In fulfilling our mission, we offer a liberal arts education, as well as specialized training in the various aspects of dance. More specifically, we provide students with knowledge of and experience in performance, production, theory and history, exemplifying and the best of classical and contemporary dance traditions as well as the most experimental.
Consult our Calendar for performances and workshops for 2000 season.
Dance Program
School of Music and Dance
San Jose State University
San Jose, Ca 95192-0095
408.924.5041
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DANCE PROGRAM
What are the performing opportunities?
Dance Program presents at least seven separate fully produced concerts annually with a total of eighteen to twenty performances on campus. Two Student companies also perform outside the university. In addition the program sponsors six informal showings each year of studies from Choreography classes. All performances take place in the Studio Dance Theatre which is fully equipped with a Marley floor, theatrical draperies, lighting and sound.
What types of dance are presented and who directs and choreographs for the student companies?
The Program sponsors two performing companies, one with contemporary repertory which has included Modern, Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Hip Hop and the other is in the area of musical theatre. Both are directed by faculty with professional experience as performers and choreographers. Guest professional are also invited to choreograph. Both companies function the entire academic year and membership is by audition the previous Spring. University Dance Theatre, the contemporary group, represents the university at the American College Dance Festival each year.
Is there a company affiliation?
San Jose State University is the resident site of sjDANCEco, a professional repertory collaborative.
Are students allowed to perform outside of school?
Students are eligible to perform outside the school, however due to the frequent opportunities offered by the program, this happens rarely.
Are students encouraged and supported to create new works?
Students are encouraged to find their own voice creatively and in the style or technique of their choice with many opportunities to have their works produced.
Is there an annual student concert?
There are three concerts of student choreography produced annually. Second semester choreography students present a concert in the spring. Any student who has completed two semesters of choreography is eligible to choreograph for the fall concert. Each spring graduating seniors present the Portfolio Concert, wherein each candidate is required to present a group piece and to perform in a work, which may or may not be their own choreography. All majors are eligible to perform in these concerts, including freshmen.
Are there opportunities to work back stage?
Each major is required to serve on back stage crews of four concerts before graduation and must complete Dance Production which includes an introduction to dance lighting, costuming, stage management and publicity.
Do I have to audition?
Yes. Contact the Major Dance Advisor at (408) 924-5044 for audition schedule and information.
What types of dance classes are offered?
The Dance Program offers four levels of classes in Ballet, Jazz and Modern technique and two levels of Tap. Also offered are Hip Hop and Techniques of World Dance which in the past has included African-Caribbean, East Indian (Bharata Natyam), Polynesian, Flamenco and Mexican Folkloric. All classes meet twice weekly except advanced levels in Modern, Jazz and Ballet, which meet three times weekly. Classes are one hour and forty five minutes in length.
Can I specialize in one area of technique?
Juniors must declare primary and secondary areas of specialization in technique from among Modern, Jazz and Ballet.
Is there live music for technique classes?
All Modern and Ballet classes have accompanists
How many majors are in the program?
The program has forty to fifty majors which provides the opportunity for significant individual attention.
Do graduates from the program go on to professional careers?
Graduates from the Dance Program have gone on to careers as professional performers and/or choreographers in concert companies and in musical theatre both nationally and regionally. Many go on to teach in private schools, while others obtain a credential and teach in public schools. There are those who go on to advanced degrees.
How much does SJSU cost?
For California residents fees are roughly $2700 for the academic year. To include books, supplies, on-campus housing and meals, the entire cost is approximately $12,500 per academic year.
What if I am not a California resident?
Add approximately $8000 per academic year.
Can I establish residency by being a student at the university?
The student who is in the state for education purposes only does not gain the status of resident regardless of the length of the student's stay in California.
What scholarships are offered by the School of Music and Dance?
The Dance Program awards five scholarships annually.
Legacy Scholarship in the amount of $250 - $1200, renewable for subsequent
semester, to a promising in coming major.
Applications available by request and are due April 1.
Awards for returning dance majors include:
Garman Award for Excellence in Choreography
Haws Award for Excellence in Performance
Spreen Award for Academic Excellence
All of the above are awarded in the spring and are in the amount of $250 each.
Does the university offer financial assistance?
Yes. Information regarding student financial assistance may be obtained from the Director of Financial Aid, Student Services Center, (408) 924-6100.
Can high school students take courses at the university?
Students still enrolled in high school will be considered for enrollment in certain programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given term and program and does not constitute right to continued enrollment.
SJSU's concurrent enrollment program for high school students , Steps to College, is coordinated by Student Outreach and Recruitment which may be reached at (408) 4-2564.
Does the School of Music and Dance offer a minor in dance?
The School offer a minor in dance, as well as an interdepartmental minor in musical theatre.
