Top Dance Colleges in the US: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right college for dance can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the best dance colleges in the U.S., considering various factors such as program focus, faculty, facilities, and career opportunities.
Diverse Dance Programs Across the Nation
The landscape of dance education in the United States is incredibly diverse. From conservatories focused on rigorous technique to university programs emphasizing a broader liberal arts education, aspiring dancers have a wealth of options to consider.
Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment
The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University stands out for its comprehensive approach to dance education. It offers degrees across the spectrum of dance disciplines, including dance performance, dance management, teaching, and entertainment business.
The school emphasizes instilling character in its students, with core values of Respect, Reliability, Responsibility, Ethics, Motivation, Accountability, Courage, Focus, and Commitment. The faculty, staff, and administration strive to infuse all courses, performances, and activities with these values. Automatic merit-based academic scholarships are available to students based on GPA, and performance scholarships are awarded based on audition results.
Point Park University
Point Park University stands out by granting around 71 degrees each year to students majoring in Dance, General, making it the school’s most popular major.
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The Juilliard School
The Juilliard School is renowned for its rigorous training and focus on performance. The most popular college majors students pursue are Stringed Instruments, Dance, General, and Keyboard Instruments.
SUNY at Purchase College
SUNY at Purchase College offers a strong dance program within a liberal arts setting. The three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, and Fine and Studio Arts Management.
Dean College
Dean College is known for its focus on performing arts. The most popular majors students pursue are Dance, General, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, and General.
Muhlenberg College
Muhlenberg College offers a well-regarded dance program within a liberal arts curriculum. Each year, Muhlenberg College grants around 93 degrees to those studying Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, the school’s most popular major.
Bennington College
Bennington College provides a unique educational experience with a strong emphasis on individual artistic development. Every year, Bennington College awards about 17 degrees to students majoring in Visual and Performing Arts, General, the institution’s most popular major.
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Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts stands out with Fine/Studio Arts, General, Musical Theatre, Music Performance, and General as the three most popular college majors students study.
Balancing Dance with Academics: Universities with Strong Dance Programs
Many universities offer dance programs that allow students to combine their passion for dance with a broader academic education. These programs often provide opportunities for students to explore other interests and develop a well-rounded skill set.
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University offers a strong dance program within a comprehensive university setting. The three most popular college majors students pursue are Finance, General, Economics, General, Psychology, and General.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is a popular choice, even though the most popular majors students study are Management Science, Computer Science, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
University of Florida
At the University of Florida, the most popular majors students pursue are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, and General.
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Considerations When Choosing a Dance College
Choosing the right dance college is a personal decision that depends on individual goals and preferences. Some factors to consider include:
Program Focus
Different programs have different strengths. Some focus on specific dance styles, such as ballet or contemporary, while others offer a broader range of training.
Faculty
The quality of the faculty is crucial. Look for experienced instructors with a strong track record of training successful dancers.
Facilities
Access to well-equipped studios, performance spaces, and other resources can enhance the learning experience.
Career Opportunities
Consider the career paths that graduates of the program have pursued. Does the program offer connections to the professional dance world?
Location
The location of the college can also be a factor. Some students prefer to study in major cities with vibrant arts scenes, while others prefer a more rural setting.
Beyond Dance: Exploring Other Academic Interests
While dance is the primary focus for aspiring dancers, many students also pursue other academic interests. Some popular majors among students at various universities include:
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration and Management, General
- Finance, General
- Computer Science
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Economics, General
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
- Political Science and Government, General
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