Hi everyone, I've been dancing all my life and I'm considering applying for Dance Majors. Are there any specific schools I should consider? Or, what kind of curriculum should I look out for in these programs?
Sure, happy to provide some insights.
When considering schools to apply to for Dance majors, there's a wide range of excellent institutions out there. A few notable ones include: The Juilliard School, University of Southern California, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and SUNY Purchase.
As for the curriculum, it often depends on your particular interests. Most dance programs will include a mix of theoretical and practical components. You'll typically study dance styles extensively, from ballet to contemporary, jazz, tap and more, depending on the program.
You should also look into programs that have coursework in dance history, choreography, and anatomy. Courses such as Dance Composition or Choreography allow you to express your creativity while also learning how to create dances for solo and group performances. Studying anatomy and kinesiology can provide valuable knowledge for injury prevention and understanding how the body moves.
If you're interested in a more comprehensive approach, you might want to look out for institutions that include studies in areas such as performance, pedagogy, creative process, and dance science. Moreover, if you're interested in a particular style of dance, make sure the program offers courses in that field.
Remember to consider facilities as well, such as whether the school has a dance studio and regularly puts on performances. Performance opportunities are key, they give you a chance to put what you've learned into practice.
And don't forget to look into the university's faculty. Professors who are established and recognized in the dance field can be huge assets in terms of learning and making connections.
Lastly, some schools may require an audition as part of the application process. This will typically involve a class or a solo performance, so you'll want to prepare for that.
Being a dance major can be incredibly rewarding. Good luck with your applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.