Dance at Grand Valley

Bachelor of Arts in Dance (BA) | Dance Minor



Welcome

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, hip hop, African dance forms, and jazz, dancers hone their craft in small classes. 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.

photo by darren breen

Photos by Darren Breen

Dance
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Degrees Offered

Dance Degrees Offered

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 video audition consisting of phrases set by the program. 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 movement class, performance of a short solo, creative practice, and an interview with the faculty.

Course Catalog: B.A. in Dance 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 video audition consisting of phrases set by the program. 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 a movement class, performance of a short solo, creative practice, and an interview with the faculty.

Course Catalog: Dance Minor Apply


Performance Opportunities

Dance Company

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.

Current & Past Guest Artists

dance company

Momentum

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. 

momentum

Upcoming Events

Spring Dance Day

March 22, 2024 All Day

Senior Dance Concert

April 12, 2024 7:00 PM

Senior Dance Concert

April 13, 2024 2:00 PM

View More MTD Events


Get Connected to GVSU Dance

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edgar

GV Forum Feature: Winter 2023

GV Forum highlighted new Dance faculty member Edgar Page in their January 2023 newsletter!

https://www.gvsu.edu/forum/view.htm?articleId=EF808A6D-90F0-4EA3-97246595928BE7A5


Dance 2015

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.

Carrie Spotlight

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/.



Page last modified August 7, 2023