1. Does the Program Have a Dance Major or Minor?
The fi rst step in narrowing your college search is to decide whether or not you want to major in dance. Request information from colleges that interest you to
fi nd out if they offer a dance major or minor and if you can participate in the dance department if you decide not to major in dance. You’ll want as much fl exibility as possible.
2. Does the Program Offer the Degree You Want?
Not all dance programs are the same. Each degree (BFA, BA or BS) has a different
number of dance credits required for graduation. A BFA requires the
most dance credits for graduation and is often focused on performance. A BA
is usually offered at liberal arts colleges and requires the same amount of credits
as other disciplines, so it makes it easier to double major. A BS degree is
the least-common dance degree and varies considerably depending on the program—
some are designed more like a BFA and others like a BA. You’ll have to
contact the department to learn exactly how the program is structured. Figure
out how much time you want to spend dancing to fi nd out which degree is your
best option.
3. What Type of Dance Technique Does the Program Emphasize?
Do you want to be a ballerina, dance on Broadway or join a modern dance company?
Each college dance program is different—some focus on modern dance,
ballet or jazz. Make sure the programs you are interested in specialize in the
technique you want to study.
4. Does the Program Require Auditions?
Some dance programs require auditions for admission to the program and others
don’t. If auditions are required, ask if you need to prepare a solo. Many
schools that don’t have auditions for acceptance to the program often have auditions
once you are on campus to determine your dance technique level to place
you in classes appropriately. Other schools may not have auditions at all and are
open to both dance majors and non-majors taking the same classes.
5. Are Performance Opportunities Available?
Many programs have performances in the fall and spring. However, some programs
provide more opportunities to perform such as attending the American
College Dance Festival.
6. Does the Program Have a Dance Education Concentration?
If you want to become a dance teacher, fi nd out which programs have concentration
in dance education. In some states, dance education majors can become
certifi ed to teach dance in public schools. Ask the department if this option is
available and how long it takes—dance certifi cation can usually be completed
within four years, but it can take an extra semester in some cases.
7. Can You Double Major?
Some dance programs allow students to major in dance and another fi eld while
some may not. Find out if double majoring is an option before choosing a college
if you want to study another subject in conjunction with dance.
8. Do Guest Artists Visit the Department?
Studying with renowned dancers and choreographers can be a fulfi lling part of
the college dance experience. Find out if artists you’d like to study with have
visited dance departments that you’re researching.
9. What Are the Career Paths of Dance Alumni?
The success of dance alumni can you help you decide if a program is right for
you. Graduates who pursue careers similar to your aspirations can help you
decide if a program might be a good match. Many schools list successful dance
alumni on their websites and their department brochures.
10. Is the Program Affi liated With a Dance Organization?
Dance departments can be accredited by the National Association of Schools of
Dance (NASD) or be members of Dance/USA. NASD sets standards for dance
departments to ensure that students have a varied dance faculty and different
concentrations within their programs, which enables for a quality dance education.
Dance/USA members receive information on nationwide developments in
dance including federal funding opportunities, develop relationships with dance
companies and receive professional dance periodicals so they can stay informed
about the dance profession and share information with students. Professional
accreditation or membership shows that the professional dance community recognizes
these programs as being reputable to the dance community.
This article originally appeared in Dance Spirit magazine’s September 2002 issue.
Source: Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers
