Integrated Dance Studies (B.A.)
Integrate Dance Into Your Future
The B.A. in Integrated Dance Studies at Ƶ provides students with a broad range of dance courses in the core curriculum along with the opportunity to select a dance elective each semester. The Integrated Dance Studies major provides flexibility with course scheduling so that students can explore a minor or second major.
Other majors popular with Integrated Dance Studies students include:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Exercise Science
- Criminal Justice
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.
Minor in Dance
The Dance Minor curriculum offers a variety of technique courses as well as academic courses that potentially enhance regular study in your intended major. While a dance minor does not require an audition, students must successfully complete the Experiencing Dance & Performance course with a 3.0 or higher and be approved by the department coordinator to declare a dance minor.
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.
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 .
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.
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
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.
Internships & Apprenticeships
Ƶ dance majors are employed in the university’s costume and scene shops as well as in the box office. Dance majors also have a long track record of success working as interns, apprentices and performers in theatre companies and theme parks around the country.
Students have been accepted for continuing study into:
- Mark Morris Dance Group Summer Intensive
- Joffrey Ballet
- New York City Ballet
- American Ballet Theatre New York
...and have held internships with:
- American Dance Festival
- Attack Theatre
- Ballet de Montreal
Admissions & Aid
At Ƶ University, we offer streamlined admissions requirements and a comprehensive aid program.
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.)
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