Explores the artistic trends influencing today’s dance scene. Through readings, research assignments, discussions, and guest speakers, students may become familiar with the cultural climate in which to establish themselves and their artistic philosophies. Emphasizes exposure to current issues surrounding the field including the dance reviewer and their influence, financial dynamics and historical practices of nonprofit dance organizations, dance education in the United States, legalities of copyright, government and the arts, and arts advocacy. Underscores the need to maintain awareness of the current state of the profession and its sociopolitical implications on the arts as a whole. Students develop a research project to strengthen their focused concentration in dance and to reflect entrepreneurship in the arts and the responsibilities of being an educated dance professional.