Complement your major with 18 credits of academic and performance-based classes in the dance minor program.
Sacred Heart University’s dance minor incorporates a profound source of energy and artistry into your academic career. Students are encouraged to engage in exploration, creation and critical thinking, while developing a deeper understanding of the kaleidoscope of possibilities within the art of movement.
In addition to participating in our dynamic program, Sacred Heart dance students may also earn merit scholarships and participation grants by audition.
This course explores various current events and historical, social, and political issues as represented through dance. Through this course students will have a deeper understanding of a range of social issues as well as knowledge of how greater global awareness can be achieved through dance.
A practical, beginning level ballet class designed for the student who wishes to develop the basic foundation and technique of ballet. The primary focus is to develop appropriate alignment (placement of the spine and pelvis), good movement habits, and core strength. Students will also hone their ability to retain extended and continuous movement phrases and examine aesthetic principles as technical demands increase.
Students must take 12 credits of electives (which can include up to six 1-credit courses)
This course requires participation in a dance production in at least one genre of dance. This course can be taken multiple times for credit.
This course focuses on the development of technical proficiency and performance elements in various dance forms including but not limited to; classical ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, tap dance and contemporary dance forms. Classes and choreography will model advanced level technique within these disciplines. Audition is required for participation in this course. This course can be taken multiple times for credit.
This course is designed for ballroom dancers to further their understanding of dance production. This course requires participation in a dance production in at least one genre of dance. This course can be taken multiple times for credit.
This course focuses on the development of technical proficiency and performance elements in Irish dance. Classes and choreography will model advanced level technique within this discipline. Audition is required for participation in this class. This course can be taken multiple times for credit.
A survey of the purposes, functions, and manifestations of dance forms from early civilization to the present. Relationships are examined between dance and cultural developments.
This course explores various current events and historical, social, and political issues as represented through dance. Through this course students will have a deeper understanding of a range of social issues as well as knowledge of how greater global awareness can be achieved through dance.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic positions, steps, terminology, fundamental skills, and cultural forces that form the foundation of Tap dance technique.
A practical open level dance class designed to familiarize the student with the styles of dance most frequently used in Musical Theatre. Students will be given an overview of the various expectations and roles that may be required in the Musical Theatre Industry.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic positions, steps, terminology, fundamental skills, and cultural forces that form the foundation of Irish Step Dance technique.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic positions, steps, terminology, fundamental skills, and cultural forces that form the foundation of Hip Hop dance technique.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic positions, steps, terminology, and fundamental skills that form the foundation of ballroom dance.
A practical, beginner level Jazz dance class designed for the student who wishes to develop a basic foundation of kinetic and social elements of Jazz dance technique.
Study and directed practice of advanced individual and group dance in modern musicals. Students will also practice learning choreography under time constraints to better prepare them for the musical-theatre audition process.
Prerequisite: Take DA-306
A practical, advanced beginning level ballet class designed for the student who has a working knowledge of ballet and wishes to continue to strengthen their technique. Emphasis is placed on increasing physical awareness, core strength, flexibility and balance as well as coordination and phrasing. A strong focus is placed on the individual artistic and physical expression of each student.
Prerequisite: Take DA-311
A practical, intermediate level Jazz dance class designed for the student who has the basic knowledge of Jazz dance technique and wishes to strengthen his or her technique and performance quality in the Jazz dance idiom.
Prerequisite: Take DA-313
This is an intermediate ballet course that reinforces and advances technique.
Prerequisite: Take DA-321
This is an advanced intermediate ballet course that focuses on further enhancing technique.
Prerequisite: Take DA-331
This class is designed to help students build the ability to move freely and create movement vocabulary. Students will work, not within a specific technique of dance, but use the somatic and kinesthetic principles of movement to create movement. Dynamics of movement will be explored through use of external directives. The student's mastery of creative expression with their body is the center of the work.
This course is comprised of creative work including choreography and performance. Choreography is approached through exploration of collaboration, resources, use of ideas, knowledge of forms and development of craft. Students improvise and choreograph their own variations on dance forms. Work develops with an emphasis on the relationship between manipulation of musical phrases and choreography as well as the completion of dances. Completed student works may be showcased in one or more of the dance programs annual performances.
Prerequisite: Take DA-350
Our dance instructors and choreographers are committed to the development of well-rounded, aesthetically-aware students using various forms and approaches to elevate learning. They encourage students to explore and create within a community of artists that are engaged, both artistically and academically. Top industry professionals, professional choreographers and distinguished faculty experts lead dance courses and ensembles.
Dance performances and rehearsals take place at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, which features a newly renovated and air-conditioned 776-seat auditorium.
The John & Sabina Petillo Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic space where music, dance and theatre students come together to create and perform. Designed with advanced technology and professional resources, it nurtures artistic growth and collaboration while preparing students to carry their creativity and skills into their future careers.
Opened in August 2019, the 57,400-square foot, three-story center is one of the most advanced athletic facilities in the nation. The complex includes dance facilities as well as a 7,000-square-foot fitness center among many other state-of-the-art athletic spaces.
