The Dance Studies Program in the Department of Theatre and Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Studies, an Honors in Dance Studies program, a Minor in Dance, and a Minor in Somatic Sustainability as well as classes and special programs for other individuals wishing to study and participate in dance and related areas. Our faculty share a student-centered, holistic approach to teaching that guides students to develop awareness and integration of the body, mind, and spirit.
Mission & Philosophy
Our Dance Studies program encourages students to take an integrative and cross-disciplinary approach to dance training while making cross-disciplinary connections between dance and other fields of study. Our faculty share a student-centered, holistic approach to teaching that guides students to develop awareness and integration of body, mind, and spirit. Our curriculum prepares students to pursue interests related to dance including teaching dance, performing, choreographing, pursuing graduate work in Dance or related fields (such as dance therapy) and/or dancing as an avocation.
Curriculum
The Dance Studies program is Modern-based but offers classes in a variety of levels of dance techniques including modern, ballet, jazz, and selected topics such as traditional African dance and pointe. The program is unique among undergraduate programs in its broad offering of somatics-based courses including somatics, Pilates mat, Pilates equipment, Gyrokinesis, Gyrotonic, yoga, and Floor Barre.
Additional required courses in the Dance Studies curriculum include Composition and Improvisation, Choreography, Dance History, Dance Pedagogy, Dance Production Basics, Collaborative Process, Capstone, Performance Activity, and Production Running Crew.
Special Programs
The Dance program offers a variety of additional opportunities for our students and community members to study and participate in dance and related areas.
- Classical Pilates Teacher Training Program
- Master Classes with Guest Artists
Dance Performance Opportunities
Appalachian Dance Ensemble concerts, First Year Showcase, annual Capstone class performances, Choreography class independent projects, and performances produced by student organizations including Momentum Dance Club and Entropy Dance Crew.
Auditions
Auditions are not required to enroll in the program; however, auditions are required for performances. Auditions to perform in fall semester productions are held during the second week of fall semester classes. Auditions for the spring semester productions are the last week of fall semester classes. Click here for more information about auditioning to choreograph or perform in dance productions.
Visit
Prospective students are welcome to visit the Dance program to observe or participate in classes during the fall or spring semesters. Interested students should plan their visit by contacting the department. Generally, technique classes are held Monday through Thursday. Special Visitation Events.