Inspiration of water featured in GVSU Fall Arts Celebration dance performance
Oct 23, 2019
The Grand Valley State University Dance Program pairs rigorous technical training with support of students' personal artistic growth as performers, choreographers, and dance scholars. Through study of dance techniques including modern, ballet, and jazz, dancers hone their craft in small classes. Additional opportunities in pointe, men’s technique, and partnering are available. Ample performance opportunities challenge students’ versatility, and classes in choreography, history, and theory underpin students’ physical practice. The GVSU Dance Program enables each dancer to interact within a dynamic group of performers while building a network of resources for their future career.
Photos by Darren Breen
The B.A. in dance provides students extensive training to develop and
refine techniques in various idioms of dance. Students develop their
abilities through a wide range of courses combining practical and
theoretical skills that emphasize critical thought and growth as an
artist. The department encourages collaboration across disciplines and
provides opportunities to explore innovative areas in dance history,
theory, dance and technology, choreography, pedagogy, anatomy and
physiology, and production. We highlight performance opportunities in
the work of world-renowned guest artists, maintain currency in the
dance community at large, and graduate informed members of the dance
community. Class sizes are small and offer each student individual
attention from dance faculty.
Admission
Participation in the dance program is by audition only. Audition information can be found at gvsu.edu/mtd/danceaudition. When considerable geographical distance prevents a personal audition, the applicant may, with the permission of the program, submit a DVD or link to online video containing ballet barre and center classroom work and modern or jazz center classroom work along with a resume. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual talent and potential, and are renewable annually if performance and academic standards are maintained. Auditions will consist of a ballet technique class, a modern technique class, performance of a short solo, and meeting with the faculty.
Course Catalog: B.A. in Dance Student Learning Outcomes: Dance, BA Apply
For those students interested in continuing their dance training on a less intense course, we offer the Dance Minor. A student choosing to minor in dance must complete a minimum of 23 credit hours in dance.
Admission
Participation in the dance program is by audition only. An audition
schedule and application form can be found at gvsu.edu/mtd/danceaudition.
When considerable geographical distance prevents a personal audition,
the applicant may, with the permission of the program, submit a DVD or
link to online video containing ballet barre and center classroom work
and modern or jazz center classroom work along with a resume.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual talent and
potential, and are renewable annually if performance and academic
standards are maintained. Auditions will consist of a ballet technique
class, a modern technique class, performance of a short solo, and
meeting with the faculty.
Course
Catalog: Dance Minor Apply
In addition to classes, workshops, informal showings, and student choreography concerts, dance students have the opportunity to perform with the GVSU Dance Company.
The Dance Company performs the works of faculty and guest artists, along with select student works, in two annual mainstage performances. These concerts are held in the Louis Armstrong Theatre on the GVSU Allendale campus. Keep an eye on our events calendar to see when you can join us.
MOMENTUM is a student-service organization focused on providing dance experiences to the wider GVSU and Grand Rapids communities. MOMENTUM is focused on teaching excellence in technique and performance. Our goal is to serve as an outlet for students to work on their dance technique and serve the community through the art of dance. This is a great way to meet new people interested in brightening the community and sharing the passion for dance. MOMENTUM will showcase student choreography and dance in an end of the semester performance, where all donations collected will be given to the charity of the organization members choosing.
Last spring, GV Magazine was documenting our process for our Spring Dance Concert. And then the pandemic happened.
Read more at https://www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine/the-time-the-show-couldnt--go-on.htm
The GVSU Freshman Dance Company performed with saxophone professor Dr. Dan Graser at the kick-off for ArtPrize Project One on Saturday, September 7th.
Left photo: Freshman Dance Company poses on Heather Hart's "The Oracle of the Soulmates"
Right photo: Freshman Dance Company with GVSU President Philomena Mantella
Learn more about the GVSU Dance Program from this video created by Jenny Barreca, a 2018 graduate of the GVSU Dance Program.
This video follows two Dance Majors through the development of their Fall 2015 Senior Capstone Projects culminating in the Senior Dance Concert. Each senior is responsible for a group piece and solo piece.
Learn from Dance Faculty Member, Carrie Morris, why you should be a part of the GVSU Dance Program. See the full spotlight on Carrie here.
The Dance Program is part of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance belongs to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Learn more at gvsu.edu/clas/.