Hello there! I'm a high school junior with a passion for dance and I'm considering Rutgers University. Can anyone share details on their dance program? Any comment will help, thanks!
As a dance lover myself, I appreciate your inquiry into Rutgers University's Dance program, recognized as one of the top programs in the nation. Rutgers is a part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance where students can collaborate and learn among the best in the field.
The dance program is housed in the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University's arts conservatory, which has excellent faculty members who are active professionals in their fields. They offer a broad range of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz and African dance. This could give you exposure to various dance forms and techniques, allowing you to become a versatile dancer.
The facilities for dance students at Rutgers are extensive and include six studios, a Pilates studio, and two fully equipped theaters. This kind of infrastructure provides students with a platform to not only train but also to perform and showcase their talent.
Rutgers also offers plenty of performance opportunities. They have at least two formal concerts each semester, which include student-choreographed pieces. There are various extra-curricular opportunities to perform as well, through dance clubs and organizations, or the vibrant local dance scene.
As part of the dance program, students also study choreography, and dance history, criticism, and theory. This kind of balanced curriculum can give you a comprehensive understanding of the subject, which is helpful in today's multidisciplinary art environment.
One thing to note is that admission to the dance program at Rutgers is by audition. In the audition, they are generally looking for individuals who have a strong technique, can move fluidly across a variety of styles, and have a creative and intellectual curiosity about the art of dance.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a program that offers solid training, valuable performance opportunities, and a rich, diverse curriculum, the Rutgers University’s Dance program may prove to be a good choice for you. But like any other major life decision, I'd recommend visiting the campus if possible, talking with current students or faculty, and getting a firsthand feel of the place before making your decision. Good luck with your college search!
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.