If you’ve studied dance at a studio for years, you’re probably strong on technique but may not have encountered other aspects of dance that you’ll focus on in college. Dance majors study the entire art of dance, which encompasses much more than technique and performance. College courses include dance history, anatomy and kinesiology, choreography, improvisation, somatics (like yoga and Pilates), stage lighting and design, pedagogy, and more. If you’re coming from a performing arts school, you may have already encountered some of these since more and more high school dance programs include them in their curriculums.

The other big difference is the amount of time that you’ll be devoting to dance. Dance majors take at least one and often two technique classes per day along with other studio courses like variations, partnering and composition. They have regular rehearsals and performances that occupy many evenings. And still must find time to complete assignments for academic subjects.

Check out:
DMCG 09-10, pg. 13, “Letter to a Future Dance Major”
DS Sept 08, pg 105 “A Week in the Life”
DMCG 07-08, pg 18, “Turning Pointe,”