Extracurricular dance opportunities vary immensely from school to school. Some are audition only, some are open to all. Some have huge budgets, require long hours of rehearsal, and provide many performance opportunities, while others may be just for fun.

Generally, extracurricular dance groups are more laid back than curricular programs and provide extra performance, choreographic, and (since they are often student-run) leadership opportunities – all of which will look great on a resume later. When visiting a school’s dance program, you may also want to watch a rehearsal or performance of an extracurricular dance group and talk to students who are involved. Many groups post videos and contact info on a website. Since they’re usually not faculty-run, they may not be mentioned on the dance department’s page. Check a student activities, organizations, or clubs page, instead.

Extracurricular programs can be an alternative to double majoring, provide an outlet for students who aren’t accepted into a dance major program or don’t want to dance professionally, or offer an opportunity to try a new form of dance.

Check Out:
“Bhangra Boom” from Dance Magazine, Nov 2008
“You Didn’t Get In . . . Now What?” from Dance Spirit Magazine, Sept 2008
"Ballet on Campus" from Dance Spirit Magazine, April 2009