B.A. in Dance

Program Overview

The B.A. in Dance at Saint Mary's College is a comprehensive program focused on cultivating creativity, skill, and artistry in a supportive and non-competitive environment. It allows students to specialize in either Dance Studies (emphasizing theoretical, historical, and cultural aspects) or Choreography and Performance (focusing on practical application and creation). The program's mission is to develop a healthy attitude toward dance, valuing diverse forms and a holistic view of the human body. Students are encouraged to explore individual artistic choices, distinguish technical terms and theories, recognize the cultural context of dance, and engage in critical discourse that explores social identities within the performing arts. All students have opportunities to perform, even in their first year, and work with a diverse range of guest artists.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Dance is rigorous and multi-faceted, combining extensive studio practice with academic coursework. Core components include technique classes in various genres like Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and West African dance, alongside courses in improvisation and body conditioning (e.g., Pilates). Academic coursework delves into the theoretical and historical aspects of dance, with courses such as "Introduction to Dance," "History of Ballet," and "Contemporary Issues in Dance." Students can choose to focus on Choreography and Performance, taking courses like "Choreography I & II," or on Dance Studies, which includes deeper dives into aesthetics, pedagogy, and critical theory. The curriculum aims to develop not only technical proficiency but also a strong understanding of dance as an art form within its broader social and cultural contexts.

Research Focus: While the B.A. in Dance is heavily studio-based, Saint Mary's College integrates a strong element of critical inquiry and academic research into the program. Students are trained to "distinguish technical terms and theories used in dance studies, influenced by aesthetics, anatomy and science, Somatics, pedagogical and performance theories; and employ this terminology appropriately when discussing and writing about specific works and/or assessing one's practice." They are also expected to "recognize the cultural context of a work of art or style of movement" and to "frame creative challenges within larger historical/theoretical questions to locate one's own place in history." The program emphasizes critical discourse, encouraging students to analyze issues of access, representation, and inclusion within the performing arts. The culmination of studies often involves a self-generated project, which can take the form of choreography, performance, or a substantial written work that demonstrates a deep understanding of dance history, theory, and practice.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College fosters significant industry engagement for its Dance students through various avenues. The program's location in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area provides ample opportunities for students to attend professional shows and engage with the local dance community. Faculty members are accomplished artists and scholars with active careers in the dance world, bringing current industry insights and connections into the classroom. The program regularly features guest artists who provide master classes, workshops, and performance opportunities, exposing students to diverse choreographic styles and professional practices. Students gain invaluable real-world experience through the Saint Mary's College Dance Company, which offers a pre-professional experience in training, choreography, and performance. Alumni testimonials often highlight how connections made through professors and program resources directly lead to professional dance and teaching opportunities.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Dance at Saint Mary's College inherently embodies a global perspective by embracing the diversity of dance forms and their cultural origins. The curriculum includes exposure to a wide range of styles, such as West African and Ballet Folklorico, alongside Western forms like Modern and Ballet. Students are taught to "recognize the cultural context of a work of art or style of movement" and to "engage in critical discourse to explore how social identities are constructed, constrained, reinforced, and treated with inequality by systems of power, including within the field of performing arts." This fosters an intersectional perspective through lenses of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, ability, age, and culture. By encouraging an understanding of global dance traditions and the societal influences on movement, the program prepares graduates to perform, create, and teach in a globally interconnected arts landscape, appreciating and respecting diverse forms of expression.