Saint Mary’s College of California
Department of Performing Arts
Graduate Certificate Options: MFA in Dance
PROPOSAL:
The graduate program in dance wishes to add graduate certificate options for students who have
completed an undergraduate degree or for those students interested in adding a specialized study
to the MFA in Dance, or other related SMC graduate programs, i.e. education, kinesiology.
1) CONTEXT: Rationale
Currently, students are asked to choose an area of emphasis for the MFA in Dance, either Creative
Practice or Design and Production. After meeting with students to plan a course of study, the dance
faculty noted the desire for students to enroll in courses in both areas. Students were interested in
broadening their scope of expertise to satisfy their own intellectual curiosity as well as make themselves
more marketable when finished with the terminal degree. Upon careful study of various job postings over
the last year, SMC dance faculty have noted that institutions are requiring applicants to have a larger skill
set by asking them to be prepared to teach a wide variety of courses. Therefore, in order to meet the
needs of the students, the graduate program in dance recognizes the necessity of adding certificate options
in special areas of study.
2) OVERVIEW OF THE MFA IN DANCE: CREATIVE PRACTICE, and MFA IN DANCE:
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
a) The Mission of the Graduate Program in Dance
The mission of the graduate program in dance is to provide an affordable, flexible, rigorous and unique
model that capitalizes on the richness and diversity of the Bay Area dance community. Through the lens
of a liberal arts curriculum the MFA would educate the whole dance artist concentrating on how the
different areas of focus (Theoretical, Somatics, Creative Practice and Production) develop “the art of
thinking and ways of knowing” in alignment with the mission of the College. The nature of the program
is student-centered hinging on peer collaboration, faculty mentoring and student driven projects.
The essence of dance is the full expression of the human body in all its dimensions (physical, intellectual,
psychological, emotional and spiritual). Throughout history we have seen how dance has contributed to
the questions of faith, truth, and human existence. The Graduate Programs in Dance find their roots in the
need for human understanding and expression of the spiritual self. The values of our program are shaped
around the quest for truth, authenticity of living, and the building of a community where sensitivity, social
justice and global awareness are at the core. The goals of the graduate programs in dance will further
enhance the Mission of the School of Liberal Arts by “[fostering] self-discovery” and promoting an
“understanding of the world and one’s place in it.” The graduate programs are built on collaboration in
alignment with the educational “activities” and the “high impact pedagogies” of SOLA including but not
limited to writing intensive courses, student research, and community-based learning.
b) Strategic Plan
The certificate programs addresses the impetus of the strategic plan by offering formal education and
advanced training in dance, enriching the graduate offerings at Saint Mary’s College. The certificate
programs would be available to students with an undergraduate degree in addition to those already
enrolled in the MFA program.
The two graduate programs “develop new ways of bridging disciplinary boundaries, both in and out of the
classroom.” They focus on “common intellectual experiences, writing-intensive courses, learning
communities, and collaborative assignments and projects.” Please see more curricular details in each
program description. Finally, the graduate programs in dance will increase diversity on our campus by
bringing more international students and students of color to the dance program. The Dance program at
Saint Mary’s College already has a national reputation, and the dance faculty share an international
reputation. A graduate program in dance will increase the visibility of Saint Mary’s College across the
globe.
c) Learning Goals and Learning Outcomes and d) Program of Study
Enrollment requirements: same as the MFA requirements.
The MFA in Dance proposes the implementation of six certificate programs:
 In the area of Design and Production for Dance: Design for Dance, Lighting Design for
Dance, and Dance Management. Certificates range from 12-15 units, courses taken
toward the certificate could be applied to the MFA in Dance: Design & Production if a
student wished to continue.
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In the area of Creative Practice: Dance Studies, Choreography, and Somatic Movement
Studies and Dance Pedagogy. Certificates range from 12-15 units, courses taken toward
the certificate could be applied to the MFA in Dance: Creative Practice if a student
wished to continue.
Certificates range from 12-15 units from the following choices. These courses will also count
toward the MFA in Dance.
Learning Outcomes for the Certificate Program:
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To develop artists who are critically aware of the reciprocity of theory and practice, thereby
promoting standards of excellence in dance practice, and preparing for employment.
To enable artists to explore and reflect upon dance practice in its many forms, taking account of
the social, cultural, aesthetic and political contexts in which performance practice is located.
To address complex issues creatively and systematically, as well as the ability to problem-solve
in a variety of artistic contexts through the engagement in practice based research, including
collaborative projects.
To develop ones potential for a range of practices in or associated with dance and research-based
activity.
To enhance ones production experience and create dance artists who are capable of managing a
business.
CERTIFICATES OFFERED BY THE MFA IN DANCE: DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Certificate in Design for Dance
This certificate is designed for dancers or Creative Practice students wishing to either start their
own company or work in education after graduating. The ability to design lighting, scenery and
costumes allows students with this certificate a well-rounded perspective on design for dance as
a whole.
15 units from the following courses:
 Perfa 300, Design Methodologies for Dance (3 units)
 Perfa 301 Special Study in Design: Student Elects a Specific Area of Design (1 unit)
 Perfa 310, Lighting Design I: Lighting design methodology and technology/electrics (2
units)
 Perfa 311, Lighting II: Advanced Concepts in Lighting Design for Dance (2 units)
 Perfa 312, Lighting III: Advanced Design and Practice (2 units)
 Perfa 320, Costume Design I: Costume Design and Dance Costume History (3 units)
 Perfa 330, Scenery I: Scenic and Stage Design (3 units)
 Perfa 331, Scenery II: Construction of Dance Environments – Stagecraft & Welding (2
units)
 Perfa 350, Sound I: Sound Design and Editing/Technology and Implementation (3 units)
Learning Goals:
1. Analyze design approaches and practice, both traditional and emerging, evaluating the
appropriateness of these to specific works.
2. Develop new methods and techniques to elicit meaningful and original design solutions.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the artistic, social, political, economic, philosophic and
cultural contexts within which performance design takes place.
4. Examine choreographic context to make appropriate judgments regarding context,
aesthetics, and meaning.
5. Develop a collaborative approach to the production process, fostering individual and
collective innovation and creativity.
Certificate in Lighting Design for Dance
This certificate is designed for students who wish to pursue lighting design in addition to their
existing educational pursuits. As with the Design for Dance certificate, this would allow a
student the ability to design for their own work or the work of others. This certificate would be
attractive both to the creative practice student as well as someone with a degree in theatre
lighting who wishes to specialize in lighting design for dance.
12 units
 Perfa 300, Design Methodologies for Dance (3 units)
 Perfa 310, Lighting Design I: Lighting design methodology and technology/electrics (2
units)
 Perfa 311, Lighting II: Advanced Concepts in Lighting Design for Dance (2 units)
 Perfa 312, Lighting III: Advanced Design and Practice (2 units)
 Perfa 360, Computer Drafting: AutoCad & Vectorworks (3 units)
Learning Goals
1. Analyze design approaches and practice, both traditional and emerging, evaluating the
appropriateness of these to specific works.
2. Develop new methods and techniques to elicit meaningful and original design solutions.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the artistic, social, political, economic, philosophic and
cultural contexts within which performance design takes place.
4. Examine choreographic context to make appropriate judgments regarding context, aesthetics,
and meaning.
5. Develop a collaborative approach to the production process, fostering individual and
collective innovation and creativity.
Certificate in Dance Management
This certificate is designed for creative practice students who wish to start their own company,
dance studio, or run an academic program. The management focus provides students with a
production background that allows them to run a dance company or handle the production
management aspects of running a small dance program. As with the design certificate this
certificate might appeal to a stage or production manager for theatre who wishes to increase their
specialization in the area of dance.
15 units
 Perfa 340, Dance Stage Management (3 units)
 Perfa 341, Dance Production Management (3 units)
 Perfa 342, Producing I: Arts Marketing/Grant Writing/Company Development
and Structures (3 units)
 Perfa 361, Digital Dance: Portfolio Building, Documentation, Photoshop and the Web
(3 Units)
 Perfa 394, Production Practicum I, (3 units)
Learning Goals
1. Analyze design approaches and practice, both traditional and emerging, evaluating the
appropriateness of these to specific works.
2. Develop a collaborative approach to the production process, fostering individual and
collective innovation and creativity.
3. Develop the ability to plan and manage time and resources cost effectively and efficiently, in
order to produce creative, safe, sustainable and professional projects.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the art of management and production.
CERTIFICATES OFFERED BY THE MFA IN DANCE: CREATIVE PRACTICE
Certificate in Dance Studies
This certificate is offered to the Design and Production students as well as to those students with
a Bachelor’s degree in Dance who want to deepen their practice of dance theoretical inquiry to
explore graduate work and move towards an MFA or a PhD. The Certificate in Dance Studies is
based upon the completion of four areas that will prepare the student to be a competent dance
practitioner equipped with excellent writing, research and pedagogical skills.
The student will embark in the scholarly study of dance having the philosophy of
Phenomenology as the foundational principle to study the dancing body and the history of dance
performance; will go into the analysis of dance following the academic perspective of
Performance Studies; and will examine dance as a social justice practice through choreography,
performance and critical pedagogy. All these approaches are integrated so the student can
explore her/his own critical thinking processes that will lead her/him to create her/his
contemporary dance practice based on the unity of theory and practice.
12 units
 Perfa 380, Seminar in Dance History (3 units)
 Perfa 381, Dance and Performance Studies (3 units)
 Perfa 382, Dance and Social Justice (3 units)
 Perfa 383, Critical Dance Pedagogy (3 units)
Learning Goals
The Student will:
1. Engage with a variety of theories and critical approaches from which dance can be
analyzed and from which we can challenge a new definition for dance practice.
2. Contextualize dance practice using contemporary texts and resources and develop new
areas of dance research.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the mutually influential relationship between dance
practice and socio-cultural tensions that inform the practice.
4. Engage in rigorous inquiry to articulate dance practice within the larger context of the
21st century artistic ideas, aesthetics and socio-political environment.
5. Show the ability to formulate and undertake a research topic following a clear
methodology.
6. Present and defend new ideas about dance practice today with a high level of analysis as
well as written and verbal skills.
Certificate in Choreography
This certificate is offered to the Design and Production students as well as students with a
Bachelor’s degree who are pursuing a teaching career. The certificate is also designed to enhance
the professional development of the dance educator. The student will take two courses in
Choreography, will present her/his own choreographic work in two MFA dance concerts, and
will study Laban Movement Analysis as a tool to understand movement potential and have
numerous resources for movement exploration processes. The student will gain confidence in
her/his voice as a choreographer and the identity of her/his artistic work.
15 units
 Perfa 390, Choreography (2 x for a total of 6 units)
 Perfa 394, Production Practicum (2 x for a total of 6 units)
 Perfa 386 Laban and Bartenieff Movement Studies (3 units)
Learning Goals
The Student will:
1. Engage in creative processes, conduct choreographic inquiries, collaborate across
domains, and produce dance works for performance.
2. Develop choreographic skills and a personal style that demonstrates original works,
knowledge of compositional techniques, choreographic range and effective
conceptualization and conveyance of intent.
3. Define individual practice-based research goals and choose appropriate pathways to
achieve those goals.
Certificate in Somatic Movement Studies and Dance Pedagogy
This certificate is offered to MFA: Design and Production students as well as students who fulfill
the prerequisites to enter the MFA in Dance program and who are interested in studying
contemporary approaches to dance education based on the integration of Critical Pedagogy and
the field of Somatic Movement Studies. Besides the courses on Pedagogy and Somatic
Movement Studies, the student will explore one or more somatic movement systems as well as
experience the practice of teaching. This certificate will benefit the dance artist who already
teaches and want to explore the somatic based pedagogical practice or those dance artists who
are ready to investigate the somatic movement practice and start their teaching career. The
certificate in Somatic Movement Studies and Dance Pedagogy will enhance the professional
development of the dance educator.
15 units
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Perfa 383, Critical Dance Pedagogy (3 units)
Perfa 384 Somatic Movement Seminar (3 units)
Perfa 377, Somatics (6 x for a total of 6 units) from the following 1 unit choices: Body
Mind Centering, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Laban Movement Analysis,
Bartenieff Fundamentals, Dynamic Embodiment, Authentic Movement, or other from
ISMETA may be approved by advisor.
Perfa 386 Laban and Bartenieff Movement Studies (3 units)
Learning Goals
The Student will:
1. Engage in rigorous inquiry to articulate the needs of what can be a new model for
contemporary dance pedagogical practice based on the integration of somatic
movement studies and critical pedagogy.
2. Understand dance education as an important tool to awaken critical consciousness
and build social justice.
3. Investigate through personal healing experience one or more somatic movement systems and
their contributions to the field of dance education.
4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the body following a holistic/somatic approach to then
formulate new ideas about dance pedagogy today.
e) How does this build on existing resources?
The courses required in the various certificates are all part of the regular rotation of classes offered in the
MFA program in Dance. There are 60 units required for the MFA. Current graduate students would take
an additional 6-9 units when completing a certificate in an area. This would only add revenue to the MFA
in Dance budget.
f) Effect on other programs of the School of Liberal Arts and the College
Faculty/staffing: Dance faculty in the Performing Arts Department are more than qualified to teach all of
the graduate courses for the MFA in Dance. Graduate students would also have the opportunity to work
with renowned guest artists in the field.
The Performing Arts Department is three programs: Dance, Music, and Theatre. At this point, graduate
courses do not conflict with the teaching load of the three tenured/tenure-track faculty in dance, Cathy
Davalos, Dana Lawton, and Jia Wu; nor do they conflict with the current adjunct faculty Rosana
Barragan, Linda Baumgardner, and Rogelio Lopez.
Mentoring and Student teaching: The graduate program in dance would allow for more adult learners on
campus to compliment the MFA in Creative Writing. The traditional undergraduate student in dance will
be enriched with the presence of graduate student mentors. These graduate students will share concerts
and provide valuable feedback for choreography and performance. The graduate students in the MFA in
Dance: Design and Production will be the lighting and costume designers for student concerts. This will
save money for both the traditional undergraduate program and the graduate programs.
Facilities: The graduate programs in dance capitalize on the use of LeFevre Theatre and Syufy Hall for
the Performing Arts when they are most empty during the summer months. Other courses that happen
during the fall, spring, and Jan Term make the use of space a high priority. The current model is to have
graduate performances off campus in Jan Term. All classrooms must be equipped with large scale media
and up-to-date computer technology, as is currently the need in the undergraduate dance program. We
anticipate offering some evening and weekend courses that would not conflict with classroom space.
Office space is an ongoing issue although better than last year. Currently, all dance faculty share two
large open offices. Since guest teachers are only brought in during Jan Term and June, there is less of an
office space problem. There is one desk that is shared by part-time faculty.
g) What faculty have been involved in the design of the program? Who will teach in it?
Three dance faculty have been most involved in the design of the certificate in the graduate programs in
dance: Rosana Barragán, Linda Baumgardner, and Cathy Davalos. These certificates were built with
existing dance faculty in mind.
h and i) Plan for Assessment
The assessment for the certificate programs will happen concurrently with the MFA in Dance. The Dance
faculty will collect data at the end of each semester, beginning with the Summer of 2014, to begin a cycle
of assessment to be completed with the first cohort. An Interim report, to assess the curriculum and
learning outcomes will be filed at the end of Spring 2015. Budget reviews will be completed at the end of
each fiscal year. At the completion of the first cohort, Summer 2016, the dance faculty will address the
success of the program, and the areas needing attention for improvement. The Final Approval proposal
for the MFA will be completed by November 1, 2016. Since Professor Davalos has written three program
reviews for the Performing Arts Department, we do not anticipate any difficulties with the assessment of
the graduate program. We will determine the success of learning outcomes through internal and external
reviews of the work. Assessment will include the scope of practices used for a program review.
j) Analysis of Library Review
Since we are not adding any new courses to the existing curriculum, a Library Review was not submitted.
The current review by Sharon Walters was submitted with the original proposal for two MFA’s in Dance.
k) Final Approval for the MFA in Choreography and Performance to be submitted
November 1, 2016.
3) COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS AND BUSINESS PLAN
a) Analysis
The Market for a Master of Fine Arts in Dance was prepared by Hanover Research in fall 2012. Please
see original proposal, Appendix A for the complete report. The following is taken from the original
proposal to the College:
The dance faculty were particularly excited about several key findings including growth in the number of
students graduating with a master’s level degree in dance; “employment for dancers is expected to grow
11 percent through 2020 at the national level”; and the number of jobs available in relationship to the
number of graduates.
Questions to consider for the MFA in Dance: Creative Practice:
1. What is the competitive market place for this program? The traditional MFA will attract the
many dancers interested in working in the Bay Area. The Bay Area offers a rich dance
community and competes with New York City when it comes to choreographic genius. The Bay
Area is also home to some of the finest dancers in the world. The close proximity to San
Francisco will encourage many students. The MFA is a terminal degree in dance. It offers the
graduate the possibility to work in a university setting in a tenure track position. The job market
has fluctuated with the economy. However, the number one reason for pursuing an MFA in
choreography and performance is to enhance ones skills, i.e., to further ones training in
choreography and performance. I have not seen a decrease in students pursuing an MFA, but this
is only by observation (I am the West region Director and on the National Board for the
American College Dance Festival Association).
2. Does it compete locally, nationally, etc? An MFA at Saint Mary’s College could compete
locally, nationally, and internationally. The SMC dance faculty are well known teachers and
attract students at conferences and festivals. They have also been guest teachers all over the
globe and have the ability to bring in several international students. Jia Wu has taught at summer
programs in China. Rosana Barragán has taught in Colombia. Professor Barragán received her
graduate degree at the Laban Centre in London, one of the most international campuses in the
world. Cathy Davalos, most recently, was a guest artist at the Latin Ballet of Virginia.
3. What institutions are the direct competitors? Mills College is the only local MFA program in
the Bay Area. Hollins University offers an MFA in conjunction with the American Dance
Festival. The Two Summer, Low Residency Track is our direct competitor. ADF attracts
international artists with a solid reputation. Professional dancers usually have the summer “off.”
We would compete locally with Mills College, which is a well established dance program.
However, Mills College does not receive outstanding recognition at our annual dance conferences
as Saint Mary’s does. The current tuition is about $29,000 per year. UC Davis offers an MFA in
Dramatic Arts (Theatre and Dance) and focuses on interdisciplinary practice, it is not the same
program as we have planned. The tuition is over $15,000 a year for resident students, and
$30,000 for non-resident. CSU Long Beach has a three year MFA program. As an alumna of
CSULB, I know that it is a challenge to encourage students to enroll in a three year program
when most MFA’s are two year programs. The tuition is currently $8,000 a year for resident
students.
4. What is the student profile? We would attract our own Saint Mary’s graduates because they are
looking for more than other MFA programs can offer. Mainly, SMC faculty approach dance
from a positive point-of-view and encourage students to find their own voices. Dance teachers in
the area would be attracted to the low-residency option, as well as professional dancers all over
the county. Our one LEAP students would also be a draw locally and from Southern CA and NY.
Questions to consider for the MFA in Dance: Design and Production:
1. What is the competitive market place for this program?
The MFA in Design and Production for Dance will generate a community of professionals with
skills that are unparalleled in the existing marketplace. As a unique form, designers and
technicians for dance have mainly been self-taught up until this point. The MFA is a terminal
degree, offering graduates the possibility of work in a university setting in a tenure track position.
The job market has fluctuated with the economy, traditionally in the arts the managers,
technicians and designers are significantly more employable than performers. Students
graduating with an MFA in Dance: Design and Production would be prepared for careers as
professional designers, technicians or managers in the dance community.
2. Does it compete locally, nationally, etc? The MFA in Dance: Design and Production would be
the first of its kind nationally. The program is competitive with the program that exists at the
Laban Institute in London. The SMC design and dance faculty are well known teachers and
attract students at conferences and festivals. Due to the unique nature of the program, expert
lecturers will be brought in to teach specific design/production for dance courses creating a draw
both nationally and internationally.
3. What institutions are the direct competitors? There are no direct competitors for this program.
4. What is the student profile?
The MFA in Dance: Design and Production would attract students from several different
backgrounds. Predominantly students would come either from a background in design and
technical theatre with a vested interest in Dance or a background in dance and choreography with
a vested interest in design and production. This curriculum would attract students who have
experienced the performing arts as a collaborative environment, much like our own Saint Mary’s
graduates. Dancers who already have some design and production experience or technical theatre
students who have already been exposed to dance would fit the student profile we anticipate.
b) Budget:
The certificates would enhance the MFA in Dance budget. Both programs equally share the resources of
the graduate program in Dance even though one program is full-residency and the other is not. In keeping
with our mission to provide affordable graduate degrees we have created the budget based on $700 per
Carnegie unit tuition, sharing the income and expenses across the two programs with a 5% tuition
increase each academic year. This small increase allows us to account for the inevitable cost increases of
offering the degrees while still staying considerably less expensive than the local competitor. Because the
MFA in Dance: Creative Practice has a low residency option, the budget fluctuates significantly from
term to term. The budget model is based on a per-unit tuition model. The programs operate on two full
academic years starting with the summer term plus one additional summer. After the conclusion of the
recruitment year, the average program contribution planned in this budget is over 34%. The budget
operates on the understanding that a new cohort would enter the program every summer, with a rotation
that offers maximum overlap. This budget model also operates on the understanding that the program
would have a revenue account for our productions and that the revenue would stay in the budget for the
program, thus allowing the revenue from our productions to support future productions and the
development of the program.
c) New Resources: Existing dance faculty would teach graduate level courses as either part of their
workload, or in addition to their workload.
d) Legal or Contractual Obligations:
The undergraduate program has institutional membership in the American College Dance Festival
Association, now called the American College Dance Association. The graduate program would be
covered in this agreement. Off-campus performances, guest lectures, and group travel are also common
in the undergraduate dance program, therefore, the graduate program would not add any new legal
agreements to this current model.