Dance and Movement Studies

Why Minor in Dance and Movement Studies at Allegheny College

Dance and Movement Studies provides an experiential program that explores the relationship of movement to self, culture, and environment. Dance and Movement Studies courses are available to all students.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Dance and Movement Studies with:

Biology Economics Psychology Education Studies

Division

Visual and Performing Arts

Program Type

Minor

Number of Credits

26 for minor

Where Dance and Movement Studies Alumni Work Today

Director of Leadership Consulting

Talent Plus, Inc.

Maribel H. Cruz ’87

Senior Commercial Operations Analyst

Boston Scientific

Samantha Bretz ’18

Ph.D. Student

Boston University

Teona Bagashvili ’22

A friend had to drag me to my first dance social, but she eventually helped me to choose my first class, too. Then I chose the path of an apprentice and became a teaching assistant from there. This turned into exploring the world of modern/contemporary dancing and tap, which turned into choreographing my own piece for Orchesis, and then, finally, choosing my career as a professional dancer and dance instructor. Education tends to give students an ultimatum: You either do this or you won’t succeed. In dance, there’s always another option that empowers the student to keep exploring.

Aleäa “A” Reyes Alumna

Your Four-Year Journey

Dance and Movement Studies Overview

Year 1: Understanding

In your first year, we encourage you to take Principles of Movement and two practice classes. Practice classes include Modern, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom, Tang Soo Do, Yoga, and Meditation.

Featured Courses:

Year 2: New Approaches

This is the year that you find your groove. Classes you should take this year are FSDMS — Dance: Ritual of Experience, Creative Process 370, and practice classes of course.

Featured courses:

Year 3: Delving Deeper

With two years under your belt, it makes sense to take Creative Process 371, one of the Dance & Movement Studies electives, and practice classes in your third year. Elective classes include History of Contemporary Dance, Movement and Meaning, and Neuroscience of Dance and Movement.

Featured Courses

Year 4: The Comp

By the time year four rolls around, you’re almost finished! We encourage you to participate in the Dance Minors Concert and take two practice classes to finish the minor off.

Featured Courses

View All Courses for Dance and Movement Studies Minor

Research and Internships

Allegheny Dance and Movement Studies Students Learn through Expression

We’ll set the stage for your success by giving you opportunities to enhance technical skill and personal presence in the studio. You’ll learn to promote wellness and self-discovery, investigate performance values, and to build community.

Our dance and movement studies students hone their practice through experiential learning, leadership opportunities, study away, and more.

Internship in Dance Studies

Requires intensive work in one or more of the following dance studies educational programs: Creating Landscapes for Children and Teens; Aesthetic Education Symposia for Teachers; Allegheny Enrichment Program for High School and Middle School Students; High School Programs for the Gifted and Self-Identified Talented.

In addition, they share, in the development of exhibitions, performances, and publications of student-generated work. Discussions and written reflections synthesize experiences and research.

Leadership Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to produce and direct concerts and dance ensembles.

Study Away Opportunities

Allegheny offers sponsored study-away programs in more than 15 countries across the world.

Learn More

Independent Study

Available to qualified students seeking to do advanced work outside the scope of scheduled course offerings. A project proposal must be submitted and approved in the semester prior to the semester in which the student registers for the course.

Faculty and Staff

Debra Lacey

Adjunct Instructor

Email: dlacey@allegheny.edu

John Guthrie

Adjunct Instructor

Email: jguthrie@allegheny.edu

Phone: 814-332-2813

Dance and Movement Studies Directory All Employees

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dance and Movement Studies Minor

Why study Dance and Movement?

Students who successfully complete a minor in Dance and Movement Studies will:

Demonstrate understanding of and physical proficiency in specific dance and movement techniques;
Perform the diversity of dance and movement in a way that honors and celebrates traditional and current forms;
Discuss dance and movement as representations of historical perspectives, political contexts, and cultural values and power;
Reflect on and analyze cultural experiences and subject position in order to enhance and enrich connections to other individuals and communities.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Dance and Movement Studies students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Dance and Movement Studies minor, such as the Jazz and Dance Ensemble (JaDE), Orchesis Dance Company, Swing Dance Club, and more. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Dance and Movement Studies

Why Minor in Dance and Movement Studies at Allegheny College