everything you need to know about the Dance Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, your gateway to a fulfilling career in Nebraska Dance and beyond.
A Comprehensive Arts Experience with a Dance Focus
The Dance Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln stands out as a holistic arts experience, uniquely centered around the art of dance. It’s perfectly suited for aspiring dancers who are driven to hone their performance and technical abilities, explore dance as a sophisticated art form, and aspire to choreograph and instruct future generations of dancers.
The curriculum is thoughtfully constructed to encompass the multifaceted world of dance, covering cultural, theatrical, and performance aspects. Students are provided with abundant opportunities to showcase their talents and passion. You’ll be prepared to actively participate in dance program concerts, department productions, and even community-based projects, some of which involve collaborations with professional artists, enriching your learning and broadening your network.
Further enhancing your educational journey, the program facilitates interactions with leading figures in the dance world. Students regularly benefit from professional master classes and have the unique privilege of working alongside guest choreographers of national and international acclaim, ensuring you are learning from the best and gaining diverse perspectives in the field of Nebraska dance.
Degree at a Glance: Your Path to a Dance Major
To give you a clearer picture of the academic journey, here’s a breakdown of the course requirements for the Dance Major:
| Course Category | Credit Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Requirements | 30 | Some ACE outcomes may be satisfied by major coursework. |
| Languages: Classical & Modern | 0-6 | Select from the list of “Approved Courses” under “College Degree Requirements.” |
| Dance Major Requirements | 51 | Core dance courses and electives within the major. |
| Electives | 33-39 | General electives to reach the total credit hour requirement. |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | Minimum credit hours required for graduation. |
This structured curriculum ensures a balanced education, combining rigorous dance training with a broad liberal arts foundation, preparing you for diverse career paths within Nebraska dance and the wider dance community.
Admission into the Dance Major: Audition Required
Aspiring Dance Majors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will need to demonstrate their talent and potential through a performance audition. This audition is a crucial part of the admission process, allowing the faculty to assess your current dance abilities and potential for growth within the program.
Auditions typically take place in January and February each year. It’s essential to contact the Glenn Korff School of Music, the home of the Dance program, for specific audition dates, requirements, and any other details you need to prepare. Planning ahead and preparing thoroughly for your audition is key to a successful application to study dance in Nebraska.
College Admission Requirements: Setting the Foundation
Admission to the Dance Major also requires meeting the general admission standards of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These requirements are in line with the overall University admission criteria and ensure all students have a solid academic foundation for their chosen field.
The college-level admission requirements include specific high school coursework:
- English: 4 units
- Mathematics: 4 units
- Social Studies: 3 units
- Natural Sciences: 3 units
- Foreign Language: 2 units
Note: One unit is equivalent to one year of high school credit.
In addition to these academic units, prospective students must also meet one of the following performance standards:
For New Freshmen:
- Minimum ACT score of 20 (composite)
- Minimum SAT score of 950 (combined)
- Rank in the top half of your high school graduating class
For Transfer and Readmit Students:
- Completion of 12 or more semester credits from a post-secondary institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 during the last semester of record at the time of application.
(Please note: Emerging media arts majors have slightly higher GPA requirements: a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and 3.0 GPA in the last semester).
For International Students:
- Minimum TOEFL score of 70 (Internet-based) or 523 (paper-based).
It’s important to remember that while these are the general college admission requirements, the Dance Department within the Glenn Korff School of Music may have more specific or higher standards for acceptance into the Dance Major. Always verify directly with the department to ensure you meet all criteria for studying dance at Nebraska.
Auditions and Portfolio Reviews Across Fine Arts Programs
Auditions are a key component for admission into various programs within the Glenn Korff School of Music, specifically for music, music education, and, of course, dance majors. Similarly, the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film requires auditions for acting majors. For other programs within the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, a separate application and portfolio review process is in place. This underscores the commitment to evaluating artistic talent and potential across the fine and performing arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Addressing Admission Deficiencies
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provisions for students who may be admitted with some deficiencies in core course requirements through an “Admission by Review” process. However, it’s important to understand that such admissions may come with specific conditions attached to enrollment. Details regarding the removal of these deficiencies can be found in the University catalog under “Removal of Deficiencies.”
Students with a limited number of deficiencies might still be considered for admission to the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. It is recommended to consult with an admissions advisor to understand how any deficiencies might affect your application and enrollment in the Dance Major.
College Degree Requirements: Broadening Your Horizons
Beyond the specific requirements of the Dance Major, the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts has college-wide degree requirements designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
World Languages/Language Requirement
A core college degree requirement is proficiency in a world language. This requirement aims to broaden students’ perspectives and provide them with working familiarity with another language and culture.
All students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music degree, including Dance Majors, must complete the intermediate level in one world language. This is generally fulfilled by completing the 4th level of a single language, either in high school or at the university level.
Language study options at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are diverse, including:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Czech
- French
- German
- Greek
- Japanese
- Latin
- Russian
- Spanish
- American Sign Language
Courses offered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that complete the intermediate language sequence include courses like ARAB 202, CHIN 202, FREN 202, and SPAN 202, among others. A comprehensive list is available in the original document.
Important Notes regarding the Language Requirement:
- Students who have completed the fourth-year level of a world language in high school are automatically exempt from this requirement.
- Students with language proficiency not reflected on their transcript may demonstrate intermediate level proficiency through an assessment by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. (Note: Greek, Latin, and American Sign Language are not included in this assessment process.) Successful assessment may lead to a waiver of the language requirement, though without earning course credit.
- International and domestic students whose first language is not English are also exempt from the language requirement without credit, upon providing appropriate documentation of prior language study.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
To earn a degree from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, including a Dance Major, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit. Furthermore, maintaining good academic standing requires students to uphold a minimum current and cumulative GPA of 2.0. Individual departments, including Dance, may set higher GPA expectations.
Grade Rules within the College
The College has specific rules regarding accepted grades, particularly for transfer credits and major coursework.
C- and D Grades
The College has a limit on the acceptance of lower grades from outside institutions. No more than 15 semester hours of grades lower than C (including C-, D+, D, and D-) from schools outside the University of Nebraska system will be accepted.
Crucially, courses with grades lower than C-, whether earned at Nebraska or transferred from other institutions, cannot be applied towards fulfilling major requirements. However, these credits may count towards the total 120 hours required for graduation and other general requirements that do not have a minimum grade threshold. This emphasizes the importance of achieving satisfactory grades in your Dance Major coursework.
Pass/No Pass Option
The University’s Pass/No Pass (P/N) option is designed to encourage students to explore courses outside their comfort zone without undue pressure on their GPA.
Key points regarding the Pass/No Pass option:
- Neither ‘P’ (Pass) nor ‘N’ (No Pass) grades impact a student’s GPA.
- A ‘P’ grade signifies performance at a C level or above. (Note: Some professional education courses may require a C+ or higher for a ‘Pass’).
- The grading option can be changed to or from Pass/No Pass until the midterm point of the course.
- The chosen grading option must align with the policies of the professor, department, college, and University.
- Changes to or from Pass/No Pass before the midterm deadline can be made through the MyRED system or by filing a Drop/Add form. After the midterm, changes are generally not permitted unless the Pass/No Pass registration conflicts with established policies.
- The Pass/No Pass option cannot be used to remove C-, D, or F grades from GPA calculations.
Within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, additional regulations apply to the Pass/No Pass option:
- Pass/No Pass credits can contribute to ACE requirements, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
- Freshmen and sophomores are limited to enrolling in no more than 6 Pass/No Pass credit hours per semester.
- Courses taken to fulfill major degree requirements cannot be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. However, departments may allow up to 6 Pass/No Pass credit hours to be taken in a minor offered by the Hixson-Lied College.
- Departments may designate certain courses that can only be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
- The College limits the total Pass/No Pass credits applicable towards a degree to 24 semester hours, including ‘Pass’ grades from Nebraska and other institutions.
It’s crucial to consult the Dance Department listings for their specific policies on Pass/No Pass credits within the major and minor. If you intend to apply Pass/No Pass credits to your major or minor, you must obtain approval via a form available in the Dean’s Office.
GPA Requirements for Good Standing
Maintaining good academic standing in the College requires students to keep a minimum GPA of 2.0 each semester. As mentioned before, specific programs within the College, including Dance, may have higher GPA requirements. It is essential to be aware of and meet the GPA standards set by the Dance Department to remain in good standing within the major.
Transfer Credit Rules: Bringing Prior Learning
The University generally accepts credit hours earned at accredited colleges and universities. However, the College reserves the right to evaluate and either accept or reject any submitted transfer credits. The maximum transfer credits accepted from a two-year college is 60 semester hours.
Typically, pre-university work does not receive credit. However, in certain cases, credit may be granted through satisfactory examination.
All transfer students must fulfill the University’s Residency Requirement (detailed below) and complete at least 9 credit hours in their major field, Dance, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, regardless of the number of transfer credits.
The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts will accept a maximum of 15 semester hours with D grades from institutions other than UNO (University of Nebraska Omaha) or UNK (University of Nebraska Kearney). All grades are transferable from UNO and UNK. However, transfer courses intended for a student’s major or minor will be evaluated by the respective department and held to the same minimum grade standards as courses taken at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions
Credits earned from foreign universities and colleges are subject to validation by the relevant department before transfer. This evaluation may involve examining the student’s knowledge of the subject matter studied at the foreign institution.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
Students with prior coursework in art, music, or theatre within the International Baccalaureate Program may be eligible to receive course credit at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The specific credit awarded follows guidelines established by each academic unit. Contact the Dance Department for detailed information on IB credit for dance courses.
Course Level Requirements: Upper-Level Coursework
A key graduation requirement is the completion of upper-level coursework. Thirty of the total 120 semester hours required for graduation must be from courses numbered above 299. These upper-level hours can be fulfilled through a combination of major and non-major courses, allowing flexibility in your academic planning.
Residency Requirement: Learning at UNL
To ensure a significant portion of your academic experience is at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, residency requirements are in place. Students must meet one of the following:
- Complete at least 30 of the last 36 credit hours while enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Complete a total of 90 credit hours while enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Credits earned during study abroad programs may count towards degree requirements if the programs are pre-approved and registration is through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Credit from other institutions will be subject to standard transfer credit and residency rules.
Experiential Learning Requirement: Hands-On Experience
All undergraduate students within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts are required to complete at least one Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This requirement emphasizes the importance of practical, hands-on learning as part of your dance education. Many dance courses, particularly performance-based ones, may fulfill this requirement.
ACE Requirements: Achievement-Centered Education
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to Achievement-Centered Education (ACE). All undergraduate students, including Dance Majors, must fulfill the ACE requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure students develop essential skills and knowledge across ten key areas. Detailed information about the ACE program can be found at ace.unl.edu. Many courses within the Dance Major curriculum may also satisfy certain ACE requirements, allowing for efficient progress towards your degree.
Catalog Rule: Academic Regulations
The “Catalog Rule” ensures clarity and stability in academic requirements. Students initially enrolling at Nebraska under the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog (or a subsequent catalog) must fulfill the requirements outlined in that catalog or any catalog published during their enrollment, provided the chosen catalog is no more than ten years old at the time of graduation. Students must adhere to the requirements of a single catalog year and cannot mix and match requirements from different catalogs.
Exception for Glenn Korff School of Music Students: Students pursuing a degree in the Glenn Korff School of Music, including Dance Majors, must maintain continuous progress in their major coursework. Failure to take at least one course fulfilling major requirements within a 12-month period may require re-auditioning. In such cases, students will then be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of re-audition.
Transfer students from community colleges may, under specific conditions, be eligible to fulfill degree requirements as stated in a catalog from an academic year during which they were enrolled at the community college before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision must be made in consultation with academic advisors within the first two semesters after transferring.
Eligibility to use a prior catalog depends on several factors, including:
- Admission to the university as a transfer student.
- Enrollment at a community college during the catalog year being used.
- Continuous enrollment at the previous institution for at least one academic year.
- Enrolling at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within one calendar year of last enrollment at the previous institution.
- Maintaining the same major after the admission process.
Learning Outcomes: What You Will Achieve as a Dance Graduate
Upon graduating with a Dance Major from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, you will have developed a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge, preparing you for a successful career in Nebraska dance and beyond. Graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate Expertise: Exhibit knowledge, skills, and principles across diverse dance and somatic practices studied within the program.
- Integrate Theory and Practice: Combine dance practice with theoretical understanding through cultural, social, and historical perspectives.
- Apply Global and Interdisciplinary Approaches: Utilize global and interdisciplinary lenses in dance and somatic practices and studies.
- Analyze and Apply Research: Analyze and apply scientific and practice-based research within movement practices.
- Develop Pedagogical Frameworks: Create pedagogical frameworks for embodied learning and effective dance instruction.
- Explore Personal Artistry: Cultivate personal artistry through performance, improvisation, and choreography.
- Engage Collaboratively: Participate in cooperative, collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered embodied learning processes.
These learning outcomes ensure that graduates are not only skilled dancers but also informed, adaptable, and thoughtful professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to the field of dance.
Major Requirements: Core Dance Curriculum
The Dance Major curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in movement, theory, history, composition, and performance. The specific major requirements are divided into key areas:
Specific Major Requirements: Course Breakdown
| Course Category | Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | DANC 111 | Ballet I | 2 |
| DANC 112 | Beginning Modern Dance | 2 | |
| DANC 171 | Pilates | 2 | |
| DANC 212 | Intermediate Modern Dance | 2 | |
| DANC 271 | Bartenieff Fundamentals | 2 | |
| Select 6 credits from: | 6 | ||
| DANC 130 | Hip Hop Dance | ||
| DANC 211 | Ballet II | ||
| DANC 272 | Tai Chi | ||
| DANC 312 | Advanced Modern Dance | ||
| DANC 361 | Contact Improvisation | ||
| Movement Subtotal | 16 | ||
| Theory and History | DANC 159 | Introduction to Dance History | 3 |
| DANC 349 | Dance, Culture, and Politics | 3 | |
| DANC 448 | Dance Pedagogy | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits from: | 3 | ||
| DANC 228 | Music for Dance | ||
| DANC 338 | Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention | ||
| DANC 469 | Seminar in Dance | ||
| Theory/History Subtotal | 12 | ||
| Composition & Performance | DANC 300 | Dance Composition (2 semesters) | 6 |
| DANC 360 | Repertory, Improvisation and Performance (4 semesters) | 4 | |
| Composition/Performance Subtotal | 10 | ||
| Dance Electives | Select any DANC courses | Dance Electives | 13 |
| Dance Electives Subtotal | 13 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 51 |
This structured curriculum ensures a well-rounded dance education, encompassing technique, theory, creative practice, and performance experience, all within the context of Nebraska dance education.
Minor Requirements: Expanding Your Expertise
While not mandatory, pursuing a minor alongside your Dance Major is an option. Minors can complement your dance studies, allowing you to explore related fields and broaden your skill set. Discuss potential minors with your academic advisor to find the best fit for your career goals.
Additional Major Requirements: Performance and Grades
Prerequisite Requirements/Advancement in Major
Active participation in performance is considered integral to the Dance Major experience. All majors are expected to participate in a performance each semester, providing valuable stage experience and opportunities to apply their skills.
Grade Rules within the Major
C- and D Grades
Maintaining academic rigor within the major is essential. Students must achieve a grade of C or better in all courses required for the Dance Major. Any course in which a student earns a grade of C- or below must be repeated to count towards major requirements.
Pass/No Pass
To ensure rigorous engagement with major coursework, all courses taken to fulfill Dance Major or minor requirements must be taken for a traditional letter grade (except for courses exclusively offered on a Pass/No Pass basis).
Requirements for Minor Offered by Department: Dance Minor Details
For students interested in dance but pursuing a major in another field, a Dance Minor is available. Notably, an audition is not required for admission to the Dance Minor, making it accessible to a broader range of students interested in exploring dance.
Minor in Dance – 18 Credits
The Dance Minor requires a total of 18 credit hours, providing a solid introduction to the discipline.
| Course Category | Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Course | DANC 159 | Introduction to Dance History | 3 |
| Dance Electives | Select any DANC courses | Dance Electives | 15 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 |
Grade Rules for the Minor
Similar to the major, all courses taken for the Dance Minor must be taken for a traditional letter grade to ensure academic engagement and achievement.
Course Descriptions: Dive into Dance Courses
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a wide array of dance courses, catering to various interests and skill levels. Here are descriptions of some of the courses mentioned within the major requirements:
DANC101 Beginning Ballet (1 Credit Hour)
Description: Introduces the foundational techniques and practices of classical ballet, including essential ballet vocabulary.
DANC111 Ballet I (2 Credit Hours)
Counts towards a dance minor and may count toward the dance major.
Description: Develops classical ballet technique, emphasizing precise and accurate application of fundamental ballet movements and vocabulary.
DANC112 Beginning Modern Dance (2 Credit Hours)
Description: The introductory stage of studio training in Modern Dance. Focuses on mastering fundamental movements, encompassing style, phrasing, musicality, personal interpretation, and improvisation.
Prerequisite for: DANC 113, DANC 212.
DANC113 Modern Dance II (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 112 or equivalent.
Description: The second phase of early studio training in Modern Dance. Continues to build upon beginning modern dance technique, emphasizing fundamental movements, technical skill, musicality, and improvisation.
DANC130 Hip Hop Dance (2 Credit Hours)
Description: Explores the theory and practice of hip hop dance history and movement vocabulary, including related street dance styles like party dance and house dance.
DANC159 Introduction to Dance History (3 Credit Hours)
Description: Provides a historical survey of dance from the late 19th through the 21st century, offering crucial context for contemporary dance practices.
Prerequisite for: DANC 349, DANC 469.
DANC171 Pilates (2 Credit Hours)
Description: Covers the theory and practice of Pilates, examining various instructional philosophies.
DANC211 Ballet II (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Dance major or minor status.
Description: Further develops principles of classical ballet technique and vocabulary, building upon Ballet I.
Prerequisite for: DANC 228, DANC 338.
DANC212 Intermediate Modern Dance (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 112.
Description: Focuses on movement vocabulary, concepts, and principles of modern dance techniques at the intermediate level, fostering a broader understanding of modern dance styles and cultures.
Prerequisite for: DANC 213, DANC 228, DANC 312, DANC 338.
DANC213 Modern Dance IV (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 212 or equivalent.
Description: Expands vocabulary and concepts within the modern dance idiom at a low intermediate level, emphasizing technical and physical strength, musicality, and improvisation.
DANC228 Music for Dance (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Dance major status; DANC 211 and DANC 212.
Description: Explores rhythmic reading and analysis, dance accompaniment techniques, music resources, and the relationship between sound and movement. Includes practical application using percussion and sound inventions for dance accompaniment.
DANC271 Bartenieff Fundamentals (2 Credit Hours)
Description: Introduces principles and basic exercises of Bartenieff Fundamentals, an integrative approach to efficient movement patterning and increased body awareness for dancers and non-dancers.
DANC272 Tai Chi (2 Credit Hours)
Description: Introduces the movements and philosophy of Tai Chi (Taijiquan), an ancient Chinese martial art, broadening movement vocabulary and body awareness.
DANC300 Dance Composition (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Dance major status.
Description: Focuses on the structural organization of movement elements, theory and practice in dance composition, concepts, content, and their perceptual validity through movement exploration.
DANC301 Dance Techniques (1-3 Credit Hours)
Description: Advanced modern dance technique, emphasizing mastery of fundamental movements, style, phrasing, musicality, personal interpretation, and improvisation at a higher level.
DANC312 Advanced Modern Dance (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 212.
Description: Advanced level movement vocabulary, concepts, and principles of modern dance techniques, emphasizing technical, artistic, and contemporary practices.
Prerequisite for: DANC 313.
DANC313 Modern Dance VI (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 312 or equivalent.
Description: Challenges students to enhance vocabulary and technical ability at a high intermediate level of modern dance technique, with a strong emphasis on improvisation.
Prerequisite for: DANC 412.
DANC338 Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Dance major or minor status; DANC 211 and DANC 212.
Description: Explores biomechanical principles affecting the musculoskeletal system’s structure and function in dance, including causes, treatment, and prevention of dance-related injuries, and body conditioning for injury prevention.
DANC349 Dance, Culture, and Politics (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 159.
Description: Examines how dance practices embody specific historical, cultural, and political developments, providing a critical lens for understanding dance in context.
Prerequisite for: DANC 469.
DANC360 Repertory, Improvisation and Performance (1 Credit Hour)
Prerequisites: Dance major or minor status.
Description: Involves rehearsal of dance repertory, participation in creating original works, and application of improvisational techniques, requiring active involvement in dance productions and enhancing performance skills.
DANC361 Contact Improvisation (2 Credit Hours)
Description: Introduces contact improvisation, a technique where physical contact points initiate movement improvisation, emphasizing spontaneity, collaboration, movement awareness, weight-sharing, and touch.
DANC398 Special Topics in Dance (1-3 Credit Hours)
Description: Offers in-depth study through analysis of major choreographic works, solo performance opportunities, guest artist technique courses in diverse mediums, and advanced research projects.
DANC411 Ballet IV (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 311.
Description: Applies advanced classical ballet technique and performance styles, building towards professional-level proficiency.
DANC412 Modern Dance VII (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 313 or equivalent.
Description: Applies advanced modern dance techniques to performance styles, focusing on repertory work and complex movement phrases, preparing students for advanced performance contexts.
Prerequisite for: DANC 413.
DANC413 Modern Dance VIII (2 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 412 or equivalent.
Description: Challenges students to identify and apply their personal physical and artistic style in modern dance performance, emphasizing preparation for post-university dance careers.
DANC448 Dance Pedagogy (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Senior standing; Dance major status; two 300-level DANC technique courses.
Description: Focuses on methods and materials for dance teaching, including alignment analysis, exercise progression structuring, lesson plan development, course outlines, teaching observations, and practical teaching experience.
Prerequisite for: DANC 498.
DANC469 Seminar in Dance (3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: Senior standing and DANC 159 and DANC 349.
Description: Surveys major critical writings on dance history, emphasizing a supportive approach to viewing, reviewing, and critically analyzing dance as an art form, enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills in dance.
DANC496 Independent Study/Internship (1-6 Credit Hours)
Description: Offers field work opportunities in dance, dance teaching, or individually arranged dance study under faculty supervision, providing practical experience and professional development.
DANC498 Practicum in Dance Teaching (1-3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: DANC 448.
Description: Provides supervised practical application of pedagogical principles learned in Dance Pedagogy, offering hands-on teaching experience in a mentored setting.
Sample 4-Year Plan: Your Academic Roadmap
(Please note: This is a sample 4-year plan and actual course selection and sequence may vary. Consult with your academic advisor for personalized planning.)
This sample plan provides a term-by-term outline for completing the Dance Major in four years, incorporating major requirements, ACE requirements, and electives. It’s designed to be a guide, and your actual path may be adjusted in consultation with your advisor.
Year 1, Term 1 (16 HR)
- Dance Movement: DANC 112 (Modern Dance I) – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Theory/History: DANC 159 (Introduction to History of Dance) – 3hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 1 Written Texts: Choose 1 from ACE 1 list – 3hr
- Language Sequence: Recommend 1 or more courses – 5hr
- Electives: Any Course – 3hr
Year 1, Term 2 (15 HR)
- Dance Movement: DANC 111 (Ballet I), DANC 171 (Pilates) – 4hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 5 Humanities: Choose 1 from ACE 5 list – 3hr
- Language Sequence: Recommend 1 or more courses – 5hr
- Electives: Any Course – 3hr
Year 2, Term 3 (14 HR)
- Dance Movement: DANC 271 (Bartenieff Fundamentals) – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Composition: DANC 300 (Dance Composition) – 3hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Performance: DANC 360 (Repertory, Improvisation and Performance) – 1hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Electives: Any Dance Course – 2hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 3 Math/Statistics: Choose 1 from ACE 3 list – 3hr
- Language Sequence: Recommend 1 or more courses – 3hr
Year 2, Term 4 (15 HR)
- Dance Movement: DANC 212 (Intermediate Modern Dance) – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Performance: DANC 360 (Repertory, Improvisation and Performance) – 1hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Electives: Any Dance Course – 2hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 6 Social Sciences: Choose 1 from ACE 6 list – 3hr
- Language Sequence: Recommend 1 or more courses – 3hr
- Electives: Any Course – 4hr
Year 3, Term 5 (15 HR)
- Dance Movement: Choose 1 from specified DANC courses – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Composition: DANC 300 (Dance Composition) – 3hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Performance: DANC 360 (Repertory, Improvisation and Performance) – 1hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Electives: Any Dance Course – 3hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 4 Sciences: Choose 1 from ACE 4 list – 3hr
- Electives: Any Course – 3hr
Year 3, Term 6 (15 HR)
- Dance Movement: Choose 1 from specified DANC courses – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Theory/History: Choose 1 from specified DANC courses – 3hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Performance: DANC 360 (Repertory, Improvisation and Performance) – 1hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Electives: Any Dance Course – 3hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 2 Communication Skill: Choose 1 from ACE 2 list – 3hr
- Electives: Any Course – 3hr
Year 4, Term 7 (15 HR)
- Dance Movement: Choose 1 from specified DANC courses – 2hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Theory/History: DANC 349 (Dance, Culture, and Politics) – 3hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 7 Arts: Choose 1 from ACE 7 list – 3hr
- ACE 8 Ethical Principles: Choose 1 from ACE 8 list – 3hr
- Electives: Any Course – 4hr
Year 4, Term 8 (15 HR)
- Dance Theory/History: DANC 448 (Dance Pedagogy) – 3hr (Critical Course)
- Dance Electives: Any Dance Course – 3hr (Critical Course)
- ACE 9 Global/Human Diversity: Choose 1 from ACE 9 list – 3hr
- Electives: Any Course – 6hr
Graduation Requirements Reminder:
- Maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.
- Complete a total of 120 credit hours.
- Fulfill residency requirements (30 of last 36 hours or 90 total hours at UNL).
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours of courses numbered 300 or above.
Career Information: Pathways After Graduation
A Dance Major from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths within Nebraska dance and the broader performing arts sector.
Jobs of Recent Graduates:
- Dance Instructor, Reflections of Soul Dance – Beatrice, NE
- Dance Instructor, I Do Art For All – Omaha, NE
- Company Member/Dance Teacher, Mamlust and Company – Cincinnati, OH
- Licensed Massage Therapist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Lincoln, NE (demonstrating the versatility of skills gained)
- Actress/Performer, The National Theater For Children – Minneapolis, MN
Internship Examples:
- Dance for Parkinson’s Intern, Ruth Davidson Hahn and Company – Lincoln, NE
- Massage Therapist, Campus Recreation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Lincoln, NE (again, showcasing diverse applications)
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as performers, choreographers, dance educators, dance therapists, arts administrators, and in related fields. The strong foundation in movement, theory, and pedagogy equips them with transferable skills valuable in diverse professional settings. The Nebraska dance scene is growing, and graduates from this program are well-positioned to contribute to and shape its future.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of the Dance Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. If you are passionate about dance and seeking a rigorous and rewarding academic program in Nebraska, this major offers an exceptional pathway to achieve your artistic and professional goals.
