Great Colleges for Dance

Three School That Offer Outstanding Programs to Study Performing Art

Oct 16, 2009

While many colleges offer performing arts program, some colleges offer stellar programs.

Dance is a particular major that requires students to seek out colleges that offer the major. Not every college will offer dance, and many that do may only offer it as a minor. The colleges that do offer the major will provide a well-rounded education in the history and application of dance.

The most recognized school for dance is by far The Juilliard School. Based in New York City, the school can boast to be the most sought after college for dance. With only 800 undergraduates the competition for admission is beyond selective.

Students attending The Juilliard School for dance are expected to be open to learn all types of dance. Curriculum will include both ballet and modern dance. Additionally, students will be exposed to acting, anatomy, dance history, and literature of music.

Students attending The Juilliard School can expect to devote hours upon hours a day learning and rehearsing techniques and routines. Students receive individualized coaching from the faculty. The practicing and coaching leads students ready to perform on stage both for Juilliard and with top companies.

Kenyon College is located in Ohio and provides students a liberal arts base. Dance majors will access programming within the Department of Dance and Drama. The major will push students to learn methods of jazz, tap, modern, and ballet. Beyond the elements of the types of dance, students will explore concepts of choreography.

Students who desire a degree in dance must produce a project with oral discussion and a written exam. The project encompasses all the aspects of the dance classes with twist of the student’s preference. Students usually design a production incorporating individualized interests. The projects allow students to exercise their creativity and learning.

Dance majors at Butler have three options for a degree: BFA Performance, BA Pedagogy, and BS Arts Administration. The Performance degree will allow students to explore and refine their skills and knowledge in multiple methods. Students will be exposed to ballet, modern, jazz, character dance, and improvisation. This degree will enhance the opportunity to become a performing artist in movies, plays, and theatre.

The Pedagogy degree helps students to learn proper techniques to become a teacher of dance. The Arts Administration leads students down a path of constructing their own performance venues or with larger theatre companies.

Students who would like to pursue dance as a college major need to research potential colleges. Many colleges will offer a major in dance combined with theatre, which will require the student to study elements beyond dance like acting, staging, and music. Serious students need to examine programs that are specific to dance and will provide opportunities for choreography and performing.

The copyright of the article Great Colleges for Dance in College Degrees/Programs is owned by Kerrie Troseth. Permission to republish Great Colleges for Dance in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.