Cover Photo Image

Location

Madrid, Salamanca, Spain

Program Description

Open to dance and music majors, this program is an immersive exploration of the art of Ben Shahn, a renowned artist whose social-realist vision influenced his approach to creativity. Students will participate in a 7-week rehearsal process, live performances, museum visits, and artwork research.

Dance students will be rehearsing the choreography for the performance in the Reina Sophia Museum during the first seven weeks of the fall semester. Music students will be rehearsing for the performance in the Reina Sophia Museum during the first seven weeks of the fall semester.

Through this course, students will delve into the themes that inspired Shahn's work, such as modern urban life, organized labor, immigration, and injustice, and examine how his compassionate tone influenced his creative process.

In addition to studying Shahn's art, students will also participate in a development process for a site-specific performance of dance and music, to be showcased at the prestigious Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain. This project will involve collaborative rehearsals, readings, and performances; providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their artistic skills while exploring a new culture. To enhance their understanding of art and culture in Spain, students will also travel to Salamanca and surrounding towns, where they will visit art museums, places of interest, and sources of inspiration for their creative endeavors.

Location Description

Study abroad in Madrid and experience the work of Picasso, Miro, Goya, el Greco, and Dali in the galleries of the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen. Spend a lazy afternoon people-watching at Casa de Campo or El Retiro.

Undertake an in-depth exploration of the city's famous tapas bars. Spain’s capital and largest city has a sophisticated vibe that’s evident in its world-class culinary culture, never-ending nightlife, and thriving art scene.

The city of Salamanca is ideal for foreign students because of its beautiful setting and small size. It is a great location to explore and experience Spanish culture and history. Salamanca is enriched with theatres, concerts, and museums that represent the cultural dimension of Spanish history.

Director

Rubén Graciani | graciarg@jmu.edu | Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided for all students. Housing is in central Madrid close to all the action. All students will be in a shared, double-bed furnished hotel room in downtown Madrid. Internet access is available on-site. Transportation to and from hotels, sightseeing, and performance venue/museum will be provided.

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend that will cover the time while on the trip.

Additional Items to Consider

U.S. Citizens:
To travel to Spain, you need a valid passport.
If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately!
If you have a passport, verify that it will be valid:
(1) through your Spain travel dates and
(2) for at least six months after your travel to Spain concludes.
If your passport is invalid, apply for one immediately!

It can take up to 4-6 weeks to receive your passport. Expedited service requires about 2-3 weeks. The U.S. State Department’s website provides details on passports and current processing times: http://travel.state.gov or you may also inquire via telephone at (877) 487-2778.

Non-U.S. Citizens:
Non U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate government agency in their home country for relevant passport and visa information. The best place to start is the Spanish consulate in your home city.

Applicant Criteria

Students must be dance or music majors with sophomore, junior or senior standing.

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5

 

Application Process

This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:

  • Study Abroad Online Application Fee ($40)
  • Short Essay 
  • An interview with the program director is required
  • Attendance at a mandatory information session is required

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in. 

Application Deadline

Dates


All dates are tentative and subject to change

Courses

DANC 303: Special Topics in Dance (3 credits)

MUS 498: Special Topics in Music (3 credits)

Courses listed here are to be used as a general guideline for program curriculum. *All courses are considered pending until approved by the Academic Department, Program, and/or College.

Cost

Back to Top