Undergraduate degrees in Dance

3 dancers

Technique courses in ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap have small classes, which permit individualized attention; each dancer is placed in the appropriate level for maximum progress. Choreography and performance are emphasized. Facilities include two large, air-conditioned studios, one of which is also a 150-seat performance space. Video equipment permits dancers to record and analyze their work on a frequent basis. All ballet and modern technique classes feature live accompaniment. Master classes and workshops with guest artists are frequent and opportunities to work with nationally recognized choreographers are also available.

Undergraduates take courses in dance history, the dance sciences, dance composition and dance production. Supportive coursework in art, music, theatre and teaching is offered, providing a strong foundation upon which to build artistic expression as well as a scholarly awareness of dance as an art form.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance emphasizes chorography and performance. Students take a minimum of eight technique classes per week, with equal emphasis on ballet and modern dance throughout the four years of study, complemented by training in jazz, tap and other styles. Students complete a five-semester sequence of improvisation and choreography courses, culminating in the fully-produced Senior Dance Concert that showcases the performance and choreographic skills of each graduating class.

Dance Science courses in anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics are designed to enhance each dancer's understanding of how their art is created in the body. Injury prevention, proper nutrition and sound physical principles for teaching are also included. This degree offers a foundation that will help to secure a future in any aspect of the dance profession, from performing in a ballet or modern dance company, to dancing on Broadway, to working in film/video or being a dance teacher or chorographer.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education emphasizes the development of skills in dance performance and choreography while being the only degree that provides all the courses necessary for teaching licensure in Virginia. Psychology and child development courses are included, as well as studies in creative movement for children, pedagogy and techniques for teaching dance. In their junior year, Dance Education students begin field experience, which involves observation of teachers in the public school setting. Directed teaching takes them into the community and away from campus during their senior year. Graduates of this degree program are currently working successfully in public school settings as dance instructors, dance club and drill team leaders, and chorographers for show choirs, dance ensembles and theatre productions.

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance provides dance study in a traditional liberal arts context. Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in performances by the Shenandoah Dance Ensemble, either on stage or behind the scenes, while taking one technique course each semester. The liberal arts component of this degree explores the fields of music, art, theatre and literature. One third of the general studies hours are electives, giving students great flexibility in tailoring this degree program to meet their individual goals and interests. Students often choose to minor in mass communications, psychology or one of the health sciences, and their studies are often the prelude to future graduate work in dance therapy, dance history or physical therapy. The degree culminates in an independent research project designed by the student in consultation with faculty advisors.