Dance Degrees and Auditioning

A solid college education with a major in dance can be an excellent background for a wide variety of professions in addition to a career as a performer or choreographer. Serious dance training takes extraordinary discipline, tenacity, dedication and time-management as well as good health, athleticism and presentation skills. High-quality dance productions require excellent organizational management, teamwork, creativity and artistry. A liberal arts education from Western requires all students to learn to think and write critically.

The dance major’s presentation skills, ability to perform in public, and control of the body provide a solid basis for working effectively with others. Dance develops the ability to concentrate intensely, listen introspectively, observe keenly, solve problems creatively, think critically, collaboratively develop a project, work independently, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain composure when faced with the unexpected.

The Dance Program expects achievement in the following competencies by graduating majors in both the BA and BFA. Our students will:

• Develop proficiency in modern dance technique

• Develop competency in ballet technique

• Become familiar with the history of dance and enhance writing skills by using this knowledge

• Gain expanded diversity awareness through the cultural dimensions of dance

• Understand alignment and anatomy as they relate to dancers

• Explore their choreographic potential in traditional and/or experimental approaches

• Learn the basic skills and operations of technical theatre related to dance production

• Have multiple performing opportunities in different venues

Assessment of these competencies is accomplished through individual course performance, completion of degree requirements, and in part by successful audition and casting in faculty directed events. BFA candidates will be expected to participate in a culminating Capstone course and presentation as choreographers and as featured dancers.