The continuous study of modern dance and ballet is a strong component of the curriculum. In addition to modern dance and ballet, elective courses in jazz, tap, hip hop, improvisation, ballroom and other special topics courses are offered, rounding out a curriculum that also involves studies in kinesiology and anatomy, dance history, music, etc. Within the core there are opportunities for repertory experience and for independent study.

The dance major program is rigorous. Students’ technique placement within the required major courses is determined through departmental assessment and placement processes. Formal evaluation procedures include a placement class for entering students, juried examinations at the end of the first semester of the freshman and sophomore years and every semester of the junior and senior years. In the second semester of the freshman and sophomore years the jury is folded into a comprehensive career evaluation called the Freshmen Review and the Sophomore Readmittance Exam, respectively. These career evaluations are to assess each student’s progress in relationship to the standards of the program and progress toward degree completion. Students in the major program may be notified of probationary status after the Freshmen Review. All majors must pass the Sophomore Readmittance Exam in order to continue in the major. This exam stands on its own as a separate evaluation from course grades.

The VCU dance program provides abundant opportunities for students to interact with faculty and guest artists in academic, professional, creative and performance contexts. Within the School of the Arts, dance students have frequent opportunities to work collaboratively with other students in the arts. Possibilities include the visual arts, participation in multimedia events and productions outside the dance department. Any dance major can perform in numerous formal concerts, informal showings and lecture-demonstrations produced by the department. Opportunities also are available for training in teaching, but students interested in earning state certification should consult their advisers. 

Learning outcomes:

• Students should achieve proficiency in improvisation, composition, choreography and related art forms that encourage creativity and an individual point of view.

• Students should become proficient in modern dance and a diverse range of other dance techniques. The objective is to maximize students’ potential to become versatile dancers of technical excellence.

• Students need to experience a range of opportunities for performing, presenting original choreography and working behind the scenes in a professionally oriented production or a season of dance events presented to the public.

• Students should gain a global and historical perspective of dance as an art form with an emphasis on contemporary approaches to dance making and performance.

• Students need to develop writing and critical-thinking skills.