Dance (B.A.)
Prepare Others for a Life in Motion with a Degree in Dance Education or Pre-Dance / Movement Therapy
The Ƶ Dance Program
In the Dance Program at Ƶ, you will:
- Explore movement.
- Foster collaboration.
- Develop & embrace your individual artistry.
At Ƶ, we strive to develop well-rounded dancers who are also "thoughtful artists." Faculty will be with you every step of the way to help guide you toward your goals and to further develop who you are as an artist. As a dance major at Ƶ, you will participate in a review at the end of your sophomore year. This review will assess your progress within the program. You will receive one-on-one guidance in completing your degree. Learn more about the Ƶ Dance Program here.
B.A. in Dance Concentrations
Ƶ’s Pre-Dance/Movement Therapy Concentration will prepare you for graduate study in this field. To become a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), you must complete your education through the master’s degree level. The Pre-Dance Therapy Concentration gives you a head start on your graduate education. Dance/Movement therapists use physical movement to help people overcome mental and physical challenges.
Course topics in this concentration include:
- An introduction to dance movement therapy.
- Dance and expression for persons with disabilities.
- The teaching of dance.
As a Dance Education student you will experience a supportive learning environment. At Ƶ, you can explore your dance artistry combined with education courses culminating in scholarly work. Dance courses include a variety of studies such as world dance, dance improvisation, West-African dance, anatomy for dancers, dance techniques and dance and theatre production experience. The curriculum emphasizes creativity and community through experiences such as student teaching through our on campus Dance Academy (SHUDA).
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the Pennsylvania Department of Education exam to become certified in Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12 Dance Education. Students will also be able to earn additional certifications, such as elementary education, through testing.
Minor in Dance
Arts Center & Performing Arts Center
Ƶ’s award-winning Arts Center is the home of the Dance Program and offers spacious studios, new classrooms and plenty of places to practice, study, hang out or grab something to eat. The Ƶ University Performing Arts Center, one block away, provides a variety of performance venues, including an expansive concert hall and a black box theatre.
Performance & Production Opportunities
As a Ƶ dance student, you will receive individualized training coupled with abundant production and performance opportunities. Every year, Ƶ produces a full season of theatre and dance performances.
Students also have the opportunity to:
- Audition for three concerts per year (auditions are open to all Ƶ students).
- Present work at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conference.
Artist-Faculty
Dance faculty at Ƶ have backgrounds in performance, teaching and choreography. Faculty areas of specialty include:
- Dance Science
- Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
- Dance Pedagogy
- Performance
- Choreography
Students also get exposure to professionals working in the field through adjunct faculty.
Partnerships
As a Ƶ dance student, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of unique partnerships that will enhance your dance education experience. We are currently a member of the .
Study Abroad Opportunities
Ƶ's Study Abroad Program helps dancers take the leap to experience somewhere new, including locations like London, Dublin and New York City. In the past, students have had the opportunity to attend the Dublin Dance Festival, take dance classes in other countries, and meet in-person with professional choreographers and dancers.
Clubs & Organizations
- Student Dance Organization (SDO) - a student-run organization that offers master classes, performance opportunities, and other group events
- University Dance Team - performs at events throughout the year
Careers
The concentration you choose will influence your future career path, as you develop a deeper understanding of a specific area of dance. Your professors and Ƶ’s award-winning Career and Professional Development Center will work with local, regional and national employers to provide you with the career preparation skills, internship opportunities and placement services you need - as a student and after you graduate.
Interview & Audition
Once you apply and have been accepted to Ƶ, you must successfully complete an interview and audition with members of the dance faculty to be admitted into the Dance Program (and to become eligible to compete for merit-based dance scholarships).
Admissions & Aid
At Ƶ University, we offer streamlined admissions requirements and a comprehensive financial aid program. Named a Best Value by U.S. News & World Report, Ƶ is more affordable than you might think!
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Faculty
Kerra Alexander
Adjunct Faculty
Tesha Barnett
Adjunct Professor Dance
Girard Holt
Adjunct Ballet Instructor, Choreographer
Nicole Jones
Part-Time Faculty
Shana Simmons
Faculty Instructor
TaMara Swank
Assistant Professor, Department Coordinator, Dance