First Year Experience

The foundational courses offer a rigorous core of knowledge in dance technique, performance, composition, history, music, anatomy/kinesiology, and production skills. 

Incoming students take courses together to build a cohort. Foundation Faculty work closely together to assess individual student needs, instill healthy professional habits, and encourage excellence in all coursework. The foundation year establishes professional skills needed for upper-level courses and launching a successful career in the dance field. 

A student must earn a 3.00 GPA, "B" or better, in the Foundational courses (total 23 units). Only students who meet this requirement will be accepted to continue in the B.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography program. Students who do not meet these criteria during their first year in the program will meet with the Department Chairperson. They will be assisted in transitioning to another major and encouraged to take advantage of the dance unit’s robust non-major dance course offerings. After the Foundational First Year, Dance majors must maintain a 2.50 GPA in dance courses to be eligible for graduation with a major in Dance.