Dance Brochure 2019-20

Bachelor of
Fine Arts
(BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a professional
program in dance designed for the student who
plans to pursue a career in dance performance
and/or choreography. The BFA Dance program
emphasizes the nurturing and further
development of each student’s technical skills
and artistry. Students study both ballet and
modern and/or jazz daily. Courses in music,
choreography, anatomy, production, and dance
history round out the dance curriculum. Each
semester, students further their performance
experience while rehearsing and studying all
aspects of dance production.
Ballet
Classical ballet training is the primary focus of this
concentration, with emphasis placed on proper use
of turnout, alignment, and development of strength.
The curriculum is broad-based in its training,
encompassing, but not limited to, the traditions
of R.A.D., Vaganova, Cecchetti, the French School,
and others. Current methods of movement analysis
are critical to the knowledge of this technique so
that students move beyond learning by imitation
and attain deeper understanding. Classes en pointe
actualize the technique and are a focus of this
concentration, and men’s classes are devoted to the
technical skills required of male dancers. Quality of
movement as a platform for artistic expression is
honed in the advanced levels, while special attention
is paid to maintaining the integrity of the technique
throughout the curriculum.
Modern
The BFA concentration in Modern Dance offers a
rich program of study in the essential movement
principles and skills particular to this dance form.
Course offerings in the techniques of modern dance
pioneers Martha Graham, Lester Horton, José Limón,
Alwin Nikolais, May O’Donnell, and Paul Taylor
individually address locomotion motivated by the
specific use of the torso, and the breath and weight of
the entire body. In addition, courses in improvisation,
designed to encourage an in-depth exploration
of movement, ultimately provide valuable skills
necessary for individual freedom of expression in
both the performance and invention of dance.
Choreography
Students in the Choreography concentration study, in
theory and practice, the art and craft of choreography.
Through various processes, techniques, sources, styles,
and points of view, they gain experience in composing
dances in both solo and group forms. In addition, students
acquire an understanding of production value and
technical support and how these impact the conception,
development, and execution of an artistic idea and the
realization of a complete theatrical experience. Honing
their craft in a diverse array of rehearsal environments,
participating either as performers or choreographers,
students completing the work in this concentration
are prepared to mold and pursue their own individual
aesthetic interests and objectives.
Jazz
The Jazz concentration is a comprehensive
curriculum of dance studies with additional
requirements in jazz and tap techniques. The jazz
dance component is structured with theories and
practices created by such Broadway luminaries
as Jack Cole, Agnes DeMille, and Bob Fosse. Tap
courses address both traditional Broadway and
rhythm tap disciplines. To maximize potential
opportunities in the field, candidates within the
concentration are encouraged to audition for
the musical theatre productions produced by the
College’s theatre department. The goal of the
concentration is to generate professionals through
the dynamic synthesis of Western theatrical art
forms, to provide relevant material for today’s
artists, and to help students develop a personal
voice in jazz dance through exploring historical and
contemporary styles.
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“The last four years have transformed
me as a dancer, an artist, and as a
human being... . I entered MMC as a
college dance skeptic, and I promise
that I left as Marymount Manhattan’s
biggest advocate.”
— Mia DeWeese, BFA ’13
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
Kyle Abraham
Adam Barruch
Cherice Barton
Robert Battle
Al Blackstone
Chase Brock
Sean Curran
Christopher d’Amboise
Alexandra Damiani
Ann Marie DeAngelo
Norbert de la Cruz
Jae Man Joo
Jessica Lang
Edwaard Liang
David Marquez
Trey McIntyre
Andrea Miller
Anthony Morigerato
Darrell Moultrie
Milton Myers
David Parsons
Benoit-Swan Pouffer
Pascal Rioult
Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines
Deganit Shemy
Katarzyna Skarpetowska
William Soleau
Sonya Tayeh
Dusan Tynek
Chet Walker
Kate Weare
Edgar Zendejas
MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE | 7