Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Dance

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Dance
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option)4
Major: Foundation
DANC 1101Dance Workshop (4 semesters)4
DANC 1201Pilates-based Cond for Dance2
Two semesters of:6
Ballet Dance Technique I
Ballet Dance Technique II
World Dance:Exploring Cultures
Two semesters of:6
Modern Dance Technique I
Modern Dance Technique II
World Dance:Exploring Cultures
Four semesters of:12
Ballet Dance Technique III
Repertory
Ballet Dance Technique IV
Four semesters of:12
Modern Dance Technique III
Repertory
Modern Dance Technique IV
DANC 2376Choreography I3
DANC 3335Jazz Dance Technique III3
DANC 3336Improvisation & Partnering3
DANC 3372Dance History3
DANC 3374Principles Of Dance Technique3
DANC 3376Choreography II3
DANC 4372Dance Criticism & Analysis3
DANC 4376Choreography III3
DANC 4377Senior Studio3
DANC 4384Dance Pedagogy3
DANC 4388Dance and Technology3
DANC 4389Career Resources in Dance3
Minor: Not Required 2,3
Total Hours120
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

2

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so, additional semester credit hours will be needed above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours. 

3

All minors can be paired with this degree program.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 3.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 3.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Only grades of C or higher in all dance courses will apply towards the BFA in Dance.

Undergraduate admission to the BFA in Dance is by audition only. Please visit our Admission/Audition page for more information and dates.

Not all dance courses are offered each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes and your dance faculty advisor before registration.

Sophomore Gate: In conjunction with enrollment in DANC 3376 (Choreography II), each student will be assessed for continuation as a major in the BFA in Dance program. Under the guidance of assigned dance faculty mentors, each student will choreograph a 3-5 minute solo, to be performed at the end of the semester in a jury assessed by the dance faculty. The faculty will at that time also review the student's grades in dance courses and the student's progress in technique and choreography. Possible outcomes for the Sophomore Gate are: pass; probation for one semester, with specified requirements to fulfill, including a repeat of the Sophomore Gate process; or fail. Any students who do not pass will not continue in the BFA curriculum but will be advised they may apply hours earned in dance to a dance minor.  

Writing Enhanced Courses. All undergraduate students are required to complete at least six hours of writing enhanced courses within the discipline, of which three hours must be advanced.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area I3Component Area I3
Component Area II13Component Area IX4
Component Area V3DANC 11011
DANC 11011DANC 1333, 2333, or 23733
DANC 1333, 2333, or 23733DANC 1334, 2334, or 23733
DANC 1334, 2334, or 23733 
 16 14
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area III4Component Area VI3
Component Area VI3Component Area VII3
DANC 11011DANC 11011
DANC 12012DANC 3333, 4330, or 43333
DANC 23763DANC 33353
DANC 3334, 4330, or 43343DANC 33763
 16 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area III4Component Area VII3
DANC 3334, 4330, or 43343DANC 3333, 4330, or 43333
DANC 33363DANC 33723
DANC 33743DANC 43763
DANC 43883 
 16 12
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IV3Component Area VIII3
DANC 3333, 4330, or 43333DANC 3333, 4330, or 43333
DANC 3334, 4330, or 43343DANC 3334, 4330, or 43343
DANC 43773DANC 43723
DANC 43843DANC 43893
 15 15
Total Hours: 120
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 3.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 3.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Only grades of C or higher in all dance courses will apply towards the BFA in Dance.

Undergraduate admission to the BFA in Dance is by audition only. Please visit our Admission/Audition page for more information and dates.

Not all dance courses are offered each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes and your dance faculty advisor before registration.

Sophomore Gate: In conjunction with enrollment in DANC 3376 (Choreography II), each student will be assessed by faculty to determine the student’s progress and potential for continuation as a major in the completion of the BFA in Dance program. Under the guidance of assigned dance faculty mentors, each student will choreograph a 3-5 minute solo, to be performed at the end of the semester in a jury assessed by the dance faculty. The faculty will at that time also review the student's grades in dance courses and the student's progress in technique and choreography. Possible outcomes for the Sophomore Gate are: pass; probation for one semester, with specified requirements to fulfill, including a repeat of the Sophomore Gate process; or fail. Any students who do not pass will not continue in the BFA curriculum but will be advised they may apply hours earned in dance to a dance minor. 

Writing Enhanced Courses. All undergraduate students are required to complete at least six hours of writing enhanced courses within the discipline, of which three hours must be advanced.

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so, additional semester credit hours will be needed above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours. 

All minors can be paired with this degree program.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BFA in Dance is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Teach ballet, modern, jazz, and other dance techniques.
  • Choreography skills for creating dance works appropriate for a wide range of venues and dancers.
  • Critical and analytical writing skills.
  • Work effectively in different roles within an organization: as a leader or director, as a responsible member of a team, and independently.
  • Creative problem-solving skills.
  • Time management skills.
  • Embodied experience with process that must result in a product (rehearsals for a public concert).