The Dance Program at Old Dominion University engages students in dynamic and transformative processes of dance training, multidisciplinary collaboration, scholarly research, and pedagogical studies. We are distinguished by our commitment to equity and justice that permeates every aspect of our program: from a curriculum that honors a diversity of dance forms to our investment in each student as a
distinct and valuable part of our community. Students who major in dance take courses in hip hop, jazz, modern dance, ballet, Pilates, anatomy/kinesiology, improvisation, composition, dance history, teaching principles, acting, and filmmaking. Our shared values highlight the interdependence of thinking and moving, and we define dancing as a form of creative expression, critical inquiry, and knowledge production. Our program offers students a BA in Theater and Dance with a dance emphasis or a dance education emphasis. The Dance Program is part of the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, which offers courses in theatre, film, media studies, and communication studies. Dance students have multiple opportunities to perform, choreograph, and collaborate with classmates in other programs. University Dance Theatre, composed of students, faculty, and guest artists, presents two fully mounted concerts per year. These concerts feature a variety of dance forms showcasing choreography by students, faculty, and guest artists. Recent guest choreographers have included Janessa Clark, Rebecca Levy, and Cameron McKinney. In addition to these performance opportunities, students can join the ODU Dance Association. This is a student-led organization that presents workshops, master classes, and Student Choreography Showcases every year. The Dance Program has three full-time and 10 part-time faculty members, and dancers are attracted to our classes because each student feels honored, respected, and part of a community. Students at ODU represent a wide variety of nationalities and identities, from all 50 states and over 100 different countries. Total enrollment is about 20,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students. On-campus housing is available. Our proximity to Richmond, VA and Washington, DC make it possible to host classes with visiting artists as well as to attend performances in these cities. The dance facilities include four studios and a fully equipped Pilates studio with six reformers. Auditions are held annually; please check the website or contact the program director for dates and more information. Scholarships are available through the dance department and the office of financial aid.
