Overview
As a student in our minor in dance performance, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of dance styles and techniques, including ballet, modern, West African, hip hop, salsa and jazz. You’ll also study dance history and theory, learn about creative practices, and have the chance to perform in our state-of-the-art venues and other sites on and off campus. That’s because all our auditions for student and faculty concerts are open to dance minors.
You’ll also have the chance to create your own choreography, collaborate with other dancers and artists, and explore the many facets of dance as an art form and a cultural practice. And you’ll do it all in a vibrant and diverse community of dancers, artists and scholars who share your passion for dance and the arts.
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.
Minors and Certificates
Peck School of the Arts minors and certificates are open to all students who have already earned or are currently seeking a bachelor’s degree. Most certificates are also open to those not pursuing a degree (non-degree students).
To be admitted individuals must meet general University admission requirements. To determine aid eligibility, please review all financial aid requirements.
Contact us to get started and one of our Peck School of the Arts advisors will connect with you about your interests and opportunities.
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.
Admission and Retention
Students must have a 2.75+ cumulative GPA and submit a dance minor and certificate application to be accepted into the program. No more than 6-8 credits will be applied toward the degree until after a student has been accepted and a dance faculty advisor has been assigned.
To continue in the program, students are expected to maintain a 2.75+ cumulative GPA and demonstrate a strong commitment to health and conditioning to fulfill the department’s academic requirements. Dance courses with a grade of C- or below will not be counted toward dance degrees.
Credits and Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| DANCE 233 | Improvisation for Dancemaking | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits: | 3 | |
| Bodies in Motion: Dance, Identity and Culture | ||
| History of Dance in the African Diaspora (OWC-B) | ||
| Contemporary Dance History (OWC-B) | ||
| History of the American Musical Theater (OWC-B) | ||
| Choose 1 credit: | 1 | |
| Repertoire and Ensemble 1 | ||
| Repertory/Student Choreographer 2 | ||
| Dance Technique and Somatics Courses 3 | ||
| Choose 15 credits: | 15 | |
| Dance Technique Courses: | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition II | ||
| Modern Dance Technique I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition II | ||
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Tap I | ||
| African Dance & Diaspora Technique I (3cr. if CD desired) | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition III | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition IV | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition III | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition IV | ||
| Tap II | ||
| Hip-Hop II | ||
| Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata I | ||
| Jazz III | ||
| Dance for the Musical Theatre I | ||
| World Movement Traditions: | ||
| Dance for the Musical Theatre II | ||
| Workshop in Dance: | ||
| Somatics Course List: | ||
| Introduction to Yoga | ||
| Body Sense | ||
| Alexander Technique for the Performer | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method | ||
| Intermediate Yoga | ||
| Alexander Technique Practicum | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method II | ||
| Somatic Pedagogy and Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 22 | |
- 1
Any dancer cast in faculty or guest artist choreography must be enrolled in at least 1 UWM Department of Dance technique class that meets at least 3 times per week during the rehearsal semester.
- 2
Any dancer cast in a student work must be enrolled in at least 1 UWM Department of Dance technique class that meets at least 2 times per week during the rehearsal semester.
- 3
Students completing the Dance Performance minor may enroll in and complete a maximum of 2 courses from the Somatics Course List.