Dance

Become a Dance Major!

These are the best ways for new students
to learn about us and make an informed choice:

• Observe a class in action
• Participate in a technique class
• Talk to faculty
• Ask current dance students

Visit Campus! All students wishing to pursue a BA Degree in Dance are encouraged to visit our campus to observe or participate in dance classes. That way, you can experience our small, spirited program, meet faculty and students, and witness first-hand the relevance and depth of SFSU Dance. During the Fall semester, visits are possible from mid-September to mid-November, and during the Spring, visitors are most welcome from mid-February until the end of April.

To schedule your visit, select the dance class that interests you (from the SFSU class schedule online) and then contact Susan Whipp at swhipp@sfsu.edu for specific dates and participation possibilities.

Mandatory Dance Meeting each semester:
On each audition date, the placement class is preceded by an informational meeting on each of the degree programs in Dance. Students will learn about the dance faculty, the Student Dance Alliance/student organizations, 4-year and transfer student BA requirements, course prerequisites, the calendar for course offerings, expectations for class attire, participation and grading policies, performance opportunities and production calendar.

To prepare for your Dance Audition: All new Dance students who seek the Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance or who wish to earn a Dance Minor must take the Dance Placement Audition. The placement audition should be taken before registration for dance classes. Students should come to the placement audition prepared to take a technique class drawn from elements of Modern II, Ballet II, and Jazz II classes. Appropriate dress is tights and leotards with shoes appropriate to the dance forms. Students do not have to prepare solo material.

At the placement audition, students are evaluated by several dance faculty members. These recommendations are submitted to a Dance advisor who assists the student with scheduling of classes. Transfer students should bring transcripts for meeting with this advisor.

Students from outside the area who cannot schedule a placement audition before registration should participate in a visitation or email a one page description of prior dance training along with a statement of career goals to Susan Whipp, Dance coordinator at swhipp@sfsu.edu. Recommendations for class registration will be returned.

2007-2008 Placement Audition Dates: Monday August 27, 2007 at 9 AM in Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio Wednesday January 23, 2008 at 9 AM in Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM in Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio (Sneak Preview Day Dance presentations 11:30-1 PM)

Placement Audition Dates

Monday, August 27, 2007
9 am Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
9 am Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio

Saturday, April 12, 2008
(SFSU Sneak Preview day for new students and their familties)
11:30am-1:00pm Fine Arts 203 Dance Studio

To start the application process:

Take the initial step by applying to the University. You can apply to San Francisco State University online. Questions? Call the School of Music and Dance at 415/338-1431, or send an e-mail to smd@sfsu.edu.

San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 338-1431
Last modified July 23, 2007 by the College of Creative Arts Technical Services