Dancing is my life, right? I literally cannot imagine going a day without it. I'm definitely considering majoring in dance, does anyone have any insights into colleges that have strong dance programs? I need to balance both good academics and a good dance program. Any tips, suggestions, resources, or experiences would be super helpful.
I absolutely understand the need to keep your passion for dance alive during your college years! Studying dance in college can be a wonderful way to both develop your technique and explore the theoretical side of dance.
Many colleges and universities across the country offer excellent dance programs. When considering a school, you'll want to take into account not only the strength of the dance program, but also the overall academics of the school, and how they align with your academic interests and career goals.
1. Juilliard School: Known for its arts programs, Juilliard in New York City is very prestigious and quite selective. It offers a BFA in Dance where students are trained in both contemporary and ballet styles.
2. University of Southern California (USC): USC's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is renowned. While they don’t offer a lot of separate styles, they have the “New Movement” which is the blend of different dance styles to allow students maximum creativity.
3. SUNY Purchase: This is a public college with a conservatory-style dance program. Purchase's Dance program focuses on modern dance, ballet, and composition, emphasizing the techniques and creativity.
4. Boston Conservatory at Berklee: The BoCo offers a BFA in Contemporary Dance. Their program is known for its versatility and preparing students for various professional dance careers.
5. University of Michigan: The Department of Dance at UMich is housed in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. They focus on creating and performing dance as well as learning about dance theory, history, and culture.
Remember that a great dance program should also have opportunities for students to perform, choreograph, and possibly even to learn about teaching dance if that's something you'd like to consider for the future. As always, looking at the program's faculty and their background could also be an indicator of what the program will be like. Good luck on your search!
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