Learning Goals & Objectives Dance B.A.
Goal 1: Think critically about dance from historical, global, and diverse perspectives
Associated Learning Objectives:
Understand major historical movements and figures in dance
Compare and contrast different styles of dance and understand their historical and cultural contexts
Demonstrate the ability to conduct research to support scholarly writing about dance
Reflect on and write about dance performances
Goal 2: Demonstrate skill in physical technique
Associated Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the ability to pick up and execute advanced modern, ballet and world dance phrase work
Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic foundations of modern dance, ballet and world dance
Expand range of motion and develop qualitative, rhythmic and spatial skills
Increase awareness of personal movement tendencies
Understand basic alignment principles and be able to apply them within different dance techniques
Demonstrate an ability to make individual artistic choices while staying true to given material
Goal 3: Create and perform choreography
Associated Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of dance; including, space, time, quality, weight and shape and discover new ways of working with them
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of improvisation in the choreographic process
Investigate the many relationships between music and dance
Analyze and practice different choreographic methods
Develop the ability to be aware and present on stage
Demonstrate an understanding of how writing can support creativity
Goal 4: Develop the capacity to present choreographic work in a public context
Associated Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the ability to create original work and implement its presentation
Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of administrative and production aspects of dance
Conduct research to support dance production
Demonstrate the ability to solve practical problems
Goal 5: Prepare to enter the dance field with an understanding of its particular working methods
Associated Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a collaborative process
Demonstrate the ability to discuss and critique the work of peers
Demonstrate the ability to communicate using discipline-specific terminology
Demonstrate the ability to apply dance knowledge and skills to other forms
Demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of professional writing within the field of dance
Be familiar with local and national dance resources
Dance Mission Statement
Dance is a vital part of the liberal arts tradition. The study of the body is integral to the understanding of the self and provides a focal point for understanding historical, philosophical and artistic trends. The Dance B.A., Dance/Theatre B.F.A. and Dance minor provide students with a variety of ways to participate in the dance community at Lehman. The program aims to create an environment where students can develop their own unique strengths while being challenged creatively, analytically and physically. The skills developed in the Dance program foster the kind of intellectual dexterity that allow for a wide range of career options upon graduation and specifically prepare students for careers as choreographers, performers and teachers. The curriculum includes a wide range of physical techniques including ballet, modern, Afro-Caribbean, tango, tap and jazz; compositional work including both improvisation and choreography; historical study; somatic work, study of theatre and regular participation in Lehman Dance productions. Lehman’s population is culturally diverse and the Dance program aims to reflect that diversity. The location of Lehman College in the Bronx allows easy access to world-class choreographers, performers and institutions in Manhattan and other boroughs giving students professional experiences and allowing them to form connections to the New York dance community. Students are encouraged to develop their own choreographic work as well as their writing and research skills so that they are prepared for the demands of a professional life in dance.
Last modified: Oct 25, 2011
