group of dancers in studio

Dance (Minor)

Explore the power of movement and immerse yourself in the study of dance.

Discover your creative voice and learn to express yourself through movement. A minor in Dance at UND builds your skills as a dancer and as a person in the world.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Minor
Format:
On-campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
20

Why Study Dance at UND?

UND's dance program offers in-depth study of dance styles ranging from ballet and tap to jazz and modern. Beyond the studio, your dance training helps you build essential skills including discipline, focus and teamwork.

The minor in Dance is an excellent supplement to any major. For example:

  • Art
  • Business Economics
  • Communication
  • Education
  • French
  • Music
  • Musical Theatre

Program Highlights

  • Perform in dance recitals and musical theatre performances

  • Enjoy close, collaborative relationships with faculty

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural life of Grand Forks

  • Join the student-run Society of Dionysus and help promote the arts at UND

Outcomes

 
5%
Projected job growth for dancers*
50K
Median annual salary for high school teachers*

 

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dancers and Choreographers

**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: High School Teachers

 

A minor in Dance prepares you for careers in the arts and beyond. Among the careers open to you are:

  • Dance teacher
  • Ballet dancer
  • Contemporary dancer
  • Musical theatre dancer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance therapist
  • Arts administrator

Courses You Could Take

 

THEA 240. Ballet I. 2 Credits.

An introductory ballet class designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of ballet. This class will contain a ballet barre, warm-up, barre stretch, an adagio center combination and floor exercises designed to enhance alignment, flexibility, strength and center. Repeatable to 6 credits. F.

THEA 241. Jazz Dance I. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce the student to principles and techniques characteristic of jazz dance. Students will execute movement combinations in a variety of jazz styles. Emphasis will be placed on movement fundamentals of alignment, flexibility, endurance, dynamic range, and strength. Repeatable to 6 credits. F, odd years.

THEA 242. Tap Dance. 1 Credit.

This class is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of tap dance. Warm-up, exercises, and combinations in tap technique will provide opportunities for the student to develop an efficient use of weight, alignment, articulation of footwork, coordination, and musicality. Repeatable to 4 credits. F, even years.

THEA 243. Contemporary Dance I. 2 Credits.

Introduction to the elements of contemporary dance and practice of the fundamentals of the technique with attention given to both the art and craft of the dance form. Emphasis on postural alignment, shape, sequence, flexibility, as well as the body in relation to space, time, force, and movement initiation. Repeatable to 6 credits. F.

THEA 344. Musical Theatre Dance Style. 2 Credits.

In this course students will learn the vocabulary, styles, and techniques associated with musical theatre dance. Building upon the movement basics learned in the prerequisite courses, students will refine their dance skills and increase their knowledge base through the practice and assimilation of repertory from the classic musical theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 241 or consent of instructor. F, odd years.

THEA 442. Choreography. 3 Credits.

An introduction to choreography that offers the student training in the sequential application of basic principles of movement and form to a small group of dancers. Prerequisites: THEA 342 or consent of instructor. S, odd years.

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