Fields of Study in Dance

The dance department has drawn up a list of possible career opportunities related to the field of dance. Each career choice includes a short description of the field. All fields of study listed have a list of suggested Cottey College dance courses which will give you a start toward the successful entrance into further study of the field. Below are some areas you may wish to investigate further.

Performing
No formal education necessary, but if the college/university route is chosen then a bachelor of fine arts degree is strongly suggested because of its concentration on performance. As the lines between dance idioms become more and more blurred it is recommended that performers have an eclectic background in dance. The study of ballet, modern, and theatrical dance is strongly suggested. Suggested Cottey courses: all technique areas, Choreography, Repertory Dance Company, Beginning Acting, music courses, Dance Appreciation or Dance History I and II.

Teaching
Studio teachers are not required to have degrees or formal training. However, if you do wish to open your own studio you would benefit greatly from having a background in business and dance. A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree would be the best formal education for a studio owner. A minor in business would help with the running of your studio. Elementary and secondary education dance teachers are rare. Few school systems have full-time dance educators. Arts magnets schools and private schools are more likely to maintain dance programs. A number of schools do hire artist-in-residence faculty to afford their students quality art experiences. Being an artist-in-residence is a demanding but rewarding vocation. If you do wish to work in elementary and secondary education a bachelor of art degree with a teaching certificate is normally required. Working on the college and university level requires either the master of fine arts or a doctorate degree. Many college and universities are also looking for faculty with strong performance experience. Suggested Cottey courses: all technique areas, Choreography, Repertory Dance Company, Creative Movement for Children, music courses, and Beginning Acting, Dance Appreciation or Dance History I and II.

Dance Therapy
People in this group work in hospitals, educational, rehabilitation and other health care institutions, prisons and recreational centres. They also work in private practice. Dance therapists plan and carry out specialized programs to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities. Extensive dance experience and a liberal arts background with coursework in psychology. For specific prerequisites contact the graduate program you plan to attend. Professional training is on the graduate level. Graduates receive a masters degree in dance/movement therapy. Graduates from an "approved" dance/movement therapy program are eligible for the D.T.R. (Dance Therapist Registered). Alternative routes can be investigated by visiting the following Web site. http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/spotlights/dancether.html

Suggested Cottey courses: Modern Dance, Ballet, Creative Movement for Children, Beginning Acting, psychology courses.

Arts Management in Dance
Addresses the issues concerning the health of theatres and dance companies through the study of business and dance. Good oral and written communication skills are essential. Strong organizational skills are necessary along with creative and critical thinking. In addition to business courses students will usually take classes in ballet, modern, and theater dance as well as in history and choreography. Upper division classes will focus on arts management. Suggested Cottey courses: beginning technique course, Dance Appreciation, business courses, communications courses, and writing courses.

Dance Historian
Dance historians teach at the college or university level or are involved in research. Most historians hold a Doctorate degree. Doctorates in dance are available from only a small handful of universities including Texas Women's University and New York University. (Society of Dance History Scholars).

Suggested Cottey courses: beginning technique course, Dance History I and II, communications courses, and writing courses.

Dance Criticism
Dance critics backgrounds vary widely. Suggested education would include a strong journalism background and an introduction to the arts. http://www.wwar.com/dance/critic.html

Suggested Cottey courses: beginning technique course, Dance Appreciation, communications courses, and writing courses (journalism), Dance History I and II.

Choreography
Choreographers compose movement for theatre, screen and television. A strong dance background is essential along with good communication skills. http://wwar.com/theater/choreographers.html

Suggested Cottey courses: all technique courses, Dance Appreciation, Choreography, Repertory Dance Company, Design I and II, music courses, Beginning Acting, Dance History I and II.

Labanotation
Labanotation is a standardized system for analyzing and recording any human motion. Mainly it is used at theatres to archive ballets. Suggested Cottey courses: technique courses especially ballet and modern, Dance Appreciation, Dance History I and II, Choreography, Repertory Dance Company, music courses. Masters degree required.

Department of Dance

• Professor Jo Byrnes

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The Cottey Repertory Dance Company

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Fields of Study in Dance