Department of Dance

Stacy Reischman Fletcher, Chair
118 College Drive, Box 5052
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4161
www.usm.edu/dance

Early, Lentz, Lester, Nielsen, Reischman Fletcher, White

The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Dance is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance. Dance requirements are in accordance with the published regulations of these associations.

The department offers major and minor degree programs in dance. The program provides the student with sound theory, intensive practical training, opportunities for extensive performance experiences and exposure to visiting professional artists. Not every course is offered every semester.

Dance Program

Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance in both emphasis areas requires an audition. Auditions are held in the fall and spring semesters in the year prior to a student’s enrollment at USM. Please contact the dance program at 601.266.4161 or www.usm.edu/dance/information for audition dates.

The curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in dance education will prepare dancers to teach in public or private schools. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded education that balances dance performance, choreography and pedagogy with the core curriculum.

Students desiring to become public elementary or secondary school dance education specialists must adhere to all teacher education requirements, including an overall grade point average of 2.50 in the general education core, and the successful completion of student teaching. In addition, students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for certification. Criteria for admission to teacher education programs, completion of teacher education program, forms, deadlines and procedures can be found in this Bulletin under the heading College of Education and Psychology. Students must consult an adviser in dance and the current Bulletin for prerequisites and proper sequences of courses.

Dance majors applying for admission to teacher education must be in good academic standing at Southern Miss. To satisfy the state of Mississippi, students seeking a degree in dance education must earn a grade of C or better in all required courses.

Out-of-state students should consult with their respective state agencies regarding licensure requirements.

Retention Policy for Dance Majors

To remain in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, a student must maintain a 2.75 GPA in all dance courses, regardless of emphasis. A student must retake any dance course in which the grade earned is a D or lower. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in dance courses to be eligible for the Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company.

A student who fails to maintain the required GPA will have one probationary semester to bring up grades to an acceptable GPA. A student whose grades do not improve after probation will not be allowed to enroll in additional dance courses above the 100-level.

Programs

Bachelor of Fine Art

Non-degree

Dance Minor