Dance BFA candidates will demonstrate proficiency in dance technique.
Objective
Proficiency In Dance Technique
Dance BFA students will demonstrate proficiency in both modern and ballet techniques through juried presentations.
Indicator
Ballet And Modern Technique Juries
A panel of jurists composed of dance faculty and guest professionals assesses students in designated technique classes at the end of each semester. A variety of rubrics have been used in recent semesters; one example is attached. Students are evaluated on specific technical elements as well as on performance qualities. Jurists are also encouraged to include comments for each student.
Criterion
Standard Of Technical Achievement
The department goal is that at least 90% of students receive composite assessment of at least 80% in the jury.
Finding
Juries Were Not Conducted
Due to logistics, finances, and faculty opinion, juries for the dance technique classes were not arranged.
Action
Determine How We Will Assess Dancers' Abilities
The faculty will meet to decide whether we can return to the model of juries within technique classes that we have done in the past, or whether we need to look at a different model. We will also consult with peer faculty at other institutions.
Goal
Dance Choreography Proficiency
BFA candidates will become proficient in the craft and art of choreography.
Objective
Students Will Demonstrate Proficiency In The Tools Of Choreography
Each student will demonstrate their ability to use the tools of choreography to create and present original, effective work.
Indicator
Sophomore Gate Presentation
The Sophomore Gate is used to determine that students are making satisfactory progress towards the BFA degree. Each student is paired with a faculty mentor at the beginning of the fourth semester of study, generally in conjunction with enrollment in Choreography 2, DANC 2376. The faculty mentor meets with the student a minimum of three times within the semester as the student proposes and develops a 3-5 minute solo to be performed for the dance faculty at the end of the semester. Students whose work is assessed as unsatisfactory, less than 80% composite score, will have one opportunity to repeat the Gate; if they do not perform at 80% or higher in the second presentation, they will be advised out of the BFA program.
Criterion
Demonstrate High Level Of Choreographic Proficiency
The department goal is that 95% of students will receive composite scores of 90% or better, and that of those students, at least 80% will score 90% or better.
Finding
Sophomore Gate Presentations Were Exceptional
The sophomore class of 25 presenters scored well above 90% in the solo presentations.
Action
Continue To Require Intensive Mentorship During The Semester
The faculty attribute the high success this year to a tiered mentorship plan, plus students taking initiative beyond our instruction. In addition to the three meetings throughout the semester with the faculty mentor, sophomores also met with an assigned graduate student at least once. The faculty learned that the students arranged a group showing for one another two days before the presentations for the faculty. This group showing gave the students an opportunity to offer one another support and feedback, and gave them more confidence in their presentations. We will specifically encourage such an event for the sophomores in spring 2016.