UCSB | THEATER

Dance OVERVIEW

UCSB Dance is committed to contributing to an artistically and intellectually vibrant global society by offering a rigorous conservatory-style contemporary dance program. This training program, in an enlightened liberal arts setting, provides the environment and resources necessary for faculty and students to achieve excellence in their creative and academic research.

Goals:

Offer an inspiring, innovative learning environment for students and faculty based a curriculum that maintains the highest standards of academic and artistic endeavors, with an emphasis in humanism, critical thinking and collaboration.
Nurture student and faculty growth as unique and innovative creative dance artists and performers; foster their unique artistic and intellectual talents and contributions.
Promote the presentation of the highest quality of artistic work to an ever-widening audience.

Dance is an integral part of the Department of Theater and Dance at UCSB, which affords it the advantage of operating within an ongoing atmosphere of theatrical endeavor. Two degree programs, the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Bachelor of Arts, are offered for students interested in pursuing a career in dance.

The curriculum for both degrees is studio centered. While the main thrust of all training is directed toward developing performers and creative artists who are technically proficient, aesthetically astute, and historically informed, the two degree options provide alternative means for attaining these goals. Central to both programs are daily technique classes. Modern dance and ballet classes are offered through the advanced level. A sound basis in the craft of choreography is provided, as well as a variety of courses in dance history, jazz, music, production and technical aspects of theatre.

The General Education requirements for the two degrees also differ and reinforce the purpose of the specific degrees. The program is limited to approximately sixty majors in order to maintain a high level of quality and to provide personal guidance for students. Students are admitted to the major through auditions which are held in January and February. Because of the nature of the program, new students will be admitted to the dance major only in the Fall, except in extraordinary cases. Additionally, students must submit an application for admission to the University and adhere to the general University regulations and application deadlines. It is strongly advised that students desiring entrance into the dance program audition in February preceding their anticipated attendance at UCSB and that they apply to the campus during the priority filing period.

The Division of Dance is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.

For those interested, a comprehensive resource handbook from the department's Production Unit is available.

Advising

For initial counseling, contact the departmental undergraduate advisor who will assign each student to a faculty advisor; future counseling will be handled by the departmental undergraduate advisor and the faculty advisor. E-mail address for undergraduate advisor:
theaterdance-ugradadv@theaterdance.ucsb.edu

Performance

The dance faculty at UCSB have all been or still are practicing performer and/or choreographers. This fact provides the main focus to the teaching approach within the Division of Dance. Performance is the natural outgrowth of the many hours of studio practice that comprise the core of the dance program. Annual fall and spring mainstage concerts showcase choreographic works by faculty members, advanced majors and guest artists. Studio concerts, lecture-demonstrations and class workshops provide other performance outlets, as do the plays and musicals offered through the theater production program.

A select number of advanced students are chosen each year to participate in UCSB Dance Company. This student company participates in the division's outreach program and in special studio concerts. The most promising studentys are invited to perform and tour as apprentices with the resident company itself. Working alongside professionals provides a valid and unique learning situation for these developing artists.

Scholarships/Awards

The Matthew Alan Plaskett Memorial Scholarship is offered bi-annually to an incoming male who wishes to be a dance major or double majorin Theater and Dance with an interest in musical theatre. Students interested in these scholarships must apply-applications are available from the Dance Division office.In addition, scholarships are awarded to dance students from the Patricia Sparrow Memorial Fund to further their education at summer workshops. This fund was established in 1975 in memory of Dr. Sparrow, who is credited with establishing the dance major at the University. As part of the annual Sherrill C. Corwin-Metropolitan Theatres Writing Awards, cash prizes are presented in several categories including original choreography. Information about the competition is available from the Theater and Dance Office.

Preparation for the Major

High School Preparation
Recommended as part of or in addition to the UC admission requirements: Biology, Drama, Available dance courses, available humanities courses.

Transfer Preparation
To make normal progress in the major, complete the following courses in your first two years:

Modern dance
Intermediate modern dance
Elementary ballet
Intermediate ballet
Fundamentals of choreography
Dance History
Principles of music: rhythm
Music appreciation
Design fundamentals for dance
Stage lighting design
Theatre workshop (3 quarter units)
Anatomy

The Majors

Students who would like to major in dance must audition for placement in the four-year technique series. Students should audition in January or February preceding their admission to UCSB. .