Master of Fine Arts in Dance
The following information is linked to the Belhaven.edu site.
Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Dance is a 60 credit terminal degree in dance. Curricular offerings emphasize choreography and/or performance within the context of pedagogical, theoretical, and artistic inquiry. The Master of Fine Arts in Dance is a 60 credit hour degree program with an emphasis on performance and/or choreography within the context of pedagogical, theoretical, and artistic inquiry. The MFA in Dance degree emphasizes the integration of Christian faith and learning with the advanced theoretical and artistic study of dance. Belhaven University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
The masters degree in dance will give graduates the opportunity to participate in creative work, inquiry, and investigation through curricular offerings in technique, performance, choreography, research methodology, critical investigation and philosophy of dance, among others.
Belhaven’s graduate dance program encourages students to develop career-related skills through the practical application of theoretical knowledge, innovative and compositional techniques, and the experiential methodologies of apprenticeships.
Graduate students will submit their work for peer and faculty review, as well as contribute to the field through attendance and participation in regional and national dance conferences. Graduate students will gain experience in teaching through pedagogy courses and the opportunity for teaching assistantships upon the completion of 18 hours of graduate study. The development, compilation and application or incorporation of creative work, inquiry, and investigation will culmination in the graduate thesis project.
Curriculum Summary
| Master of Fine Arts in Dance Courses | ||
| Studio or Related Areas (39 units required) | ||
| Course # | Title | Units |
| DAN 501 | Graduate Dance Production | 3 units |
| DAN 525/526 | Ballet Technique | 2 units |
| DAN 533/534 | Modern Technique | 2 units |
| DAN 543/544 | Graduate Performance I | 1 unit |
| DAN 560 | Dance Technology | 3 units |
| DAN 570 | Graduate Choreography I | 3 units |
| DAN 571 | Graduate Choreography II | 3 units |
| DAN 585 | Somatics Practices for Dance I | 1 unit |
| DAN 625/626 | Ballet Technique | 2 units |
| DAN 643/644 | Graduate Performance II | 1 unit |
| DAN 660 | Performance Media Techniques | 2 units |
| DAN 670 | Graduate Choreography III | 3 units |
| DAN 671/672 | Graduate Improvisation | 1 unit |
| DAN 685 | Somatics Practices for Dance II | 1 unit |
| DAN 725/726 | Ballet Technique | 2 units |
| DAN 733/734 | Modern Technique | 2 units |
| DAN 700/701/702 | Graduate Thesis Project | 7-9 units |
| Other Studies in Dance (15 units required) | ||
| DAN 502 | Graduate Kinesiology | 4 units |
| DAN 511 | Graduate Seminar | 1 unit |
| DAN 575/576 | Graduate Pedagogy | 4 units |
| DAN 580 | Philosophy of Dance | 3 units |
| DAN 662 | Research and Writing for Dance | 3 units |
| Electives (6 units required) | ||
| DAN 500 | Arts Administration | 3 units |
| DAN 545 | Dance and Christian Ministry | 3 units |
| DAN 550/650 | Graduate Apprenticeship | 2 units |
| DAN 565 | Rhythmic Theory for Dancers | 2 units |
| DAN 590/690 | Graduate Independent Study | 2 units |
| DAN 591/691 | Graduate Special Topics | 2 units |
| DAN 680 | Critical Issues in Dance | 3 units |
Course Descriptions
Download the Master of Fine Arts in Dance Course Descriptions (PDF)
Audition Information
Audition in-person for the graduate faculty including a ballet and modern technique class, a solo work under 5 minutes and an interview with faculty. Auditions will take place on February 1 and 2, 2013 in the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Building. Contact the MFA Program Director at 601-965-1461 or ewright@belhaven.edu.
Applicants must place in a Level III in either ballet or modern technique and demonstrate scholarly and creative capacity necessary to complete the MFA course work. Within the parameters of university admission and admission into the dance department, graduate candidates will be evaluated on an individual basis and admission policies are flexible such that promising candidates who show significant ability and potential in creative/performance components will be given serious consideration.
| February 1, 2013 | |
| 4:00- 6:00 pm | Interviews with Graduate Faculty |
| 6:00-7:00 pm | Informal Reception/Q&A with Graduate Faculty |
| February 2, 2013 | |
| 9:00-10:30 am | Ballet Technique |
| 10:30-11:30 am | Modern Technique |
| 11:30-12:00 am | Improvisation |
| 12:30-3:00 pm | Choreography Solos |
Tuition
Master of Fine Arts in Dance Tuition:
- Application fee $25
- Tuition per credit hour $515. This does not include the price of books.
Admission Information
Admission to the MFA in Dance program is a two-step process. For acceptance in the Master of Fine Arts in Dance program, you must first apply for admission to Belhaven University. Then you must also apply for acceptance to the MFA program. Please use the checklist below to assist you in the admission process. Each item required is necessary to apply, be accepted and register at the university. If you have any questions about admission, contact 601-968-5988 or jackson@belhaven.edu
1. COMPLETE the APPLICATION for Admission
- Pay the $25 application fee through the online payment form.
- Required: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in dance or a dance-related area.
2. TRANSFERRING CREDITS
- Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided. See Transferability of Credit Notice.
3. PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION
- 300-500 word letter of intent, indicating your interest in pursuing graduate studies in dance.
- Professional resume, which demonstrates a minimum of 2 years of field-related work experience.
- Two complete recommendation forms (one academic and one dance-related).
- A writing sample (no more than 15 pages) which demonstrates analytical and verbal ability, preferably related to the field of dance.
- A choreographic and/or performance sample from the last five years, 10-15 minutes, in DVD format.
- Your admission representative will work with you to determine what, if any, additional items may be required to present your application package to the Admission Committee.
- A veteran who wishes to be assessed for military credit or who will use veteran benefits must submit a copy of Form DD214 and/or DD295 to Belhaven University.
4. SUBMIT TEST SCORES
- Demonstration of ability to perform graduate level work as exhibited by one of the following:
An undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and 3.0 in dance-related studies - Proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 173 computer-based, or 61 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
All admission questions and materials can be submitted to: |
For questions concerning the MFA in Dance Program: |
Belhaven University does not discriminate in the administration of its education policies, applications for admission, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and extracurricular programs. The rights, privileges, programs and activities at Belhaven University are made available to all students who are enrolled regardless of sex, religion, color, national origin, handicap or age.
