Salem’s bachelor of arts in dance studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines dance theory and technique. Students can select classes from a core list of courses, such as the History of Dance and Choreography, while also exploring a variety of elective offerings, including Performing Arts Management and The Artist as Entrepreneur.
The BA/BS in dance and movement science is a combination of dance theory and technique, with a focus on human science and movement. This program integrates courses in physiology, nutrition, and motor development.
Both majors enhance Salem College’s offerings to students who are interested in fields such as choreography, management, education, and health-related fields. Both programs will also allow students to continue their education in dance and other movement-related areas in graduate school by giving them the opportunity to apply for master of fine arts programs in choreography or physical therapy.
Program Faculty
Helpful Links
You Might Also Be Interested In
Overview
Program Overview
The Dance Studies Department serves a wide range of students who are preparing to discover the dynamic possibilities of a career in the arts or health-related fields.
The bachelor of arts in dance studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines dance theory and technique with various different departmental courses that allow students to cultivate their own interests. The program empowers women to explore their passions and to reach their artistic goals.
The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in dance and movement science is a combination of dance theory and technique, with a significant focus on human science and movement. This degree empowers students to prepare for health-related careers such as dance and physical therapy, fitness education, exercise physiology, and somatic instruction.
Dance Faculty
The Dance Studies Department is chaired by Heidi Echols. Heidi has trained with many renowned dance educators and has presented her choreography nationally. Adjunct faculty includes Shawn Bowman-Hicks and Karola Luttringhaus. Guest artists have included Bill T. Jones, Twyla Tharp, and multiple local artists.
Major/Minor
Dance Studies Major (BA)
The dance studies major requires a minimum of fifteen courses.
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique courses—choose from the list below to total a minimum of twelve semester hours:
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Dance ensemble courses—select at least two different courses from the following for a total of four semester hours:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022. Dance Company Production (1 hr)
Dance studies electives—choose from the list below to minimum of fifteen semester hours:
- ARMN 120. The Artist as Entrepreneur (3 hrs)
- ARMN 215. Performing Arts Management (3 hrs)
- COMM 120. Oral Communication (3 hrs)
- COMM 180. Visual Communication (3 hrs)
- DANC 230. Independent Study in Dance (1-4 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- MUSI 151. Acting (3 hrs)
- MUSI 223. Alexander Technique (1 hr)
Dance and Movement Science Major (BA)
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses—choose from the list below.
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Required science courses
- BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
- BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
- BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)
- BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)
- EXER 230. Motor Development (3 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)
Exercise science elective—choose one of the following courses:
- EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)
- EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
- EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
Dance and Movement Science Major (BS)
The bachelor of science in dance and movement science major requires eighteen courses.
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet(2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Required science courses:
- BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
- BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
- BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)
- BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)
- CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)
- CHEM 120 General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis (5 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)
- EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
- MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs) or MATH 100. Calculus I (5 hrs)
- PHYS 210. General Physics I (5 hrs)
Exercise science elective: choose one of the following courses:
- EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)
- EXER 230. Motor Development (3 hrs)
- EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
Dance Minor
The dance minor at Salem College gives students the opportunity to develop artistically through skilled technique classes, creative exploration and varied performance opportunities. The program’s mission is to create self-motivated students with high academic standards and artistic originality. The minor in dance consists of five courses.
Required courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Investigation/Somatic Study (3 hrs) or DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Courses
DANC 020. Salem College Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
Performance of dance piece in a formal dance company concert. Dances may be choreographed by faculty, guest artists, or students. Fall and Spring (P/NC)
DANC 021. Salem College Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
Choreography of a dance piece that is performed in a formal dance concert. Spring. (P/NC)
DANC 022. Salem College Dance Company Production (1 hr)
Assisting with production aspects of a formal dance company concert. Can include assistance behind stage, lights and sound, marketing, and audience relations. (P/NC)
DANC 034. Level I Ballet (2 hrs)
This course is an introduction to the basic ballet vocabulary.
DANC 035. Level II Ballet (2 hrs)
This course is further development of ballet vocabulary and personal technique.
DANC 036. Level I Jazz Dance (2 hrs)
An introduction to basic jazz vocabulary through various exercises and combinations.
DANC 037. Level II Jazz Dance (2 hrs)
Further development of jazz vocabulary and personal technique.
DANC 038. Level I Modern Dance (2 hrs)
Introduction of basic modern vocabulary through floor work, center exercises, locomotion.
DANC 039. Level II Modern Dance (2 hrs)
Further development of modern vocabulary with more complex movements and phrases.
DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
A survey of dance from pre-historic times to the present with an investigation of the scope, style, and function of dance in various cultures. (WS, AR)
DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
The art of making dances by studying the elements of structure, time, space, and dynamics and movement invention. Approaches to choreography and techniques of handling choreographic material. (AR)
DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
Movement Research is a movement class for people who love to be in motion and want to take time to understand how the body works, how movement is created and maintained. It is a somatic class that will explore improvisation, movement principles, and body awareness. This class is for all levels of movement experience.
DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
This service learning course engages students in classroom preparation through exploration of theories and ideas finding ways to facilitate creative expression using movement, text, experiences, activities, and workshops. The service activity develops and informs the classroom context; structured reflection ties service experience to specific learning goals. Students will work in the community setting of their choice to facilitate creative expression through dance. (SL)
DANC 220. Special Topics in Dance (1-4 hrs)
This course will cover diverse and current topics in dance.
DANC 230. Independent Study in Dance (1-4 hrs)
Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This independent study may take the form of readings, research, project, or field experience. Open to students with a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. Permission of chair of the department required. May not be taken for more than a total of two courses.
DANC 270. Internship in Dance (1-4 hrs)
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in coursework to gain experience in a real work setting. The apprenticeship aspect of the internship implies that the student has some base of knowledge and will increase her knowledge and skills by direct contact with and experienced, knowledgeable mentor. Open to juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 cumulative average, admission by application only.
DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
This senior capstone course examines the current trends, ideas, technology, and theory associated with dance studies. Students will design, propose, conduct, write, and present a substantive research endeavor. They will examine up-to-date disciplinary ideology and discuss these topics.
Internships
Resources
FAQs
Salem College has made a major contribution to my growth as a student and a young woman. I've been encouraged to apply lessons from the from the classroom to real life situations. Salem provides countless opportunities for networking, professional development, internships, travel, and creative expression. Each student has the ability to experience her own individuality and find her true purpose. I cherish this community, and I have Salem to thank for who I have become.
Calleah Solomon
MAJORS:
Arts management and dance studies
HOMETOWN:
Raleigh, NC
INTERNSHIPS:
- First in Flight Entertainment/ Spring Theater
- Academy of Dance Arts
Post Graduation Job:
Faculty member at Academy of Dance Arts in Winston-Salem
INVOLVEMENTS:
Honor Guide, president of Salem Dance Company, secretary of senior class, Committee on Community, student supervisor of Student Center
Program Overview
The Dance Studies Department serves a wide range of students who are preparing to discover the dynamic possibilities of a career in the arts or health-related fields.
The bachelor of arts in dance studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines dance theory and technique with various different departmental courses that allow students to cultivate their own interests. The program empowers women to explore their passions and to reach their artistic goals.
The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in dance and movement science is a combination of dance theory and technique, with a significant focus on human science and movement. This degree empowers students to prepare for health-related careers such as dance and physical therapy, fitness education, exercise physiology, and somatic instruction.
Dance Faculty
The Dance Studies Department is chaired by Heidi Echols. Heidi has trained with many renowned dance educators and has presented her choreography nationally. Adjunct faculty includes Shawn Bowman-Hicks and Karola Luttringhaus. Guest artists have included Bill T. Jones, Twyla Tharp, and multiple local artists.
Dance Studies Major (BA)
The dance studies major requires a minimum of fifteen courses.
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique courses—choose from the list below to total a minimum of twelve semester hours:
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Dance ensemble courses—select at least two different courses from the following for a total of four semester hours:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022. Dance Company Production (1 hr)
Dance studies electives—choose from the list below to minimum of fifteen semester hours:
- ARMN 120. The Artist as Entrepreneur (3 hrs)
- ARMN 215. Performing Arts Management (3 hrs)
- COMM 120. Oral Communication (3 hrs)
- COMM 180. Visual Communication (3 hrs)
- DANC 230. Independent Study in Dance (1-4 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- MUSI 151. Acting (3 hrs)
- MUSI 223. Alexander Technique (1 hr)
Dance and Movement Science Major (BA)
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses—choose from the list below.
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Required science courses
- BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
- BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
- BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)
- BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)
- EXER 230. Motor Development (3 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)
Exercise science elective—choose one of the following courses:
- EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)
- EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
- EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
Dance and Movement Science Major (BS)
The bachelor of science in dance and movement science major requires eighteen courses.
Required core courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
- DANC 270 Internship in Dance Studies (1-4 hrs)
- DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet(2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
Required science courses:
- BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
- BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
- BIOL 218. Anatomy and Physiology I (5 hrs)
- BIOL 219. Anatomy and Physiology II (5 hrs)
- CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)
- CHEM 120 General Chemistry with Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis (5 hrs)
- EXER 250. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
- EXER 310. Exercise Physiology (4 hrs)
- EXER 320. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
- MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs) or MATH 100. Calculus I (5 hrs)
- PHYS 210. General Physics I (5 hrs)
Exercise science elective: choose one of the following courses:
- EXER 210. Nutrition (3 hrs)
- EXER 230. Motor Development (3 hrs)
- EXER 240. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3 hrs)
Dance Minor
The dance minor at Salem College gives students the opportunity to develop artistically through skilled technique classes, creative exploration and varied performance opportunities. The program’s mission is to create self-motivated students with high academic standards and artistic originality. The minor in dance consists of five courses.
Required courses:
- DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
- DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
- DANC 202. Movement Investigation/Somatic Study (3 hrs) or DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
- DANC 020. Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
- DANC 021. Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
- DANC 022 Dance Company Production (1 hr)
- DANC 034. Beginning Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 035. Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (2 hrs)
- DANC 036. Beginning Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 037. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (2 hrs)
- DANC 038. Beginning Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 039. Intermediate/Advanced Modern (2 hrs)
- DANC 220. Special Topics (1-4 hrs)
DANC 020. Salem College Dance Company Performance (1 hr)
Performance of dance piece in a formal dance company concert. Dances may be choreographed by faculty, guest artists, or students. Fall and Spring (P/NC)
DANC 021. Salem College Dance Company Choreography (1 hr)
Choreography of a dance piece that is performed in a formal dance concert. Spring. (P/NC)
DANC 022. Salem College Dance Company Production (1 hr)
Assisting with production aspects of a formal dance company concert. Can include assistance behind stage, lights and sound, marketing, and audience relations. (P/NC)
DANC 034. Level I Ballet (2 hrs)
This course is an introduction to the basic ballet vocabulary.
DANC 035. Level II Ballet (2 hrs)
This course is further development of ballet vocabulary and personal technique.
DANC 036. Level I Jazz Dance (2 hrs)
An introduction to basic jazz vocabulary through various exercises and combinations.
DANC 037. Level II Jazz Dance (2 hrs)
Further development of jazz vocabulary and personal technique.
DANC 038. Level I Modern Dance (2 hrs)
Introduction of basic modern vocabulary through floor work, center exercises, locomotion.
DANC 039. Level II Modern Dance (2 hrs)
Further development of modern vocabulary with more complex movements and phrases.
DANC 104. History of Dance (3 hrs)
A survey of dance from pre-historic times to the present with an investigation of the scope, style, and function of dance in various cultures. (WS, AR)
DANC 201. Choreography (4 hrs)
The art of making dances by studying the elements of structure, time, space, and dynamics and movement invention. Approaches to choreography and techniques of handling choreographic material. (AR)
DANC 202. Movement Research/Somatic Study (3 hrs)
Movement Research is a movement class for people who love to be in motion and want to take time to understand how the body works, how movement is created and maintained. It is a somatic class that will explore improvisation, movement principles, and body awareness. This class is for all levels of movement experience.
DANC 210. Dance in the Community (3 hrs)
This service learning course engages students in classroom preparation through exploration of theories and ideas finding ways to facilitate creative expression using movement, text, experiences, activities, and workshops. The service activity develops and informs the classroom context; structured reflection ties service experience to specific learning goals. Students will work in the community setting of their choice to facilitate creative expression through dance. (SL)
DANC 220. Special Topics in Dance (1-4 hrs)
This course will cover diverse and current topics in dance.
DANC 230. Independent Study in Dance (1-4 hrs)
Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This independent study may take the form of readings, research, project, or field experience. Open to students with a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. Permission of chair of the department required. May not be taken for more than a total of two courses.
DANC 270. Internship in Dance (1-4 hrs)
An opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in coursework to gain experience in a real work setting. The apprenticeship aspect of the internship implies that the student has some base of knowledge and will increase her knowledge and skills by direct contact with and experienced, knowledgeable mentor. Open to juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 cumulative average, admission by application only.
DANC 350. Research Methods in Dance (3 hrs)
This senior capstone course examines the current trends, ideas, technology, and theory associated with dance studies. Students will design, propose, conduct, write, and present a substantive research endeavor. They will examine up-to-date disciplinary ideology and discuss these topics.
Salem College has made a major contribution to my growth as a student and a young woman. I've been encouraged to apply lessons from the from the classroom to real life situations. Salem provides countless opportunities for networking, professional development, internships, travel, and creative expression. Each student has the ability to experience her own individuality and find her true purpose. I cherish this community, and I have Salem to thank for who I have become.
Calleah Solomon
MAJORS:
Arts management and dance studies
HOMETOWN:
Raleigh, NC
INTERNSHIPS:
- First in Flight Entertainment/ Spring Theater
- Academy of Dance Arts
Post Graduation Job:
Faculty member at Academy of Dance Arts in Winston-Salem
INVOLVEMENTS:
Honor Guide, president of Salem Dance Company, secretary of senior class, Committee on Community, student supervisor of Student Center