Department Chair: Carol N. Iwasaki

The program is housed in the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance, a beautifully designed and exceptionally functional residence for dance.

Performance Opportunities: Utah Ballet is the resident performing company of the Ballet Department. It consists of 20 or more dancers selected by an audition of new and continuing students who are awarded scholarships. The Company rehearses repertoire daily, performs two concert seasons each year on campus, and tours to cities in the Intermountain West. Guest choreographers are regularly commissioned to set works on the Company.

Ballet Ensemble, featuring choreography by faculty and guests provides another performance opportunity for Ballet majors who are selected by audition.

Ballet Showcase, presented twice each year, provides students the opportunity for choreographic experimentation, and features original choreography by students and qualified choreographers selected by the artistic advisor. Dancers are invited to participate by student choreographers who are responsible for all aspects of the production.

Character Dance Ensemble (CDE) consists of ballet majors who are chosen by the artistic director. A large number of performances take place on and off campus, and serve as the Department's primary outreach resource. Members of CDE are awarded scholarships.

The department also provides ballet study for non-majors and develops general appreciation for ballet as an art form through foundation and integration courses which fulfill general education requirements.

Additional Sources of Information: Brochures, applications, instructions for video or in-person auditions, and departmental scholarship information are available through the department office, and may also be found on the website at: www.ballet.utah.edu. The Department of Ballet also publishes a yearly on-line updated student handbook for undergraduate students containing four-year course schedules, graduation requirements for each undergraduate emphasis, departmental policies and procedures, and student advising information.

Undergraduate Programs: The Department of Ballet offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the following emphases:

Performance Emphasis: Students are prepared for performing careers in ballet, and character dance. There are courses in a variety of dance styles, two levels of partnering classes, and many opportunities to perform and choreograph. A course in the preparation of individual resumes for audition purposes is also offered. Advisor, Carol Iwasaki.

Teaching Emphasis: The Teaching Emphasis Program provides a valid and unique course of study for dance teacher preparation and fosters high-quality teaching as a profession. Students in this emphasis are regarded as pre-majors until they have been judged to have the aptitude and ability to teach ballet and one other dance style approved by the faculty. The decision to allow or invite a student to major in this area is made no later than the end of the sophomore year. Contact the department for information. Advisor, Carol Iwasaki.

Character Dance Emphasis: This emphasis offers students more varied performance and production opportunities. Membership in Character Dance Ensemble plus three years of character dance are required. Please contact the department for information. Advisor, Richard Wacko

Admission to the Major:  Students are officially accepted as pre-majors after the department has been notified of his/her admission to the University and by successfully passing a ballet technique audition held by the Department.

Freshman Admissions:  Students entering as freshmen must submit a departmental application and two photographs in ballet attire and required poses before scheduling an in-person audition or mailing a videotape. Since the program is intensive, students are advised to have at least six years of continuous and concentrated study in ballet prior to enrolling in the department.

Transfer Students Admissions:  Transfer students must submit a copy of their transcripts, audition in person or videotape, and must qualify for Ballet Technique 3290 or above. Transfer students may graduate from the Ballet Department only if they fulfill all requirements and spend a minimum of three full years in residence at the University of Utah.

Placement Classes:  All students entering the program are required to attend a placement class held immediately prior to the beginning of Fall Semester. Students will be assigned to the appropriate ballet technique class according to the level of individual accomplishment.

Pre-major Probationary Period:  All ballet students are designated pre-majors upon entrance, signifying probationary status. Full ballet major status is achieved by being promoted into an upper-division technique level (BALLE 3290 or above) by the sophomore year.

Exams:  A practicum examination is held at the end of the academic year, at which time faculty evaluate and determine retention and promotion of each student.  Students must earn a grade of B or better at all levels of technique to be considered for promotion.

Scholarships:  Utah Ballet and Character Dance Ensemble members who maintain the minimum grade point average are granted special departmental scholarships on a semester basis. For further scholarship information, please contact the Department of Ballet or go to our website: www.ballet.utah.edu.

Requirements for the Major:  B.F.A. Subsequent to departmental approval, ballet majors must fulfill requirements in one of the following emphases: Performance, Teaching, Character Dance.

Performing Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2)
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2)
BALLE 2300 Character Dance I (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) Surnames A-L

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590, or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1510 Music for Dancers (1)
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1)
BALLE 2310 Character Dance II (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) Surnames M-Z

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
DANCE 1260 Modern Dance (2)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4700 Choreography I (3)
BALLE 4780 Teaching Essentials I (3)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290,4590, or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
DANCE 1270 Modern Dance (2)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4710 Choreography II (3)

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1) or
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2380 Jazz Dance I 2nd yr. (2)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500,or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1) or
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4400 Kinesiology & Physics Of Ballet (4)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2390 Jazz Dance II 2nd yr. (2)
BALLE 4400 Kinesiology & Physics of Ballet (4)
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3)

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4760 Resume & Photo Preparation (0.5)
Plus Capstone hours fall or spring: (2 Sr. Cap hrs. minimum)
BALLE 4940 Senior Capstone Performance (2)
BALLE 4950 Senior Capstone Scholarly Research (2)
BALLE 4960 Senior Capstone Creative Research (3)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590, or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
Plus Capstone hours fall or spring: (2 Sr. Cap hrs. minimum)
BALLE 4940 Senior Capstone Performance (2)
BALLE 4960 Senior Capstone Creative Research (3)
BALLE 4950 Senior Capstone Scholarly Research (2)
or 4999 Honors Thesis
ALSO Repertory 4630 (2 Ballet Ensembles), or 4650 (Utah Ballet)             (minimum of 4 total credit hours). Repertory may be taken during any   semester.
Two semesters of 4580 may be substituted for 4560 and 4570 with faculty approval.
Utah Ballet Seniors take 4940 either fall or spring semester of senior year. Non-Utah Ballet members add senior capstone 4950 or 4960.
 

Recommended Electives
Ballet Conditioning
Dance Production Lab
Costume Design and Construction
Rhythmic Tap
Nutrition
Physiology

Teaching Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2)
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2)
BALLE 2300 Character I or 2380 Jazz I 2nd yr. (2)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) Surnames A-L

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1510 Music for Dancers (1)
BALLE 2310 Character II or 2390 Jazz II 2nd yr. (2)
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) Surnames N-Z

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4225, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 3260 Dance Production (2)
BALLE 4780 Teaching Essentials I (3)
DANCE 1260 Modern Dance (2)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4225, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4785 Teaching Essentials II (3)
BALLE 4820 Independent Study - Teaching (1)
DANCE 1270 Modern Dance (2)

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4700 Choreography I (3)
BALLE 4870, 4880, or 4890 (Capstone) Teaching Practicum-Other (1)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4400 Kinesiology and Physics of Ballet (4)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4710 Choreography II (3)

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1) or
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4760 Resume & Photo Preparation (0.5)
BALLE 4825 Ind. Study Teach-Other (1)
BALLE 4930 Teaching Practicum Ballet (Capstone) (1)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3)
BALLE 4610 (Ballet Ensemble), 4630 (Ballet Ensemble), 4650 (Utah Ballet), or 4670 (Ballet West). (Minimum of 3 total credit hours).

Repertory may be taken during any semester.
Two semesters of 4580 may be substituted for 4560 and 4570 with faculty approval.

Recommended Electives:
Dance Conditioning
Costume Design and Construction
Advanced Choreography, Permission of Instructor
Rhythmic Tap
Nutrition
Physiology

Character Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, 4720 Pointe (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I(0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2)
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2)
BALLE 2300 Character I (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) Surnames A-L

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590, or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1) or
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1510 Music for Dancers (1)
BALLE 2310 Character II (1)
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting For Dancers (2) Surnames M-Z

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500 or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1)
or BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2380 Jazz Dance I 2nd yr. (2)
BALLE 4310 Advanced Character Dance I (1)
BALLE 4610 Character Dance Ensemble (1)
BALLE 4780 Teaching Essentials I (3)
BALLE 4820 Independent Study-Teaching (1)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590, or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2200, 3200, 4200, 4500, or 4720 Pointe/Variations (1) or
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525 or 4725 Men’s Class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5)
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2390 Jazz Dance II 2nd yr. (2)
BALLE 4320 Advanced Character Dance II (1)
BALLE 4610 Character Dance Ensemble (1)
BALLE 4785 Teaching Essentials II (3)
BALLE 4825 Independent Study Teaching-Other (1)

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 3260 Dance Production (2)
BALLE 4310 Advanced Character Dance I (1)
BALLE 4610 Character Dance Ensemble (1)
BALLE 4700 Choreography I (3)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio II (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4400 Kinesiology & Phys. of Ballet (4)
BALLE 4710 Choreography II (4)
BALLE 4320 Advanced Character Dance II (1)
BALLE 4610 Character Dance Ensemble (1)

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4225, or 4725 Men’s class (1)
BALLE 4560 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4760 Resume & Photo Preparation (0.5)
BALLE 4060 Perspectives in Character Dance (3)
BALLE 4930 Teaching Practicum Ballet (1)
ALSO Repertory 4630 (1 Ballet Ensemble), or 4650 (1 Utah Ballet) (minimum of 2 total credit hours). Repertory may be taken during any semester.

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 4590 or 4790 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 2225, 3225, 4525, or 4725 Men’s class (1)
BALLE 4570 Partner Adagio I (0.5) Men
BALLE 4580 Adv. Partner Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3)
BALLE 4880 Teaching Practicum Character (1)
Two semesters of 4580 my be substituted for 4560 and 4570 with faculty approval.

Recommended Electives:
Costume Design and Construction
Ballet Conditioning
Rhythmic Tap
Character Dance History
Nutrition
Physiology

Graduate Program

Degrees. M.F.A.

Graduate Adviser: Richard Wacko, 206 MCD.

Admission to Candidacy. Applicants must audition in person or by videotape. The application deadline is April 1 for fall semester.

Degree Requirements
The Department of Ballet offers four M.F.A. non-thesis degrees. The M.F.A. degrees require a minimum two-year residency in which the candidate must complete 60 credit hours.

M.F.A. in Character Dance: This program includes the study of European character dance forms, perspectives, ethnology, and character dance history. Written documentation explaining some aspect of character dance and a videotape of character dance projects are required.

M.F.A in Choreography/Teaching: The candidate must present three major projects and one minor choreographic project within the first three semesters. The three major choreographic projects are accompanied by written documentation explaining the choreographer’s creative process. The written work is expected to be completed in the candidate’s final semester. Videotapes of the choreography and/or teaching project must accompany this text.

M.F.A. in Performance: Written documentation relating to the candidate’s performing career is required. A videotape may accompany the written text.

M.F.A. in Scholarly Research: The M.F.A. in Scholarly Research program requires extensive, well-documented research resulting in a written text.

Areas of Specialization. Each emphasis is flexible, allowing the candidate, with faculty guidance, to design his/her individual program. We also offer an M.F.A. degree which is a combination of various components. Candidates in the character dance emphasis must qualify for the Character Dance Ensemble. The performance emphasis is available exclusively to Ballet West and Utah Ballet dancers.

Financial Aid and Scholarships. Departmental scholarships are available to graduate students. A ballet technique audition is required of all candidates and may be done by videotape. The teaching/choreography emphasis requires submission of a videotape of choreographic works. Technique and criteria for application, are the same as those required for the undergraduate students. A limited number of teaching assistantships which include tuition waivers and hourly stipends for teaching assignments and other duties are also available to second year graduate students. Work-study is an option for students who meet the work-study application deadline in January.

Pre-University Major Programs:  The Ballet Department offers the following two programs for high school students that provide opportunities for ballet training and study at the University:

Early Admission:  High school seniors with outstanding scholastic records may apply for early admission to the University. Students so designated register as fully matriculated freshman students even though they have not received their high school diplomas.

High School University Student Status:  Students attending an accredited high school who wish to participate in ballet technique classes at the University of Utah concurrently, must be at least high school sophomores 15 years of age or older. Sophomores must have a minimum 3.7 GPA; Juniors, a 3.5 GPA; and Seniors, a 3.2 GPA. This opportunity is provided for the exceptionally gifted ballet student. Prospective students must audition in person and qualify for general admission to the University. Students are accepted based upon their audition. Upon acceptance, students must meet academic standards and conduct themselves according to high school and University behavioral codes.  High School University Program students pay fees according to the number of credit hours for which they register. Credit and grades are awarded by the University.

High School University Students are not designated as majors or pre-majors until they are fully matriculated. For more information and application procedures please see our website: www.ballet.utah.edu.

BALLE Course Descriptions