This handbook contains practical and helpful information about the SCA and information specific to the Dance area. If you still have questions after reading this handbook, please consult with any of the full time Dance faculty or Barbara Ringham, the SCA's Undergraduate Advisor. The SCA Dance Area provides the unique opportunity to study, create, and perform dance within a collaborative, interdisciplinary School.
Our students are challenged in their studio and lecture courses to be versatile and articulate, to interact with new technology, and to understand that the collaborative process is crucial to their development as contemporary artists. Students are also encouraged to engage with dance as an art form that is historically linked to a range of other art forms. We believe in a versatile approach to training and, to this end, offer technique courses in modern and contemporary dance and ballet.
Additionally, courses in experimental anatomy and body conditioning introduce students to the fundamental principles of movement. Dance is one of six disciplinary areas in the School for the Contemporary Arts. Each area has its own Area Coordinator. External email addresses do not work with SFU computerized course lists.
During the first week of classes, there is a general meeting of Dance students and faculty. This meeting welcomes new students, transfer students, and returning students. Faculty and guest sessional instructors are introduced and information about the dance program, upcoming dance productions, and scheduled guests is presented. Additionally, placement classes are held during the first week for students registered in all of the contemporary technique groups.
The Dance Area Coordinator acts as the liaison between students and faculty and co-ordinates general administration within the area. This is a rotating position. All faculty β full as well as part-time β are available for tutorials and consultations throughout the semester. If these concerns are not resolved, then that student may approach the area co-coordinator.
