Each dance major will be expected to be involved in a senior project during her final year of study. She should sign up for Dance 390, Senior Seminar for both fall and spring semesters. Senior projects can vary, from choreographic or performance work to research topics.

The origin of animals was one of the most important events in the history of earth. In this course we will review the history of the planet, learn basic geology, and then examine the problem of the origin of animals by studying Mount Holyoke's unequalled collection of Precambrian and Cambrian fossils. The emergence of animals has been called the Cambrian Explosion. We will examine what this means for our understanding of evolutionary theory.

Course is for advanced dancers and will stress complex classical ballet technique combinations, concentrating on turns at the barre, turns in the big poses in the centre, and batterie in the allegro. Artistry, presentation, and musicality of dance will be incorporated, with the grande allegro serving as the focus of the class. The last half hour will be devoted to advanced pointe technique.

This course focuses on the integration of dance technique, performance, and improvisational research to expand students' embodied awareness, range of motion, and performance skills as contemporary dancers.

Intermediate Composition is structured as a workshop for students to explore and expand their own artistic vision. Through the process of problem solving, risk taking, the sharing of ideas, and careful listening, students will discover more about their own movement vocabulary, artistic perspective, and individual creative processes.

This class is for the intermediate- to advanced-level dance student. It is designed to challenge and further develop jazz technique and performance quality, while also teaching students about individual styles of well-known jazz and musical theatre choreographers. Students will need both flat dance shoes and character shoes, and at least an intermediate level of dance technique. There will be a potential audition process to be in this class, therefore students should have a back-up class chosen in case they are not ready for an intermediate-level class.

Tap II expands the vocabulary skills of the beginner, and seeks to increase speed and technical ability while deepening the dancer's connection to music. Class will include periodic video showings and lecture/demonstrations regarding tap dance history and styles.

This course will focus on intermediate-to-advanced pointe technique. Class will begin with a condensed barre and center, devoting the last hour to pointe work. Concentration will be placed on strengthening the foot and ankle and the development of artistry within the technique.

Continues to perfect the classical ballet technique, concentrating on small and big poses at the barre, pirouettes and adagio work in the big poses in the center, and jumps in the small and big poses in the allegro section of the class. More complex grand allegro will be presented.

This course focuses on the integration of dance technique, performance and improvisational research to expand students' embodied awareness, range of motion, and performance skills as contemporary dancers.