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.
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.
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.
The dance studies major requires a minimum of fifteen courses.
Required core courses:
Dance technique courses—choose from the list below to total a minimum of twelve semester hours:
Dance ensemble courses—select at least two different courses from the following for a total of four semester hours:
Dance studies electives—choose from the list below to minimum of fifteen semester hours:
Required core courses:
Dance technique and ensemble courses—choose from the list below.
Required science courses
Exercise science elective—choose one of the following courses:
The bachelor of science in dance and movement science major requires eighteen courses.
Required core courses:
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
Required science courses:
Exercise science elective: choose one of the following courses:
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:
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
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)
Choreography of a dance piece that is performed in a formal dance concert. Spring. (P/NC)
Assisting with production aspects of a formal dance company concert. Can include assistance behind stage, lights and sound, marketing, and audience relations. (P/NC)
This course is an introduction to the basic ballet vocabulary.
This course is further development of ballet vocabulary and personal technique.
An introduction to basic jazz vocabulary through various exercises and combinations.
Further development of jazz vocabulary and personal technique.
Introduction of basic modern vocabulary through floor work, center exercises, locomotion.
Further development of modern vocabulary with more complex movements and phrases.
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)
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)
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.
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)
This course will cover diverse and current topics in dance.
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.
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.
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.
Arts management and dance studies
Raleigh, NC
Faculty member at Academy of Dance Arts in Winston-Salem
Honor Guide, president of Salem Dance Company, secretary of senior class, Committee on Community, student supervisor of Student Center
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.
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.
The dance studies major requires a minimum of fifteen courses.
Required core courses:
Dance technique courses—choose from the list below to total a minimum of twelve semester hours:
Dance ensemble courses—select at least two different courses from the following for a total of four semester hours:
Dance studies electives—choose from the list below to minimum of fifteen semester hours:
Required core courses:
Dance technique and ensemble courses—choose from the list below.
Required science courses
Exercise science elective—choose one of the following courses:
The bachelor of science in dance and movement science major requires eighteen courses.
Required core courses:
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
Required science courses:
Exercise science elective: choose one of the following courses:
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:
Dance technique and ensemble courses: choose from the list below:
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)
Choreography of a dance piece that is performed in a formal dance concert. Spring. (P/NC)
Assisting with production aspects of a formal dance company concert. Can include assistance behind stage, lights and sound, marketing, and audience relations. (P/NC)
This course is an introduction to the basic ballet vocabulary.
This course is further development of ballet vocabulary and personal technique.
An introduction to basic jazz vocabulary through various exercises and combinations.
Further development of jazz vocabulary and personal technique.
Introduction of basic modern vocabulary through floor work, center exercises, locomotion.
Further development of modern vocabulary with more complex movements and phrases.
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)
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)
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.
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)
This course will cover diverse and current topics in dance.
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.
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.
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.
Arts management and dance studies
Raleigh, NC
Faculty member at Academy of Dance Arts in Winston-Salem
Honor Guide, president of Salem Dance Company, secretary of senior class, Committee on Community, student supervisor of Student Center
