Dance Connections 2005-06

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- AND ANSWERS

Why doesn’t the department offer courses in ballet and jazz dance?
The dance curriculum at Bowdoin encompasses modern dance technique and repertory, choreography, dance history, theory, and various dance genres. Our goal is dance “literacy” and development of skills important for original work in all fields: keen perception, imaginative problem-solving, discipline, and resp

ect for craft. At Bowdoin, dance relates to other performing and fine arts, and to broader studies in the liberal arts. Its goal is to explore dancing as art and culture, not to train students as professional dancers (though some do become professionals) or provide recreational classes.

Is there a Major in Dance? A Minor?
Currently there is no departmental major in theater and dance. However many students have taken advantage of the opportunity to self-design a major in dance in conjunction with another academic department, such as Dance/African American Studies, Dance/Anthropology, Dance/Religion, and Dance/Visual Arts.

The current Dance Minor consists of five courses: Dance 101; Dance 111/112,211/212,311/312; one of the following: Dance 102,130, 140, OR 150; and two additional courses at the 200 or higher level. Please check the College Catalogue for course descriptions.

Who performs in December Dance and the Spring Performance, and Museum Pieces?
Performers in December Dance and the Spring Dance Performance include members of Repertory classes and other courses, including Independent Study projects, individual choreographers and student clubs.

Are there auditions for the dance concerts?
Yes, auditions are held to determine the programs for each concert. This fall’s audition for the December Dance Concert (Dec1, 2, 3) will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 5:45PM.

Those planning to audition should contact the department Production Coordinator, Joan Sand, or a faculty member (June Vail, Paul Sarvis, Gwyneth Jones) anytime, so that we have an idea of how many dances will be auditioned. Audition Guidelines will be available on the department web site http://academic.bowdoin.edu/theaterdance/ and are emailed to all students in departmental courses and the student clubs.

The Spring 2006 Performance is scheduled for April 20-22. Audition date TBA
No Museum Pieces scheduled for 2006 due to construction

What student prizes does the department offer?
The department offers two prizes for dance students: The Bowdoin Dance Group Award for an outstanding senior’s contributions of “dedicated work, good will, and talent over the course of a Bowdoin career.”

The Scholarship Award for Summer Study in Dance, a monetary award for first, second or third year students toward tuition costs for an accredited summer program in dance.

What co-curricular dance clubs are active on campus this year, and how can I find out more about them?
Here is a list of dance and movement oriented campus clubs. Contact organizers for further information about auditions, meeting times and places: Rehearsal and meeting times/days will be posted ASAP.

Anokha: Bollywood Film dance
Ponnila Samuel psamuel@bowdoin.edu

Arabesque: Ballet
Raashi Bhalla rbhalla@bowdoin.edu
Kelsey Wilcox kwilcox@bowdoin.edu
Katy Buckland kbucklan@bowdoin.edu

Belly Dance Club
Hillary Matlin hmatlin@bowdoin.edu

Bhangra: Pop Indian Dance
Keerthi Sugumaran ksugumar@bowdoin.edu

Intersection: International folk dance
Naomi Sturm nsturm@bowdoin.edunsturm@bowdoin.edu
Ariele Gonzales agonzal@bowdoin.eduagonzal@bowdoin.edu

Modern Tech
Emily Hricko ehricko@bowdoin.edu

Obvious
Maggie O’Mara momara@bowdoin.edu

Unity Step Team
Alicia White awhite2@bowdoin.edu
Nadia Nelson nnelson@bowdoin.edu

VAGUE
Sheryl Stevens sstevens@bowdoin.edu
Sarah Horn shorn@bowdoin.edu

NB! There is interest in forming a tap group this year. If you are interested contact Professor June Vail – jvail@bowdoin.edu

Are there any recommended dance studios in the area (Brunswick/Bath/Portland) where I can take classes in ballet, tap or jazz?

Casco Bay Movers Portland
Jazz, hip hop, street funk
871-1013 http://www.cascobaymovers.com/

New Dance Studio Portland
Modern Dance classes
780-0554

Portland Ballet Portland
Ballet
772-9671 http://www.portlandballet.org/

Maine State Ballet Portland
Ballet
856-1662 http://www.mainestateballet.org/

The Ballet School Topsham
Ballet
729-6794 http://www.theballetschool.com/

Eleven Pleasant Street - Center for the Arts Brunswick
Contact improvisation, various styles
http://www.11pleasantst.org/

Bath Dance Works Bath
Various styles, workshops
443-5400