Dance
Why choose dance at North Central College?
Dance expresses ideas, emotions and stories as told through movement. Dancers achieve full physical expression, stylistic range and expressive storytelling through ballet, tap, modern and jazz choreography. This program places importance on both training in class and performing on stage.
At North Central, you will study with faculty who are accomplished in the Chicago theatre scene. Your professors will take personal interest in your growth, customize instruction to your capabilities and challenge you as you prepare for performances. Whether you want to dance for fun, pursue it professionally, or to compliment your major, dance at North Central is sure to provide a strong foundation.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Telling stories through performing
- Mastering multiple styles of dance
- Working as part of an ensemble of other dancers
then a minor in DANCE might be for you.
Why study art history at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Advanced Ballet
- Choreography
- Contemporary Modern Dance
- Dance History
- Jazz Dance
- Movement for Actors
- Musical Theatre Dance
- Somatics
- Tap Dance
Beyond the Classroom
As a dance minor, you can:
- Tap into our faculty’s professional network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
- Join the Cardinal Dance Company, a 60-member, student-managed group that produces an annual show.
- Audition for Dance Team, a high-performance cheer team that incorporates advanced dance into routines at athletic events.
Dance Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:
Core Requirements
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THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction to jazz, ballet and tap techniques for the stage. Practical dance coursework is also supplemented with the basic building blocks of choreography. No prior dance experience is necessary and this course is open to all students interested in dance training for performance. This course may be repeated for credit once.
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THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
2.00 credit hours
Continuing instruction of jazz, ballet and tap techniques for the stage, building upon skills obtained in
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THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on jazz dance, particularly as it appears in a variety of musical theatre styles. Builds and expands upon the jazz dance portion of
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THEA 223 - Tap Dance
THEA 223 - Tap Dance
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on tap dance, particularly as it appears in a variety of musical theatre styles. Builds and expands upon the tap dance portion of
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THEA 224 - Ballet
THEA 224 - Ballet
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on ballet, particularly as it appears in a variety of classical theatre styles and as it underpins modern dance styles. Builds and expands upon the ballet portion of
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THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
2.00 credit hours
A study of modern and postmodern dance techniques. Students become equally proficient in traditional modern technique and the latest developments in contemporary dance. This course may be repeated for credit once.
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THEA 307 - Dance History
THEA 307 - Dance History
4.00 credit hours
The comprehensive history of Western theatrical dance from the first court ballets of the late 16th century through early 21st century Postmodernism. The course explores dance aesthetics, choreographers, dancers and critical theory in the cultural context of each period and culture.
Electives
Eight credit hours from the following:
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THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
2.00 credit hours
Advanced study of jazz technique including more complex steps and sequences. Emphasizes technique and styling, building upon the foundational skills introduced in
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THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
2.00 credit hours
Advanced study of tap dance technique, building upon the foundational skills introduced in
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THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
2.00 credit hours
Continues the development of all foundational areas of classical ballet, and expands the ballet vocabulary for dancers pursuing both classical and contemporary practice. Builds upon the skills introduced in
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THEA 329 - Choreography
THEA 329 - Choreography
2.00 credit hours
A survey of techniques and skills required to create and notate dance and movement for the stage. Exploring methods for approaching various types of work, students develop and stage their own dance creations. This course may be repeated once for credit.
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THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
2.00-4.00 credit hours
Occasional seminar topic or studio workshop allowing for advanced study of dance or choreography. Special topics may include the in depth exploration of a single style, technique or aesthetic trend in dance history, the exploration of a single choreographer and her work or engagement with current trends in contemporary dance practice and choreography.
Theatre Practicum Requirement
Three semesters of Theatre Practicum (
Dance Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Careers
Recent graduates in dance include:
- Ballroom and round dance teacher, St. Charles, IL
- Instructor of modern dance, BDA Dance, Crest Hill, IL
- Instructor of jazz and hip hop dance, Naperville Park District, Naperville
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