Students in the dance track take courses in technique and movement theory. We offer technique courses in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. DANCE 285: Contemporary Dance Performance is our student dance company. The students perform faculty, guest, and student choreography at the end of every semester. Students will also be able to work with our Emerging Dance Artist in Residence and a regular slate of visiting dance artists.
Students are encouraged to take theatre production courses to learn and assist in the backstage requirements for all the performing arts offered at Penn State Altoona: dance, vocal and instrumental music, and theatrical productions.
Students are encouraged to participate in the many field trips to see professional touring companies that travel through the area. Ivyside Dance Ensemble, our student company, takes an annual trip to New York to take classes and attend performances.
A growing number of dance track students from Penn State Altoona are attending graduate schools in dance, choreography, and movement therapy.
Core Courses (24-credit primary focus area)
DANCE 270: Introduction to Bartenieff Fundamentals (3)
DANCE 365, 366, 466: Contemporary Movement Lab I, II, III (3 each)
DANCE 482: Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3)
*DANCE 484: Dance History (3)
Additional credits in dance technique: ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and world dance forms (1.5 each)
Core Courses (18-credit secondary areas)
INART 494: Research Projects (4)
Choose the remaining credits from communications, dance, integrative arts, music, and theatre courses in consultation with your adviser.
The following courses will satisfy the 6-credit required art history component for the Integrative Arts major:
ART H 111 Ancient to Medieval Art (3)
ART H 112 Renaissance to Modern Art (3)
COMM 150: The Art of the Cinema (3)
DANCE 100: Dance Appreciation (3)
DANCE 484: Dance History (3)
MUSIC 005: Intro to Western Music (3)
MUSIC 007: Intro to Jazz (3)
MUSIC 009: Intro to World Music (3)
THEA 105: Intro to Theatre (3)
THEA 405: Theatre History
Additional creative writing, dance, integrative arts, theatre, and music credits may be taken to satisfy elective credits.
*Courses with a preceding asterisk will count toward the Integrative Arts 6-credit art history requirement for the major.
