Dance

Dance Program Requirements

General Remarks

For all majors offered in the Theatre & Dance Department, students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in those courses required in the major area in order to make satisfactory progress.  If a grade of "C-" or lower is earned, the student must repeat the course.

Select one course of study from the following options:

Dance Performance

Dance Studies


Dance Performance

(47 credits)

Ensemble / Performance
DAN 210Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions (5 credits needed)5
or DAN 210T Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech
DAN 111Dance Lab (7 terms) 10
DAN 498Senior Capstone3
or DAN 499 Seniors Honor Program
Applied (Dance Studio)
DAN 112Ballet I: The Point of Departure1
DAN 113Ballet II: Next Steps1
DAN 151Pilates and Modern1
DAN 152World Dance & Improvisation1
DAN 201Vaganova I1
DAN 202Vaganova II1
Complete DAN 100 / DAN 300 / DAN 493 courses as shown below:
Ballet Electives (level 3 or above)3
Modern Dance (1 section).5
Choreography or Improvisation (1 section).5
Studio Electives5
THE 107Acting I: Intro to Acting3
History and Theory
DAN 105Survey of Dance History3
DAN 180History of Movement Theory3
DAN 190Dalcroze Eurythmics3
DAN 220History of Choreography3
DAN 350History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance3
DAN 450Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Survey of Art History I
Survey of Art History II
Arts in Contemporary Civilization
Art of the Ancient World
Medieval and Renaissance Art
Art of the Baroque
American Art
Art of the 20th Century
Selected Topics in Art History
Survey of Music History I
Survey of Music History II
Jazz History
History of Pop and Rock Part I
History of Pop and Rock Part 2
Music of the Theater
Great Composers
Postmodernism & Popular Culture
Beethoven and the Romantic Age
Music of the Beatles
Contemp Music Experience
Film Music
Black Music in America
Theater History Since 1700
The Arts in Contemporary Civil
Contemporary Theatre
American Theatre History
Modern Drama
Special Topics in Theatre
Total Credits47
1

Double majors should consult their advisors to determine the most pedagogically appropriate lab to attend. Students should not register in more than one lab per semester. Students are required to complete at least three lab sections in each of their majors before graduation. Students must meet the minimum total credits of lab required by each major though some of those credits may come from a different discipline.

Notes:

  • All new dance students must take a placement exam.
  • Majors must successfully complete Ballet III or equivalent to receive a degree.
  • All students enrolled in DAN 210 and performing in Rider Dances are expected to be concurrently enrolled in a dance studio course.
  • All majors and minors must have a Dance Screening ($75.00) with a certified Dance Physical Therapist.

Dance Studies  

(32 credits)

Ensemble/Performance
DAN 111Dance Lab (4 semesters)0
Applied (Dance Studio)
Ballet3
Studio Electives 15
Fundamentals of Dance
Lecture & Studio in Dance
DAN 112Ballet I: The Point of Departure1
DAN 113Ballet II: Next Steps1
DAN 151Pilates and Modern1
DAN 152World Dance & Improvisation1
DAN 190Dalcroze Eurythmics3
DAN 201Vaganova I1
DAN 202Vaganova II1
Dance History and Theory
DAN 105Survey of Dance History3
DAN 350History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance3
DAN 450Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance3
Select 6 credits from the following: 2,36
History of Movement Theory
History of Choreography
Survey of Art History I
Survey of Art History II
Arts in Contemporary Civilization
Art of the Ancient World
Medieval and Renaissance Art
Art of the Baroque
American Art
19th Century Art
Art of the 20th Century
Selected Topics in Art History
Survey of Music History I
Survey of Music History II
Jazz History
History of Pop and Rock Part I
History of Pop and Rock Part 2
Music of the Theater
Great Composers
Postmodernism & Popular Culture
Beethoven and the Romantic Age
Music of the Beatles
Contemp Music Experience
Film Music
Black Music in America
Theatre History to 1700
Theater History Since 1700
The Arts in Contemporary Civil
Contemporary Theatre
American Theatre History
Modern Drama
College of Education and Human Service Requirements
See the College of Education and Human Services Degree Programs for information on the programs available.
Total Credits32
1

 Studio elective can also be fulfilled by DAN 493 when applicable.

2

From the ART, MUS or THE courses in the list select no more than one from each discipline.

3

 ART 120, MUS 120, and THE 120 will not fulfill this requirement.

Notes:

  • All new dance students must take a placement exam.
  • It is strongly suggested that DAN 210 and DAN 210T are taken at least once.
  • Majors must successfully complete Ballet III or equivalent to receive a degree.
  • All students enrolled in DAN 210 and performing in Rider Dances are expected to be concurrently enrolled in a dance studio course.
  • All majors and minors must have a Dance Screening ($75.00) with a certified Dance Physical Therapist.

Dance Minor Requirements

(19 credits)

Select two of the following:6
Survey of Dance History
History of Movement Theory
History of Choreography
History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance
Complete the following courses:
DAN 111Dance Lab (4 semesters)0
DAN 151Pilates and Modern1
DAN 152World Dance & Improvisation1
DAN 190Dalcroze Eurythmics3
DAN 210Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions1
DAN 210TRider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech1
DAN 100Fundamentals of Dance4
or DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance
or DAN 493 Special Topics in Dance Studio
DAN 201Vaganova I1
DAN 202Vaganova II1
Total Credits19

Note:

  • All majors and minors must have a Dance Screening ($75.00) with a certified Dance Physical Therapist.

Dance Concentrations

Select one of the following concentrations:

Dance Performance Concentration

Dance Studies Concentration


Dance Performance

Ensemble / Performance
DAN 210Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions (5 credits needed)5
or DAN 210T Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech
DAN 111Dance Lab (7 terms) 10
DAN 498Senior Capstone3
or DAN 499 Seniors Honor Program
Applied (Dance Studio)
DAN 112Ballet I: The Point of Departure1
DAN 113Ballet II: Next Steps1
DAN 151Pilates and Modern1
DAN 152World Dance & Improvisation1
DAN 201Vaganova I1
DAN 202Vaganova II1
Complete DAN 100 / DAN 300 / DAN 493 courses as shown below:
Ballet Electives (level 3 or above)3
Modern Dance (1 section).5
Choreography or Improvisation (1 section).5
Studio Electives5
THE 107Acting I: Intro to Acting3
History and Theory
DAN 105Survey of Dance History3
DAN 180History of Movement Theory3
DAN 190Dalcroze Eurythmics3
DAN 220History of Choreography3
DAN 350History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance3
DAN 450Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Survey of Art History I
Survey of Art History II
Arts in Contemporary Civilization
Art of the Ancient World
Medieval and Renaissance Art
Art of the Baroque
American Art
Art of the 20th Century
Selected Topics in Art History
Survey of Music History I
Survey of Music History II
Jazz History
History of Pop and Rock Part I
History of Pop and Rock Part 2
Music of the Theater
Great Composers
Postmodernism & Popular Culture
Beethoven and the Romantic Age
Music of the Beatles
Contemp Music Experience
Film Music
Black Music in America
Theater History Since 1700
The Arts in Contemporary Civil
Contemporary Theatre
American Theatre History
Modern Drama
Special Topics in Theatre
Total Credits47
1

Double majors should consult their advisors to determine the most pedagogically appropriate lab to attend. Students should not register in more than one lab per semester. Students are required to complete at least three lab sections in each of their majors before graduation. Students must meet the minimum total credits of lab required by each major though some of those credits may come from a different discipline.

Note:

  • All majors and minors must have a Dance Screening ($75.00) with a certified Dance Physical Therapist.

Dance Studies Concentration

Ensemble/Performance
DAN 111Dance Lab (4 semesters)0
Applied (Dance Studio)
Ballet3
Studio Electives 15
Fundamentals of Dance
Lecture & Studio in Dance
DAN 112Ballet I: The Point of Departure1
DAN 113Ballet II: Next Steps1
DAN 151Pilates and Modern1
DAN 152World Dance & Improvisation1
DAN 190Dalcroze Eurythmics3
DAN 201Vaganova I1
DAN 202Vaganova II1
Dance History and Theory
DAN 105Survey of Dance History3
DAN 350History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance3
DAN 450Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance3
Select 6 credits from the following: 2,36
History of Movement Theory
History of Choreography
Survey of Art History I
Survey of Art History II
Arts in Contemporary Civilization
Art of the Ancient World
Medieval and Renaissance Art
Art of the Baroque
American Art
19th Century Art
Art of the 20th Century
Selected Topics in Art History
Survey of Music History I
Survey of Music History II
Jazz History
History of Pop and Rock Part I
History of Pop and Rock Part 2
Music of the Theater
Great Composers
Postmodernism & Popular Culture
Beethoven and the Romantic Age
Music of the Beatles
Contemp Music Experience
Film Music
Black Music in America
Theatre History to 1700
Theater History Since 1700
The Arts in Contemporary Civil
Contemporary Theatre
American Theatre History
Modern Drama
College of Education and Human Service Requirements
See the College of Education and Human Services Degree Programs for information on the programs available.
Total Credits32
1

 Studio elective can also be fulfilled by DAN 493 when applicable.

2

From the ART, MUS or THE courses in the list select no more than one from each discipline.

3

 ART 120, MUS 120, and THE 120 will not fulfill this requirement.

Notes:

  • All new dance students must take a placement exam.
  • It is strongly suggested that DAN 210 and DAN 210T are taken at least once.
  • Majors must successfully complete Ballet 3 or equivalent to receive a degree.
  • Al students enrolled in DAN 210 and performing in Rider Dances and expected to be concurrently enrolled in a dance studio course.
  • All majors and minors must have a Dance Screening ($75.00) with a certified Dance Physical Therapist.

Academic Plan of Study

The following educational plan is provided as a sample only.  Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation.  Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.

B.A. in Dance Performance

B.A. in Dance Studies


B.A. in Dance Performance

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall SemesterCredits
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 112 Ballet I: The Point of Departure 1
DAN 105 Survey of Dance History 3
DAN 151 Pilates and Modern 1
General Education/Electives 10
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 113 Ballet II: Next Steps 1
DAN 152 World Dance & Improvisation 1
DAN 350 History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance 3
DAN 210T
Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech
or Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions
1
General Education/Electives 9
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall Semester
DAN 180 History of Movement Theory 3
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 100
Fundamentals of Dance
or Lecture & Studio in Dance
or Special Topics in Dance Studio
1
THE 107 Acting I: Intro to Acting 3
General Education/Electives 4
DAN 201 Vaganova I 1
DAN 190 Dalcroze Eurythmics 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 210T Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech 1
DAN 210 Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions 1
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
General Education/Electives 11
DAN 100
Fundamentals of Dance
or Lecture & Studio in Dance
or Special Topics in Dance Studio
1
DAN 202 Vaganova II 1
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall Semester
DAN 100
Fundamentals of Dance
or Lecture & Studio in Dance
or Special Topics in Dance Studio
1
DAN 220 History of Choreography 3
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
General Education/Electives 9
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 210 Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions 1
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
Arts History elective 3
General Education/Electives 9
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall Semester
DAN 450 Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance 3
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
General Education/Electives 9
 Semester Credit Hours14
Spring Semester
DAN 100
Fundamentals of Dance
or Lecture & Studio in Dance
or Special Topics in Dance Studio
1
DAN 498 Senior Capstone 3
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
DAN 210 Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions 1
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
General Education/Electives 9
 Semester Credit Hours16
 Total Credit Hours for Graduation120

B.A. in Dance Studies

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall SemesterCredits
DAN 105
Survey of Dance History
or History of Movement Theory
or History of Choreography
3
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 151 Pilates and Modern 1
General Education/Electives 10
DAN 112 Ballet I: The Point of Departure 1
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
General Education/Electives 10
DAN 350 History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance 3
DAN 152 World Dance & Improvisation 1
DAN 113 Ballet II: Next Steps 1
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall Semester
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 100 Fundamentals of Dance 1
Arts History elective 3
DAN 201 Vaganova I 1
General Education/Electives 10
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 190 Dalcroze Eurythmics 3
DAN 111 Dance Lab 0
DAN 100 Fundamentals of Dance 1
DAN 202 Vaganova II 1
General Education/Electives 10
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall Semester
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
Arts History elective 3
General Education/Electives 10
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
Arts History elective 3
General Education/Electives 10
 Semester Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall Semester
DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2
General Education/Electives 13
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
General Education/Electives 15
 Semester Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours for Graduation120

DAN 100 Fundamentals of Dance 1 Credits

Designed to offer students concurrent participation and theoretical inquiry in specific dance forms. Students must register for two classes per week at the Princeton Ballet School. One additional hour per week is comprised of video observation, lecture, or readings, and is taught at Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Prerequisite(s): permission of dance advisor; Dance Studio Courses Ballet I.

DAN 100A Ballet I 0 Credits

DAN 100B Ballet II 0 Credits

DAN 100C Ballet III 0 Credits

DAN 100D Ballet IV 0 Credits

DAN 100E Ballet V 0 Credits

DAN 100F Ballet VI 0 Credits

DAN 100G Jazz I 0 Credits

DAN 100H Jazz II 0 Credits

DAN 100I Jazz III 0 Credits

DAN 100J Modern Dance I 0 Credits

DAN 100K Modern Dance II 0 Credits

DAN 100L Modern Dance III 0 Credits

DAN 100M Spanish Dance I 0 Credits

DAN 100N Spanish Dance II 0 Credits

DAN 100O Spanish Dance III 0 Credits

DAN 100P Pilates Mat Class 0 Credits

DAN 100Q Accelerated Adult Ballet I 0 Credits

DAN 100R Accelerated Adult Ballet II 0 Credits

DAN 100S Accelerated Adult Ballet III 0 Credits

DAN 100T Accelerated Adult Ballet IV 0 Credits

DAN 100U World Dance Forms 0 Credits

DAN 100V Yoga 0 Credits

DAN 100W Tap 0 Credits

DAN 100X Ballet VII 0 Credits

DAN 100Y Hip Hop 0 Credits

Fusion dance influenced by older street dance styles.

DAN 100Z Movement Fundamentals 0 Credits

DAN 105 Survey of Dance History 3 Credits

An introductory course to familiarize students with the breadth and depth of dance in human society. It will chronologically examine dance through four lenses: Dance and Community, Dance and Religion, Dance and Politics, and Dance as Art. Students will be exposed to various dance forms from around the world with varying purposes, functions, and motivations from the beginning of recorded history to present.

DAN 111 Dance Lab 0 Credits

DAN 112 Ballet I: The Point of Departure 1 Credits

This is an entry- level, mandatory ballet class that covers all of the safest fundamental practices, including proper use of alignment, feet, rotation, and use of the core in the classical vocabulary.

DAN 113 Ballet II: Next Steps 1 Credits

This is a continuation of the safest fundamental practices covered in Ballet I, including proper use of alignment, feet, rotation, and use of the core in the classical vocabulary. In addition this course extends the coverage of discourse, terminology and vocabulary of the classical technique. DAN 113 may be repeated two times for a total of three credits.

Prerequisite(s): Ballet I or equivalent.

DAN 121 Introduction to Dance Science 3 Credits

This orientation to dance science will consider important aspects of the study of human performance including anatomy, biology, kinesiology, and psychology of movement and performance. Covered are the foundations and research findings in Movement Theory, Motor Development, and Well -Being. Topics include the Care and Prevention of Injuries, Movement Analysis, Dance Movement Therapy, Mind-body Connection, Dance Fitness and Optimal Performance.

DAN 151 Pilates and Modern 1 Credits

DAN 152 World Dance & Improvisation 1 Credits

DAN 180 History of Movement Theory 3 Credits

Investigation of the mind-body connection, somatic experience, body therapies, movement, and theories. The essential question is: How is it that we move with awareness, fluidity, efficiency, and precision?.

DAN 190 Dalcroze Eurythmics 3 Credits

This movement course familiarizes students with the basic elements of music theory (staff, clefs, time signatures, notations, chords, etc.) and the Dalcrozian principles regarding music, movement and improvisation.

DAN 201 Vaganova I 1 Credits

This studio course focuses on fundamental knowledge about the vocabulary, discourse, performance and style of the classical ballet, especially as it pertains to the Vaganova Technique.

DAN 202 Vaganova II 1 Credits

This studio course continues the development of knowledge concerning the vocabulary, discourse, performance and style of the classical ballet, expecially as it pertains to the Vaganova Technique. Repeatable twice for total of three times taken. May only be repeated if there are open spots after those taking it for the first time have registered.

Prerequisite(s): DAN 201.

DAN 210 Rider Dances: Repertory & Productions 1 Credits

This course provides an in-depth experience with the art of dance production from creation to performance. Students will be chosen to learn and perform repertory; fulfill technical roles such as sound, lighting and costume design; and assume production and managerial responsibilities such as promotion, publicity, front of house management and stage management.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

DAN 210T Rider Dances Rep&Produc:Tech 1 Credits

DAN 220 History of Choreography 3 Credits

This course prepares the dance student for the creating of dance through critical analysis, reading, writing and practical assignments. Students will examine creative process as applied to dance artists and various forms of dance.

DAN 300 Lecture & Studio in Dance 2 Credits

Dance 300 series is also designed to offer students concurrent participation and theoretical inquiry in specific dance forms. Students must register for four classes per week at the Princeton Ballet School. One additional hour is comprised of video observation, lecture, or readings and is held at Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor; Dance Studio Courses Ballet I.

DAN 300A Ballet I 0 Credits

DAN 300B Ballet II 0 Credits

DAN 300C Ballet III 0 Credits

DAN 300D Ballet IV 0 Credits

DAN 300E Ballet V 0 Credits

DAN 300F Ballet VI 0 Credits

DAN 300G Jazz I 0 Credits

DAN 300H Jazz II 0 Credits

DAN 300I Jazz III 0 Credits

DAN 300J Modern Dance I 0 Credits

DAN 300K Modern Dance II 0 Credits

DAN 300L Modern Dance III 0 Credits

DAN 300M Spanish Dance I 0 Credits

DAN 300N Spanish Dance II 0 Credits

DAN 300O Spanish Dance III 0 Credits

DAN 300P Pilates Mat Class 0 Credits

DAN 300Q Accelerated Adult Ballet I 0 Credits

DAN 300R Accelerated Adult Ballet II 0 Credits

DAN 300S Accelerated Adult Ballet III 0 Credits

DAN 300T Accelerated Adult Ballet IV 0 Credits

DAN 300U World Dance Forms 0 Credits

DAN 300V Yoga 0 Credits

DAN 300W Tap 0 Credits

DAN 300X Ballet VII 0 Credits

DAN 300Y Choreography 0 Credits

DAN 300Z Movement Fundamentals 0 Credits

DAN 350 History of Ballet, Modern & Jazz Dance 3 Credits

Studies the major periods in the development of Western Theatrical Dance from the Renaissance to the present focusing on ballet, modern, jazz, tap and musical theater dance. The course will examine the ideas and individuals that caused the development of choreographers, producers, designers and productions.

DAN 450 Pedagogy and Methodology in Dance 3 Credits

This course provides the student with first-hand experience inside a classroom setting to broaden the students’ understanding of dance techniques, teaching styles and strategies, analysis of skills and critical feedback, class preparation and design, and assessment. Course requirements include off-campus field work. Cross-listing existing entry-level teaching course with analogous graduate-level course (CURR 711).

DAN 490 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits

Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 Credit hours. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to enrollment.

Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, good academic standing.

DAN 491 Internship in Dance 1-4 Credits

Provides junior or senior dance majors with the practical experience of working within an educational or professional dance environment. Students must be sponsored by a dance professor. For each academic credit, interns must work 48 hours for the semester, or approximately 3.7 hours each week.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

DAN 493 Special Topics in Dance Studio 1 Credits

This class covers a discrete movement style, technique, or form such as the choreography of Balanchine, the technique of Cecchiti or dance theater fusion.

Prerequisite(s): DAN 100.

DAN 495 Selected Topics in Dance History 3 Credits

Intensive study of a particular topic in dance history or theory. This may include one era, movement or nation’s dance history and practice. Students will become deeply involved in an area through research, class discussions and group projects.

DAN 498 Senior Capstone 3 Credits

DAN 499 Seniors Honor Program 3 Credits

A senior honors program may be submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation with honors in fine arts. Honors work is limited to those departmental majors with a GPA of 3.5 in fine arts courses and cognates. The program, to be planned under the direction of a faculty advisor, will represent a culmination of demonstrated excellence in a specific area of fine arts. Candidates for honors in fine arts must be approved by the department chairperson and the faculty.