Dance and Higher Education

College requires young dancers to explore performing-arts topics not offered in a company setting: dance notation, music, dance history, stagecraft, theory, choreography, improvisation, criticism, teaching, anatomy and acting, along with a range of technique courses that may include ballet, modern, jazz, tap, culturally based forms, and musical theater. Other subjects not related to dance-such as English, cultural studies, science and math-are offered as well. These courses open up different areas of dance that the students may have never thought of as careers. Opportunities related to the dance field, such as arts administration, notation and reconstruction, education, writing and criticism, research and dance therapy, become attainable to a college graduate. You can find out about a number of reputable dance programs by selecting links on our page of education affiliates.

Another good place to start your search is the American College Dance Festival Association. Their primary focus is to promote the talent in college and university dance departments, and to provide a venue for workshops, master classes and demonstrations at both the regional and national levels. Another good search tool is Dance Magazine, which offers the annual College Guide, listing 550 schools. Lastly, the National Association of Schools of Dance gives a listing of schools that are accredited, which means the dance curriculum at the college or university conforms to certain criteria. Schools that want to be accredited with NASD are reviewed periodically. You may want to check to see if the school you are interested in is accredited by the NASD. You may want to check out the website also to see what NASD considers important in a college-level dance program. Many dance programs, however, that have elected not to be certified by NASD may offer innovative opportunities in studying dance.

It is important to remember that even the most prestigious college cannot be a replacement for the experience of dancing with a company. Dancers should also consider attending summer intensives provided by dance companies across the country. Often, dance companies will have a school or academy associated with the performance aspect of the company. The best way to learn more about a movement style or a particular choreographer is to take a class or enroll in the school/academy. In addition, there are several dance festivals across the country who offer performance and class opportunities. These generally take place during the summer. You can find out more about festivals and summer intensives by clicking here.

Whether a young dancer joins a dance company or enters college, it is essential that the decision be based on what is right for the individual. Each college program and company is unique in its offerings and the dancer must determine her/his needs. For a listing of auditions and jobs in the field of dance, visit our jobs and auditions page.

Other Resources:
The National Association for College Admission Counseling will be holding Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs around the country. Visit www.nacacnet.org for information on locations, times and dates.

American Harlequin Corporation, a Dance/USA member that manufactures dance floorings, has generously created a scholarship program for dancers between age 15 and 21. For more information go to: www.harlequinfloors.com/american/scholarship.html

Things to look for in a college program

• The Department: Some universities will have an independent dance department and some will have a dance program within a theater or performing arts department. What is the reputation of the department or program in and outside of the college? Determine what type of degree you wish to earn. A bachelor of fine arts is a degree with a majority of courses taken in dance technique and performance. Sometimes fewer dance courses are required for a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Some dance programs last four years, others only two; decide how much time you wish to invest.

• Professional Facilities: Does the program have one or more large studios with sprung floors, barres, mirrors, stages equipped for dance productions, and live musical accompaniment for classes?

• Curriculum: Think about the diversity, difficulty, and frequency of technique classes; the length of classes. Compare the course load of academic vs. dance classes, the class size, level of advancement, and opportunities to perform in student-initiated or departmental concerts.

• Performance: Are these required or optional? May all students participate, or are opportunities limited to those who audition successfully? Are there chances to perform off-campus in schools or arts spaces?

• Faculty: How much performance and teaching experience does the faculty have? Is the faculty full-time, or are classes taught by ad junct or graduate students? How much freedom does a student have in selecting which faculty for classes? Do the instructors continue their performance or choreography careers off-campus?

• Guest Artists: Find out who is currently a guest artist, how long his/her stay will be, and how the department selects them. Are there special shorter workshops or residencies with specialists, as well as long-term engagements?

• Alumni: Who are they and where are they now?

• Community: What is the dance scene like outside the university? Would you have the opportunity to perform with local companies or choreographers while you are still in school? Can you gain teaching experience at a local studio or academy?