frequently asked questions
 
Q Where are the Dance Program offices and studios?
 

A

Second floor of Meany Hall. There are two public entrances.

  1. Off Red Square just west of Gerberding Hall. Enter at the door farthest west.
  2. Just off 15th Avenue NE across the access road to the Henry Art Gallery. This is the lower level entrance and the location of the Dance Program locker rooms. Take the elevator or stairs to the upper level of Meany Hall.

Peter Bracilano's office is on the second floor of Cunningham Hall. Cunningham is south of Meany Hall across from the Architecture building.

 

Q

How do I figure out what level dance class is right for me?

 
A

Dance 101, Introduction to Dance, is a good choice for someone who does not have any sort of formal movement training. The class invovlves 4-5 hours a week in the studio learning basic movement fundamentals in both ballet and modern. The additional class time involves a more traditional lecture providing some background on the history of dance as an art form.

If you’ve had some movement training in the past (any form of dance - martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, etc.) you could consider Dance 102, Introduction to Dance. The course requires Dance 101 as a prerequisite or permission of the instructor (email danceadv@u.washington.edu) and describe your experience if you haven’t taken Dance 101 to see if you will be allowed to take 102.

Dance 104/105/106, Modern Technique I and Dance 107/108/109, Ballet Technique I are beginning level technique classes which are appropriate after completion of Dance 102. These courses assume previous dance training and a solid familiarity with dance steps and terminology.

Students registerd in 200, 300, or 400 level technique classes participate in joint placement classes at the beginning of each quarter to confirm registration in the correct level. Students registered in the wrong level will be told to move to the correct level during the first week of the quarter (changes in registration during the first week of the quarter incur no additional fees).

 
Q The Dance course I want to take requires an add code. How do I get that?  
A

Add codes for class registration are available on a first-come, first-serve basis once registration for any given quarter begins. Many Dance Program classes also have major/minor priority during the first registration period. Email danceadv@u.washington.edu to request an add code. Have the course number and SLN and be prepared to answer a few questions about your readiness for the course you're interested in. If there is room in the class and you have the requisite skills, you’ll receive an add code.

 
Q How do I sign up for the Dance Minor?  
A

Once you have completed a minimum of 90 credits and have taken at least one Dance course, you may sign up for the Dance Minor. Because the paperwork only takes a few minutes, feel free to stop by Meany 256 during regular office hours to complete the form. If you have questions about the minor and desire some advising support, please make an appointment with the Dance Program advisor to discuss your questions. The advising office is located in Meany 256 and there are advising sign up times posted outside the office.

 
Q How do I apply to be a Dance Major?  
A

If you are enrolled in either Ballet or Modern Technique:

  • Let the Dance Advisor know you are interested in declaring a Dance Major. The adviser will need to know what class you are currently taking so she can check with your instructor. Email the advisor at danceadv@u.washington.edu
  • Once the Dance Advisor knows you are interested in declaring the major, make an appointment to discuss the details and complete the paperwork. Before your meeting, she will chat with your dance instructor to confirm technique level placement for starting the major. During the meeting you will get more information on the major and the department and also complete the paperwork to officially declare the major.

If you are not currently enrolled in Ballet or Modern:

  • Enroll in a ballet or modern dance technique class for the upcoming quarter. If you are not sure which level is appropriate for you, contact Dance advising to determine the best level for you at the UW. Email danceadv@u.washington.edu
  • A second option is to contact Dance advising to make arrangements to take a ballet or modern class as a guest. Following the class, the instructor will work with the student and the Dance advisor to determine the appropriate technique level for upcoming registration. Email danceadv@u.washington.edu to make arrangements.
  • Once you are enrolled in either Ballet or Modern technique, let the Dance advisor know you are interested in declaring the major and make an appointment to discuss the details and complete the paperwork. Before your meeting, she will chat with your dance technique instructor to confirm technique level placement for starting the major.
 
Q

Dance 101 is full. How do I get on the wait list?

 
A There is no wait list. Students interested in the course may show up on the first day of class and ask the instructor if space has become available. Students may also monitor registration as space can often open up before the class begins.
Q

The Dance class I want to take is full. How do I get in?

 
A There is no wait list. Students interested in the course may show up on the first day of class and ask the instructor if space has become available. Students may also monitor registration as space can often open up before the class begins.  
Q

I am currently in a Dance technique class. How do I determine what class to register for next quarter?

 
A Most students should plan on taking technique at the same level (100, 200, 300, etc) for a full year. A student with questions about their technique level and registering for the following quarter should chat about options with their current technique instructor.  
Q

What opportunities are there to perform?

 
A Any student enrolled in a UW dance technique class is eligible to audition for Dance Program concerts. (Chamber Dance Company does not hold open auditions, however.) Audition dates and times are always posted in the hallway outside the Dance Program studios. Students who are selected to perform must remain actively enrolled in at least one technique class through the final performance of the concert.  
Q

Is there a dress code for technique classes?

 
A

There is no formal dress code for Dance Program classes. Students should wear clothing that is loose enough to allow for easy movement, but not so baggy that the instructor can’t observe details of how a student is moving. Hair needs to be pulled back and away from the face. Ballet slippers or socks should be worn for ballet class. Bare feet or socks are appropriate for modern. Legs and arms should be covered to limit lotions and oils getting onto the floor surface (this creates a hazard for dancers as the move across the floor). Students in jazz may go barefoot or wear jazz shoes, ballet slippers, or socks.

 
Q

Where do I change? And where do I put my clothes during class?

 
A

Dressing rooms are located on the lower level of Meany Hall and are accessible by all students currently enrolled in Dance Program classes. (Changing clothes in the second floor bathrooms is not allowed.) Dance majors may reserve a locker in the dressing room, and Dance minors may share a locker as space allows. All other students can utilize the day-use lockers on the second floor of Meany Hall. Students are strongly encouraged to use a lock on their lockers as Meany Hall is a public building and theft has been a problem.

 
Q

How can I get involved in the Dance Student Association?

 
A

Contact information for the Dance Student Association changes from year to year. Current contacts are posted on the DSA bulletin board on the second floor of Meany Hall. The Dance Student Association faculty adviser is Jen Salk. Additional information is available on the DSA website: http://students.washington.edu/dancesa.

 

 
 
 

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Photo credits, top of page (left to right): UWTV; Neil Chowdhury; Kozo (images 3-7)