choreography | performance | dance and technology | labanotation | lighting

choreography
A concentration in choreography requires the MFA core program plus courses in composition, independent choreographic projects, choreographic/performance seminars, and selected courses in related areas. The program of study culminates in a project consisting of the production of substantial original choreography.

Throughout the composition course work, the student is encouraged to discover and develop his/her own choreographic voice through problem-solving, generating movement ideas, and developing them into a context that clearly communicates choreographic intent. Students also develop observational skills that help them understand, analyze, and critique the art and craft of choreography. Explorations of solo work and group forms are major components of the composition area, examined through various lenses such as phrase development, music, improvisational structures and dance theatre forms.

For further information contact Professor Susan Hadley at hadley.4@osu.edu.

performance
A concentration in performance requires the MFA core program plus courses in dance technique, graduate performance workshops, performance theory, performance technique and other selected courses. Students have a variety of opportunities to dance under the direction of resident faculty, visiting artists, and student choreographers.

In performance, many spheres of the curriculum converge. Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of work, exposing them to a range of creative processes, dance styles, and performance approaches. Students may participate in new work and existing repertory, MFA projects in choreography, technology, and directing from Labanotation score and student choreographic projects. Casts for these works are created in two ways: through auditions for all dance majors, or through required and elective courses. Performances range from fully produced concerts to informal events in a variety of venues, including proscenium stages, alternative spaces, public schools, and community centers. Additional course sequences can be formed from the suggested electives.

For further information contact Professor Michael Kelly Bruce at bruce.8@osu.edu.

dance and technology
The MFA in Dance and Technology (D&T) offers the student opportunities to explore new possibilities in dance creation, performance, research, education/documentation, or analysis through multimedia technologies, interactive computing, animation, motion capture, hypermedia/telematics, interface design, and beyond.

This practice-based interdisciplinary area encourages students to start by building a broad base of understanding as they work toward establishing an area of expertise. Courses prepare students to create compelling works of art and conduct leading-edge arts research. Coursework encourages collaboration and takes place in the departments of Dance, Art, Theatre, Music, Art Education, Design, Art History, Comparative Studies, and at the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD).

The program is ideal for the returning professional with well-developed composition/writing skills, the ability to create, design, and follow-through on projects, and an interest in expanding his/her awareness of how new technologies play a role in artistic expression. Younger artists who have been exposed to dance and technology and demonstrate strong organizational skills and self-direction are also of interest.

For further information contact Professor Norah Zuniga-Shaw at zuniga-shaw.1@osu.edu.

labanotation
This area provides students with a framework for analyzing salient features of movement and the tools for documenting dance. In the Labanotation sequence, analyzing, reading/performing, and writing components of body-space-time interaction are studied in depth. Directing from score is the culmination of the notation sequence; in it students focus on the interdisciplinary act of directing and staging works by incorporating scholarly research in history, performance and analysis. In the documentation sequence, students may choose among courses in video documentation and various other applications of camera and computer technology. A concentration in directing and documenting dance through Labanotation scores and technology requires the MFA curriculum requirements plus appropriate coursework in Labanotation and documentation.

For further information contact Professor Sheila Marion, Ph.D at marion.8@osu.edu.

lighting
Production and Lighting Design introduce students to the elements of dance in a stage space. The courses provide a general survey of all aspects of producing a dance concert and designing a light plot.

A concentration in lighting requires the MFA curriculum requirements plus courses in dance and theatre lighting, and independent projects in lighting and production. In addition, it requires related work in selected theatre courses, dance composition, art education and history. The program of study culminates in the design and stage management of at least one fully produced evening-length concert.

For further information contact Professor David Covey at covey.1@osu.edu.