The Visual and Performing Arts Department offers the Associate of Fine Arts in Dance (A.F.A.), providing students with study in modern dance, ballet technique, jazz technique, performance of repertory, as well as in production, history, composition and improvisation. In addition to the major requirements of the A.F.A. in dance, students must take General Education Courses.
Our philosophy of dance is to help students develop discipline, independent thinking, creative problem solving, collaborative and interpersonal skills, and confidence. This is accomplished through the study of technique, the production and crafting of dances, performance opportunities, and a supportive complementary curriculum.
The A.F.A. program best prepares students who desire strong dance technique for transfer into a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree program at a four-year institution or university setting. The curriculum also focuses on the skills and concepts of dance necessary for a career in the contemporary dance world. A.F.A. students develop a strong portfolio to support their transfer applications and auditions.
The Raritan Valley Dance Ensemble (RVDE) provides performance and educational programs which foster the appreciation of dance as an art form. The Ensemble tours local schools and community groups and performs at campus events. RVDE provides the College and greater community with opportunities to experience and appreciate live dance performances and establishes a bond between academia and community. RVDE dancers are selected by audition, and membership is open to all RVCC dance students and alumni, as well as community members. RVDE enables the serious dancer to develop a personal dance identity, both as an independent and collaborative artist. A faculty dance concert, student concerts, master classes and workshops constitute the many other performance opportunities sponsored by the Dance program.
The faculty of professional artist-educators provides expert instruction in all areas of our curriculum, offers direction and guidance for students, and supports each student’s search for original expression. In addition to our faculty, guest artists offer master classes and Repertory classes.
Graduates are able to:
- understand the role of a dance artist
- demonstrate technical proficiency and artistic application of anatomical and kinesthetic principles in performance
- craft dances with coherence, aesthetic unity and clarity of theme
- display a critical understanding of the development of dance based on historical significance, craftsmanship, cultural context and originality
- analyze choreographic works through classification of elements, principles and choreographic structure
- investigate careers in performance, dance education and movement arts
NOTE: Before enrollment, it is mandatory that a freshman Dance major contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department for an interview and placement testing with a member of the Dance faculty.