Admission Requirements

• During the second semester of the sophomore year (having completed a minimum of 45 semester hours of college work, and DNCE 13 and 17) students may apply for admission to the School of Education through the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership.  An interview will be required.  The B.S. in Education degree in dance education requires the followin
  • DNCE 013 - (CP) Modern Dance III Semester Hours: 2
  • DNCE 017 - (CP) Ballet III Semester Hours: 2

Program Requirements

• The successful completion of at least 129.5 to 130.5 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better in all course work, and a GPA of 2.5 or better in dance course work.
• At least 63 semester hours in liberal arts with no fewer than 30 s.h. outside the Department of Dance.
• There are two requirements that ordinarily must be completed in residence at Hofstra: 30 semester hours of course work in education, including student teaching; and the last 30 hours of course work taken.  (Education courses need not be included within the last 30 hours.)

General and Major Requirements

• Liberal Arts – 63 Semester Hours(Minimum)
• Dance Course Work - 50 to 51 Semester Hours
• Professional Education course work - 30 Semester Hours (with advisement)
• Free electives – 11 Semester hours (with advisement)
• One hundred clock hours of participation/observation in elementary and secondary schools
• Participation in MOVOM (Modern Dance Club) all semesters except the semester of student teaching.
• Student Teaching

For more information, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin.

Applying & Financial Aid 

For more information on applying to this program, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

For information on financial aid, please visit Student Financial Services.

Grants

While there are no auditions for admission to the Dance Program, we do hold auditions (usually the second Saturday in March) for placement in the technique classes, and to determine Activity Grant awards. The Dance Program administers a limited number of talent/activity grants that may range from $500 to $5,000 per year and are renewable. They are based primarily on the student’s potential as a dancer and his/her contribution to the program. Additional grants are also available for outstanding continuing students. Departmental scholarships are in addition to any other university scholarships, grants or loans for which the student might qualify.

How to Apply

1. Submit an application to the University.
   The student should file a formal application for admission to Hofstra as soon as possible, indicating on the application that he/she wishes to be a dance major. The standard Financial Aid Form should be obtained from the high school office and sent as soon as possible, asking that a copy be sent to Hofstra’s Admission Office.
2. Register for auditions with the Dance Department beginning the first week of January.
   The applicant should contact the Department of Drama and Dance at (516) 463-5444 beginning the first week in January and no later than March 1 informing the Department that he/she has applied for admission and wishes to register for an audition.
3. Audition for the faculty.
   The audition date is usually the second Saturday in March and students should arrive at Dempster Hall (south campus) at 9:00 AM. Students should be dressed in tights and a leotard (any color) and should have ballet slippers. Students will need to have bare feet for the Modern class. Hair should be securely fastened away from the face. The applicant must bring with them an 8 x 10 photograph, preferably full-length in dance attire, with name, address, and telephone number clearly printed on the back. The applicant should also bring a dance resume which lists prior dance experience: type of training, names of teachers and schools attended, years studied and the number of times per week classes were taken. The audition will consist of two, one-hour technique classes (Ballet followed by Modern). After that, approximately twenty dancers will be chosen for scholarship consideration. Dancers will present a short solo dance of no longer than 1 to 2 minutes. The solo may be an excerpt from a dance previously learned or choreographed, but please note that Tap is not considered for the dance audition and Pointe is not preferred. If using music, the applicant must supply a CD or I-Pod. Audio resources will be provided.

Program Philosophy, Goals and Objectives of Dance Education

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Education - Dance Education program is to prepare highly skilled and creative artist educators who understand the broad educational and developmental role dance can play for students of grades PreK-12. The program focuses attention on the development of knowledge and skills that prepare the college students to design and implement innovative dance education programs in the public schools, as well as in private schools and dance studios, that promote dance literacy, knowledge of the role of the dance and dancers in diverse cultures, artistic development, skill development, personal development, collaboration with others, and learning in other academic areas. The program is designed to prepare prospective teachers to create productive learning environment through effective planning and execution of instructional activities; effectively assess student learning; address special developmental and educational needs of students from PreK-12; teach students of both genders with a diversity of needs, experiences, cultural backgrounds, languages, disabilities, and special abilities; collaborate effectively with colleagues; and communicate, educate, plan, and work effectively with students’ families, school personnel and the surrounding community, including local arts community.

Specific Program Objectives

1. Develop skill and artistic mastery of dance, choreography, and production, while expanding scientific, theoretical, historical, cultural, aesthetic and pedagogical knowledge of dance.
2. Learn about the significance of dance in the evolution of human thought and expression, and the connections between dance and diverse cultures.
3. Be introduced to music from many cultures, and the varied possible creative relationships between music, dance and dance education.
4. Understand how individuals learn and develop and be able to provide, through dance and creative problem solving activities, opportunities that support PreK-12 students’ physical, creative, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
5. Understand how individuals differ in their approaches to learning and create appropriate instruction adapted to diverse learners.
6. Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a safe learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
7. Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques and technology to foster inquiry, collaboration, and the ability to take creative chances in dance activities.
8. Plan and implement a variety of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies to develop dance and kinesthetic educated individuals, and that conform to the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts.
9. Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to foster cognitive, creative, physical, social, and emotional development of learners through dance activities.
10. Be reflective practitioners who evaluate the effects of their actions on others and seek to grow professionally.
11. Foster relationships with colleagues, parents/guardians, and community agencies to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the art of dance, and to support learners’ growth and well being.

Student Resources

Life @ Hofstra

• Dance Team
• Department of Drama and Dance
• Performance and Production Opportunities
• Student Clubs