Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance prepares you to perform and create original dance choreography for theatrical productions. You’ll complete rigorous technical and creative curriculum in traditional and contemporary dance forms, as well as coursework in mind-body practices, pedagogy, culture, theory and history. Our integrated program prepares you to become critical thinkers, creative leaders and expressive dance artists.
Special workshops and residencies are also scheduled throughout the academic year to provide opportunities for you to train with well-known guest artists and choreographers. Included in these residencies are performances and technique and repertory classes. Recent guest artists have included Jackie Lopez, Katy Pyle, Vershawn Ward, Melanie George, Kia Smith, Parijat Desai, Alfonso Cervera, Aysha Upchurch and Joe Goode.
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Faculty and Staff
Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.
Scholarships and Aid
Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Undergraduate Advising
Academic advising is a collaborative process that empowers students to realize their maximum educational potential. Students are encouraged to visit the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page to meet with your advisor prior to each semester’s registration period. Advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist with degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and more.
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all students. However, it’s required for most majors. For more information, please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
Advance to Major and Retention
Each undergraduate dance major's coursework will be reviewed at the end of their sophomore year to determine continuance in the major, as part of the mid-program portfolio review. Students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA in the dance major.
All students are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to their health and overall conditioning to fulfill the department's academic requirements. Each student's ability to undertake the demands of the dance program, including their overall physical ability to perform in classes, auditions, rehearsals, and/or performances, will be a factor in the following: grading at the end of each semester; the audition/rehearsal/performance process for department productions and outreach events; the mid-program portfolio review; determining "probation" status; and potentially removing a student from the program.
Credits and Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | 42 | |
| Dance Technique | 38 | |
| Dance Creative | 21 | |
| Dance Academic | 14 | |
| Dance Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
University Core
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Fine Arts is 120. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, foreign language, and chemistry may need additional credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Competencies 1 | ||
| Oral and Written Communication – Part A and Part B 2 | ||
| Quantitative Literacy (QL) – Part A and Part B 2 | ||
| Foreign Language 2 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences (Must include one lab) | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| Additional Electives | 12 | |
| Credits in Peck School of the Arts 3 | 9 | |
| University Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
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Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
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Credits may be utilized in required curriculum areas.
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Chosen from three of the following departments in PSOA: Art & Design, Fine Arts, Theatre, or Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres.
Please note: For all Dance majors and minors, dance courses with a grade C- or below will not be counted toward any departmental degree.
Dance Foundations Curriculum
Students in the BFA dance degree program must complete the following Dance Foundations curriculum in their freshman year:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 111 | Ballet I | 3 |
| DANCE 113 | Modern Dance Technique I | 3 |
| DANCE 122 | African Dance & Diaspora Technique I | 3 |
| DANCE 170 | Hip-Hop Foundations I | 3 |
| DANCE 233 | Improvisation for Dancemaking | 3 |
| DANCE 192 | Freshmen Seminar | 1 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble | 1 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dance Technique Courses | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition | ||
| Minimum of 2 semesters. | 6 | |
| Modern Dance Technique I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition II | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition | ||
| Minimum of 2 semesters. | 6 | |
| Ballet I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition II | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora | ||
| Minimum of 2 semesters. | 6 | |
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique I | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique II | ||
| Hip Hop Dance | ||
| Minimum of 2 semesters. | 6 | |
| Hip-Hop Foundations I | ||
| Hip-Hop II | ||
| Advanced Dance Technique Study | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition III | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition IV | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition V | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition VI | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition III | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition IV | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition V | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition VI | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique III | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique IV | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique V | ||
| Hip Hop III | ||
| Hip Hop IV | ||
| Physical Practice (Dance Technique) | ||
| Minimum of 6 semesters. 4 | 12 | |
| Physical Practice | ||
| Somatic and Conditioning Practices | ||
| Choose minimum 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Yoga | ||
| Body Sense | ||
| Alexander Technique for the Performer | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method | ||
| Intermediate Yoga | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method II | ||
| Somatic Pedagogy and Practice | ||
| Dance Creative Courses | ||
| DANCE 231 | Music and Dancers I | 3 |
| DANCE 233 | Improvisation for Dancemaking 5 | 3 |
| DANCE 352 | Digital Media Portfolio for Performers | 3 |
| DANCE 412 | Dance Composition I 5 | 3 |
| DANCE 413 | Dance Composition II | 3 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble 6, 7 | 3 |
| DANCE 601 | Senior Project | 3 |
| Dance Academic Courses | ||
| DANCE 192 | Freshmen Seminar | 1 |
| DANCE 209 | Dance Production 5 | 2 |
| DANCE 251 | Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis | 3 |
| DANCE 314 | Contemporary Dance History | 3 |
| DANCE 371 | Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology | 3 |
| DANCE 460 | Teaching Dance in Community Settings | 3 |
| Dance Elective Courses | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Bodies in Motion: Dance, Identity and Culture | ||
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Tap I | ||
| Dance Production Practicum | ||
| Dance Service-Learning | ||
| Alexander Technique for the Performer | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method | ||
| Dance for the Musical Theatre I | ||
| World Movement Traditions: | ||
| Intermediate Yoga | ||
| Dance Composition III | ||
| Creating Dance in the Community | ||
| Alexander Technique Practicum | ||
| Dance for the Musical Theatre II | ||
| Workshop in Dance: | ||
| Repertoire and Ensemble | ||
| Repertory/Student Choreographer | ||
| Study Abroad in Dance: | ||
| Total Credits | 85 | |
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If a BFA major is not enrolled in DANCE 490, they may substitute DANCE 425 up to 2x with another dance technique course (2-3 credits).
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Coursework involved in MPPR guidelines.
- 6
Any dancer cast in faculty or guest artist choreography must be enrolled in a section of DANCE 425: Physical Practice associated with the section of DANCE 490 they are registered for. If there is no DANCE 425 associated with the section of DANCE 490 they are registered for, they must enroll in another dance technique course (2-3 credits).
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Per departmental policy, any time a student is cast in a faculty or guest artist work and is enrolled for less than 18 credits, they must enroll in DANCE 490 for 1 credit during the appropriate semester.
Sample Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| DANCE 111 | Ballet I | 3 |
| DANCE 122 | African Dance & Diaspora Technique I | 3 |
| DANCE 192 | Freshmen Seminar | 1 |
| DANCE 209 | Dance Production 1 | 2 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| DANCE 113 | Modern Dance Technique I | 3 |
| DANCE 170 | Hip-Hop Foundations I | 3 |
| DANCE 233 | Improvisation for Dancemaking | 3 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble | 1 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 114 or DANCE 270 | 3 | |
| DANCE 412 | Dance Composition I 2 | 3 |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble 3 | 1 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 112 or DANCE 123 | 3 | |
| Somatic Course (see list of courses in requirements) | 2-3 | |
| DANCE 231 | Music and Dancers I 2 | 3 |
| DANCE 371 | Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology | 3 |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 213 or DANCE 350 | 3 | |
| DANCE 251 | Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis (QL-B) | 3 |
| DANCE 314 | Contemporary Dance History | 3 |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble 3 | 1 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 211 or DANCE 222 | 3 | |
| Dance Elective (see list on Requirements tab) | 2 or 3 | |
| DANCE 413 | Dance Composition II | 3 |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| DANCE 490 | Repertoire and Ensemble | 1 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 214 or DANCE 417 | 3 | |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| DANCE 460 | Teaching Dance in Community Settings | 3 |
| DANCE 601 | Senior Project | 3 |
| University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| One of two technique courses: DANCE 212 or DANCE 223 | 3 | |
| Somatic Course (see list of courses in requirements) | 2-3 | |
| DANCE 352 | Digital Media Portfolio for Performers | 3 |
| DANCE 425 | Physical Practice | 2 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Total Credits | 127-130 | |
- 1
DANCE 209: Dance Production is currently offered every other year. Hence students will take it either the fall of their freshman or sophomore year.
- 2
Coursework involved in MPPR guidelines.
- 3
Per departmental policy, any time a student is cast in a faculty or guest artist work and is enrolled for less than 18 credits, they must enroll in DANCE 490 for 1 credit during the appropriate semester.
Dance, BFA Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the BFA in Dance will be able to:
- Demonstrate efficient body organization, effective body and spatial awareness, and physical understanding of movement patterns within their individual dance practice.
- Apply, articulate, and embody the social, cultural, and historical contexts expressed within diverse dance forms.
- Demonstrate and explain the musical components of diverse dance forms finding the intersections between music and dance.
- Utilize and integrate somatic movement practices into their dance training, teaching, and creative process.
- Develop choreographic skills through ongoing composition practices that utilize collaborative processes leading to self-expression, performance, and community building.
- Create choreographic works through individualized research that engage social, cultural, and/or artistic contexts.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by interpreting and analyzing dance through effective communication.
- Articulate the ways dance impacts and is influenced by diverse ways of knowing self and culture.
Policies and Regulations
Academic Regulations
For information on University-wide Academic Action Policy and honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.
Auditing Courses
No studio or performance courses may be audited.
Declaration of Submajor
In most instances, after two years of basic preparatory courses in the major, students choose an area of specialization within their respective departments, known as a submajor. Students must declare a submajor after they have accumulated 45 to 75 credits to assure completion of the appropriate curriculum requirements for graduation.
Grievance and Appeal Procedures
If you have concerns about a class or a grade, or if you’ve been dropped from a program and would like to appeal, follow the grievance procedures found under the resources section on the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page.
Independent Study
Under special conditions, juniors and seniors are permitted to take courses in independent study. For regulations on independent study, see the departmental advisor.
Program Changes
All program changes must be signed by the instructor and the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services. Certain other courses may also require this approval indicated in the semester's Schedule of Classes.
Second Bachelor's Degree Candidates
Students with good scholastic records who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree in the Peck School of the Arts must obtain the recommendation of the Peck School of the Arts department in which they wish to major before they can be accepted. Upon acceptance, students must earn in residence a minimum of 30 credits beyond the studies for the first degree and must satisfy all curriculum requirements.
Semester Credit Load
A full-time Peck School of the Arts student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Typically, Peck School of the Arts students are not permitted to carry more than 18 credits per semester. Students who have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA may, with the permission of the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services, carry up to 21 credits per semester.
Transfer Students
Transfer students from other universities and colleges or UWM units are accepted by the Peck School of the Arts provided they meet the UWM admissions criteria and have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA.
Honors in the Major
- Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
- High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
- Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
- Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.