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Dance
Artistic expression; technical excellence; transferable skills.
If you dream of performing, choreographing, teaching, running a studio, or engaging with your community, a degree in dance can help you set the stage.
The 杏吧直播间 Department of Dance is a classical ballet program rooted in the liberal arts tradition. 杏吧直播间 University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. 听Our Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts offerings emphasize the development of professional dancers, teachers, choreographers and scholars.
The rigorous programming emphasizes high quality training in a supportive environment from a faculty of experienced professionals, with the mission to generate leaders in the dance field.
In addition to numerous performing opportunities (regionally, nationally, and internationally), our diverse curriculum (which includes an array of dance techniques, history, choreography, pedagogy, theory, and dance-related sciences), offers enough flexibility to accommodate the pursuit of a minor or even a second major. With leadership development as a goal, our department houses three clubs and offers service opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
Through our program you will gain experiences and cultivate skills that are necessary for the dance field, and are also applicable and transferable to a wide variety of careers.
Fast Facts
- Students can choose between a more rigorous BFA track, or the B.A. track with options to minor and double major in other areas.
- Each year the dance department brings in between five to eight guest artists to work with majors in masterclass and residency formats.
- The Dance Department is home to four听different performance ensembles including the 杏吧直播间 Dancers, The Liturgical Dance Ensemble, SoMar Dance Works, and Dance Outreach.听
- Dance majors will have the opportunity to perform between two to four times a year in our mainstage performances at the beautiful Mary D鈥橝ngelo Performing Arts Center, regardless of year or age.听
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the classical and contemporary ballet focused program is designed to offer a wide range of mandated curriculum in dance that will include courses in a diverse array of dance techniques, history, choreography, pedagogy, dance sciences and most importantly, numerous performance opportunities. 听Leadership development opportunities are abundant for听performing ensembles that tour regionally, nationally, and internationally as well as three clubs, service, internships, and study abroad programs.听
Before students graduate, they are offered a variety of main stage performance opportunities, including听faculty and guest artist concerts, full length ballets, musicals, student choreography concerts and performances with听SoMar Dance Works (by audition only) and The 杏吧直播间 Dancers. 听Students are regularly introduced to renowned guest teachers and choreographers, and are encouraged to participate in theatre听and opera where dance opportunities are available.听To extend their academic and dance achievements, the program also boasts a collection of student run organizations including Dance Club, Liturgical Dance Ensemble, and the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.
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This degree is targeted to students who aspire to a career in professional concert, commercial performance and/or choreography with long term goals set on leadership following their performance career. The degree mandates additional curriculum in dance techniques, performances and choreography to support professional experiences and leadership in these areas of the field. It can also accommodate some dual majors.
This program is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a rigorous degree program of combined general and dance studies. The degree听allows a student to complete a dual major or minor that complementary to the field and/or a concentration in pedagogy听or to complete听accelerated programming.听Emphasis is placed on the development of transferable skills that will support transitions inside or outside the dance field.
Consists of 12 credits as follows:
DANC 475 Internship (3 credits)
3 additional credits from the following:
DANC 180 Intro. to Labanotation 听(3 credits)
DANC 200 Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 380 Choreography II (3 credits) 听
DANC 485 Senior Seminar (Pedagogical Research) (3 credits)
3 additional Dance Technique Elective credits (1-3)
3 additional from the following:
DANC 听291, 292 Company Ensemble (1 credit), Co-req. Ballet, Modern and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 听391, 392 Company Ensemble (1 credit), Co-req. Ballet, Modern and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 听491, 492 Company Ensemble (1 credit), Co-req. Ballet, Modern and/or Jazz Technique
Recommended:
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
EDEC 101 Early Foundations (3 credits)
ESPE 101 Psychology of Diverse Learners (3 credits)
EDEC 105 Health and Wellness (3 credits)
ESPE 201 Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
PSYC 235 Sports Psychology (3 credits) Offered in 2020
EDEC 301 Early Childhood Methods (3 credits)
Those interested in teaching adaptive dance might also consider a minor in special education or art therapy.
Consists of 21 credits as follows:
ACCT 听 101 Principles of Accounting (3 credits)
MGMT 120 Principles of Management (3 credits)
MKTG 听162 Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
DANC 听200 Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 听475 Arts Management Internship (3 credits)
2 electives of the following, at least one 300 level course.
ART 听 128 Graphic Design Basics (3 credits)
COM 240 Digital Video Production (3 credits)
COM 260 Intro. to Social Media (3 credits)
ART 听 321 Intro. to Website Design (3 credits)
COM 312 Communication & Social Responsibility (3 credits)
COM 314 Global Communications (3 credits)
COM 330 Web & Social Media Analytics & Strategies (3 credits) Requires COM 260 to be taken previously or concurrently.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level of technical mastery in ballet and/or other dance discipline(s)
- Identify a significant body of theoretical and historical knowledge pertaining to the dance field
- Produce and present work by confronting professional problems through analysis, experimentation, and development of coherent goals, evident in scholarly and creative presentations
- Recognize and assess positive approaches to mental and physical health, professional theatrical aesthetic, and injury-free work ethic
Discover Dance at 杏吧直播间
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PerformancesEach year, students from the 杏吧直播间 Dance Department perform in two to four mainstage productions at the Mary D鈥橝ngelo Performing Arts Center. |
Career OutcomesOur graduates have performed with the St. Louis Ballet, Cleveland Ballet Conservatory, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Dance/USA and with touring Broadway and European stage productions. |
Perform GloballyStudents have studied and danced internationally in locations such as Ireland, Australia, Amsterdam, London, and Jerusalem. |
- Friday, March 15, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 4 p.m.
- Friday, April 26, 2024, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 27, 2024, 2 p.m.
- Saturday, April听27, 2024, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April听28, 2024, 2 p.m.
- A minimum of three years professional experience
- The ability to reside in Erie, Pa.
- A completed application form
- Three recent letters of recommendation from directors, instructors, choreographers and/or colleagues to show evidence of leadership potential
- A personal biography narrative, outlining your career path, aspirations and professional interests
- Your r茅sum茅
- Video documentation of performances, choreography and/or teaching
- Support documentation: photos, programs, reviews, interviews, etc.
- An on-campus interview with the faculty
- American Ballet Theatre
- Arts Council of Erie
- Ballet Concerto
- Ballet New England
- Ballet Theatre Midwest
- Graphic Design
- Boston Dance Company
- Broadway Dance Center
- California Ballet School Inc.
- Count Basie Theatre
- Dancenter
- Disney College Program
- Erie Bayfront Dance
- Erie County Historical Society
- Erie Dance Conservatory
- Erie Dance Consortium
- Erie Philharmonic
- Hersheypark Entertainment
- Hilton Head Dance School
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Lake Erie Ballet School
- Macfadden
- 杏吧直播间 Ballet Theatre
- 杏吧直播间 College Dance Department
- 杏吧直播间 College Summer Dance Experience
- 杏吧直播间 University Center for Arts/Culture
- Morriss Center (The)
- NWPA Collegiate Academy
- Paige Conservation, Inc.
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
- Pittsburgh Youth Ballet
- SoMar Dance Works
- WRKT/WRTS
2024 Performance Schedule
The 杏吧直播间 Dance Department strives to make an impact on the survival of high-quality classical and contemporary ballet and the building of future leaders in the arts. Experience the culmination of these emerging artists鈥 creative exploration and discovery as performers and choreographers.
Choreography II Showcase
danceSpace Palmer Studio
Choreography II Showcase is free and open to anyone wanting to see interesting, new choreographed works from the Choreography II course.
National Water Dance Erie: The Ripple Effect
Dobbin鈥檚 Landing, Erie Maritime Museum, H.O. Hirt Auditorium (Blasco Library)
Join 杏吧直播间's School of the Arts, as well as Schools of the Natural Sciences and Humanities as they collaboratively create the sixth National Water Dance Erie: The Ripple Effect. Featuring dance, music, art, and poetry, this traveling performance will respond to local and global water concerns and inspire greater collaboration, conversation, conservation, and water care. This performance will begin at Dobbins Landing, travel along the waterfront before entering the Erie Maritime Museum, and end in Blasco Library鈥檚 H.O. Hirt Auditorium (outdoor route weather dependent). All ages are welcome.
Raw Edges XXVI听
Mary D鈥橝ngelo Performing Arts Center, 杏吧直播间 University
Join the 杏吧直播间 Dancers as they bring a fresh batch of artistic voices, exploring an array of themes, music, and dance styles to life on stage. 鈥淩aw Edges XXVI" is a beloved 杏吧直播间 tradition. Each year, it includes the opportunity to hear from student choreographers as they share insights into their creative process. It is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Are you a professional dancer in transition? Now is the time to advance your career and apply your professional experience toward a baccalaureate degree at 杏吧直播间 University.
There are many exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those individuals who are educationally prepared. The 杏吧直播间 University Returning Professional Program features experienced faculty, a national reputation for excellence and the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the students.
If you are a ballet dancer with three years of professional experience, 杏吧直播间 offers you the opportunity to turn your life experience into transferrable credits towards a baccalaureate degree in dance, or one of 40 other majors.
In this win/win program, the university benefits from your experience, while you move more easily through your career transition. The Returning Professional Program emphasizes the importance of planning for the long-term future by offering a B.A. degree with a concentration in pedagogy or a BFA degree.
Life Experience/Transfer Credits
Based on a professional experience portfolio presented at the onset of admission, returning professionals who apply for our program have the option of petitioning the Dance Department to accept up to 24 elective transfer of life experience credits toward a non-dance major, or up to 37 transfer or life experience credits within the dance major. Credits could be a combination of the following:
16听credits听听听听听听听听听听 Ballet Technique
听6听 credits听听听听听听听听听听听 Pointe/Men鈥檚 Technique
听4听credits听听听听听听听听听听听 Modern, Tap, Jazz, Music Theatre
听3听credits听听听听听听听听听听听 Dance History
3-9听credits听听听听听听听听 Choreography I-III
听3听 credits听听听听听听听听听 Pedagogy
听3听 credits听听听听听听听听听 Kinesiology听
听6听credits听听听听听听听听听听听 Company Ensemble
If pursing a B.A. degree in dance, you would be required to enter and complete the program in applied theory (pedagogy).
Admissions Requirements
Transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities are considered for acceptance. A limited number of scholarships, stipends, financial aid and work-study opportunities are available.
The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of.听
The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of.听
Each year, dance department presents internationally acclaimed guest teachers from companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Bad Boys of Dance, Ballet Hispanico, Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, MOMIX, New York City Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Pilobolus, Paul Taylor Dance Company, STREB Extreme Action, Trey McIntyre Project, Royal Danish Ballet, and Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai.听 Below is a list of some of our master classes, guest artists, residencies, and other opportunities that have been affiliated with the 杏吧直播间 University Dance Department in the past:
Robert Barnett | 听 | JumpStart | Former Artistic Director of Atlanta Ballet |
Shannon Lee West | 听 | JumpStart | Resident Choreographer-Missouri Contemporary Ballet |
Kara Jones | 听 | JumpStart | Rockettes |
Amanda Edge | 听 | Master Classes Residency | New York City Ballet, Current performer with 鈥淧hantom鈥 on Broadway |
Matthew Prescott | 听 | Master Classes/Guest Artist Chat | Instructor for Joffrey NYC, Interlochen Arts Academy, Former dancer with Joffrey Ballet, Current performer with 鈥淧hantom鈥 on Broadway |
Maria Caruso | 听 | Master Classes | Bodiography Contemporary Ballet |
Ursula Payne | 听 | Master Classes/Residency | Slippery Rock University Dance Department Chair |
Compagnie K盲fig | 听 | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC |
Moscow Festival Ballet | 听 | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC |
Diego Salterini | 听 | Master Classes | Co-director and Co-founder of DANCE!Now Ensemble |
Bad Boys of Dance (Rasta Thomas) | 听 | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC |
Laura Alonso | 听 | Master Classes |
-Performed with Ballet National de Cuba for 25 years -Stages classics for London鈥檚 Royal Ballet School and The Royal Danish Ballet |
Vivi Flindt | 听 | Master Classes | -Originated many roles with The Royal Danish Ballet |
Bill Evans | 听 | Residency |
-Undergraduate program director at the College at Brackport & State University of New York -Professor of Dance at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque -Artistic & Executive Director of the Bill Evans Dance Company -Creator of the Evans Modern Dance Technique |
Maria Caruso | 听 | Master Classes | -Artistic Director of Bodiography Contemporary Ballet |
Lisa de Ribre | 听 | Master Classes |
-Choreographer -Former dancer with New York City Ballet and Soloist with American Ballet Theater |
Chita Rivera | 听 | Guest Artist Chat | 听-Original Broadway Cast of West Side Story, Chicago, Bye-Bye Birdie |
Tim Veach | 听 | Master Classes | -Director, Columbus Dance Theater |
Amanda Dunster | 听 | Guest Choreographer |
-Ballet Mistress for Pennsylvania Ballet -Stage La Fille Mal Garde on The 杏吧直播间 Dancers |
Eddie Tovar | 听 | Guest Artist |
-Past principal of Texas Ballet Theater -Past company member of Orlando Ballet |
Bruce Marks | 听 | Guest Artist |
-Internationally acclaimed dancer, teacher, choreographer, artistic director, consultant, and competition judge -Metropolitan Opera Ballet, ABT, Royal Danish Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, etc |
Nancy Jordan | 听 | Guest Choreographer |
-Stage Limon repetoire as member of Jose Limon Foundation -Previous ballet mistress of the Juilliard School |
Wei Wu | 听 | Masterclass/Guest Choreographer | -Liaoning Ballet Academy of China |
Daniel Lewis | 听 | Guest Choreographer | -Jose Limon Foundation |
C. Noelle Partusch, MFA
Chair, Department of Dance