Dance

Minor

Faculty and professional interests

Jennifer Smith
Dance theory and improvisation, dance history, dance composition, modern dance technique

The Knox College Dance Program is a modern dance based program in the context of a liberal arts education. Students who participate in dance may choose to complete a minor in the program through course work that includes: Modern, Jazz and Ballet Technique, as well as theory course work in: Dance History and Contemporary Trends in Choreography, Dance Theory and Improvisation, and Dance Composition. Students can choose to focus their advanced studies in dance on either performance or choreography by participating in either the Dance Ensemble course or the Dance Performance course. The Dance Ensemble course is designed to create an experience similar to working in a dance company, while Dance Production is a course that focuses on the artistic, administrative and technical work of producing a full evening dance concert.

Along with these courses, students have the opportunity to participate in an off-campus program in dance that is offered over winter break. This program takes place in Chicago over a two-week period, during which students participate in daily dance technique classes at local dance studios, attend several dance performances and take trips to area museums.

In support of the academic course work in dance, there are several performance opportunities that occur throughout the year. Included in these opportunities is the Dance Performance Series, which is co-sponsored by the student dance organization, the Terpsichore Dance Collective and the Department of Theatre and Dance. Along with supporting the Concert Series, the department produces the Spring Main Stage Dance Concert in Harbach Theatre which includes work choreographed by students, faculty and visiting guest artists.

The dance program has a long-standing tradition of supporting dance residencies with professional choreographers, master teachers and performing dance companies. Past dance residencies include: The Chicago Moving Company (1997), Jan Erkert & Dancers (1998) Jellyeye Drum Theater (2000), Jump Rhythm Jazz Dance Ensemble (2001), Kalapriya Dance Troupe (2002), The Dance COLEctive (2003), The Anatomical Theatre (2004), Doug Elkins (2005), and David Dorfman Dance (2006 and 2007).

The goal of the Knox College Dance Program is to enable students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world of dance through the practice, performance, research and development of the art form. In achieving this goal, the program strives to: 1) support students of all levels and backgrounds in dance, 2) foster the creative development of each individual, and 3) provide an educational environment in which students can draw connections between their dance course work and how it relates with that of the greater Knox College curriculum.

Dance Course Descriptions
Requirements for the Minor