About the Program
In both studio and classroom work, the dance curriculum treats dance as a global phenomenon with culturally specific and individual differences in expressive form. Dance classes at all levels encourage students to develop their capacity to move and think creatively and to recognize movement as an essential element of one's identity.
Most dance courses accept no more than 20 students, and our program offers a B.A. in dance and a minor in dance. Students with significant dance training prior to admission to the university often double-major in dance and some other field.
Dance majors may emphasize either ballet or modern dance training, but all majors and minors study dance composition. Other studio courses include contact improvisation, jazz, tap, musical theater, Dunham technique, Spanish dance, Argentine tango, bharata natyam, and West African dance. Courses emphasizing somatic training, such as Alexander Technique and Authentic Movement are also available. Seminars in dance history, theory, and ethnology and a wide range of electives complement studio work.
Master classes and guest artist residencies supplement instruction by the regular faculty, all of whom have danced professionally.
Dance Placement Class
Registration in any upper-level dance course is subject to approval after the Placement Class, a 2-hour class, which takes place during first-year orientation in August.