Hey peeps, I'm a junior and I'm really into dance. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some good dance schools/programs in Virginia? I'm trying to decide which in-state colleges would be the best fit for me. Thanks in advance!
Hello! It's wonderful to hear about your passion for dance. Several colleges in Virginia offer strong dance programs, so you might want to look into these schools as you're deciding where to apply:
1. James Madison University (JMU): JMU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Dance minor. Their program focuses on contemporary dance, with additional opportunities in ballet, jazz, and other dance styles. The program emphasizes both performance and choreography.
2. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): VCU provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography. The program concentrates on modern dance but also includes instruction in ballet and other forms. They offer courses in dance history, composition, performance, and pedagogy.
3. Radford University: At Radford, you can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, with concentrations in either performance and choreography or dance education. The program encompasses a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, along with courses in dance history, pedagogy, and composition.
4. George Mason University (GMU): GMU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Dance minor. Their program focuses on modern dance techniques and choreography. Students can also explore ballet, jazz, and world dance. In addition to technique and performance classes, you'll find courses covering dance composition, dance history, and dance science.
5. University of Virginia (UVA): Although UVA doesn't offer a specific dance degree, they do have a Dance minor as part of their Drama department. Students can take courses in several dance styles, including ballet, modern, and jazz, along with coursework in choreography, improvisation, and dance history.
As you research these schools, consider factors like available courses, performance opportunities, faculty expertise, and campus culture. You may also want to visit these colleges and attend dance performances to get a feel for their programs. Good luck with your college search!
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