College of Fine Arts 
Putnam Hall 137
Phone: 740.593.1828
Fax: 740.593.0749
dance@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/finearts/dance/

Travis D. Gatling, Director

Mission

We offer a modern dance based program with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates choreography, performance and production with theory, history and cultural and practical studies in dance. The dance curriculum supports creative problem solving guided by strong collaboration, observation and analytical skills that encourage development of a versatile mind.  We prepare students for future work in the field of dance and related professions by strengthening individual artistic potential through the integration of creative, physical, and intellectual capacities across artistic, oral, and written forms.  

Dance contributes to the cultural environment of the university, community and region through high quality productions and provides studies in the practice, history and aesthetics of dance.

Description:

The dance program offers major degree options and minor degree options: the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, and minors in dance performance and choreography, dance history, and somatic studies. The School of Dance also offers an undergraduate Certificate in Dance Production is for interested students from any major who wish to gain a deeper knowledge of the field of dance production and lighting, including dance elements of theater production and design.  All dance students train within a diverse range of techniques: modern, ballet, jazz and African.  

The B.F.A. degree program is a four-year pre-professional degree that prepares the individual for future work in the field of dance and related professions. The degree emphasizes modern dance choreography and performance and includes teaching, history, and practical studies in dance.

The B.A. degree is a program of study that develops dance skills necessary to perform and to apply principles that reflect a grasp of the art. The B.A. offers potential for interdisciplinary study in biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, and world cultures.  It is for individuals who seek a broad program of general education in their undergraduate study. 

Multiple performances of student and faculty choreography are produced every semester in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theatre and other theatrical spaces. Workshop performances, internships, and other performance projects offer additional performance opportunities. Visiting artists enrich the curriculum during the academic year, in teaching, choreographic, and performing residencies.

Individual academic and professional advising are a fundamental practice in dance. Faculty advisors assess the development and progress of each dance student. As a student with a dance major or minor, you are expected to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in dance core work (dance technique and choreography) and a 2.7 GPA overall in dance courses; if your work does not meet these criteria, you may be placed on probation or advised to modify your program of study.

Scholarship auditions for incoming freshmen are in November and January. Schedule an appointment in advance by contacting the School of Dance directly (740-593-1828 or dance@ohio.edu). Transfer students who wish to major in dance must audition for admission. An appointment for an audition and information on proficiency requirements can be obtained by contacting the dance program.

An honors tutorial program in dance is available for exceptionally talented and motivated students. This individualized program of study requires a distinctive combination of high school grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, and special achievements. If eligible, you must complete the application, audition, and interview processes by November 15. (see Honors Tutorial College for requirements and deadlines at http://www.honors.ohio.edu/dance.htm).

Ohio University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Dance Admission Requirements

Dance Majors: An application and audition are required for all students who plan to major in dance.  Auditions are held in November and January. The audition is in the form of a dance class and does not require presentation of previously learned materials. If you wish to be considered for talent scholarships, you must audition by February 1; otherwise, an audition appointment can be made during the school year. Contact the School of Dance, 740.593.1828, for information. Though all prospective students are encouraged to attend auditions on the Ohio University campus, digital/video auditions may be accepted under extenuating circumstances.

Dance Minors: All students who intend to complete a minor in dance must fill out the online form “College of Fine Arts Application for Update of Academic Program”: https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25DjACpmC4WKV7v  Other requirements for each program are listed below.

Somatic Studies Minor: No audition is required for this minor. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a dance faculty member to plan their course of study.

Dance History and Theory Minor: No audition is required for this minor. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a dance faculty member to plan their course of study.

Dance Performance and Choreography Minor: In addition to the application form, students must complete one of the following:

1. Successfully complete the dance major audition.
2. Successfully complete a non-major dance technique course and acquire faculty recommendation to begin the minor. Note: non-major courses that count toward the minor may be taken before auditioning for admittance to the majors-level studio courses.

Programs

• Dance Major (B.A.)

• Dance—Performance and Choreography Major (B.F.A.)

• Dance Production Certificate
• Dance: History and Theory Minor
• Dance: Somatic Studies Minor
• Dance—Performance and Choreography Minor