Dance Major

The Dance major will no longer accept new students after December 18, 2020.

As a dance major, you will receive pre-professional training as a dancer while pursuing a liberal arts education. Dance majors are encouraged to attend the New York Arts Program or an off-campus internship with a dance company.

About the Major

You will take 11 required courses in modern dance and theatre. You also will complete a senior project, from a range of opportunities that suit your performance or research interests. You are expected to be involved in one theatre or dance production every semester. Through this experience, you will become close with fellow students and professors in the department.

Related Minors

Theory to Practice

At OWU, you connect the classroom and the real world. A Theory-to-Practice Grant could fund your original research, internship, or creative project throughout the world.

Many dance majors participate in the New York Arts Program, where you can live in New York City and intern with a professional arts organization for a full semester.

The OWU Connection Theory-to-Practice Grants New York Arts Program

New York Internship

Dance major Jeremy Griffin-Jackson '17, interned with a professional dance company through the New York Arts Program.

Watch the Video

Multiple Majors

Kimberly McCalmont '19, right, is a double major in Dance and Genetics. She's served as President of Terpsicorps and teaches dance classes at the local Delaware Arts Castle.

Dance Conference

Yasmin Radzi ‘16, Maddie Presley-Wolff ‘16, Jeunesse Jacobs ‘16, and Lauren Holler ‘15 were awarded grants to attend and present their work at the American College Dance Association conference. They taught material upon returning to campus.

Student Leader

Emily Rupp '18 choreographs her own pieces for Orchesis and Terpsicorps.

Highlights

Orchesis Dance Concert

This is the department’s annual modern dance concert, highlighting original work by students, faculty, and guest choreographers.

Jannuzi Dance Studio

The brand new dance studio in the Simpson Querrey Fitness Center is for all dance classes and rehearsals. It features a fully sprung performance floor and presentation seating.

Facilities

New York Arts Program

You can spend a semester in a New York City internship, learning what you can do with your major in the real world. Recent students have interned at New York dance companies.

Dance Club

TerpsiCorps, the student-run dance club holds an annual dance performance showcasing a broad range of dance styles.

Graduate Outcomes

Lauren Holler '15

Lauren is enrolled at the Cleveland Marshall Law School.

Award Winner

Josh Brown ’04 is a 10-season veteran of Cleveland’s Inlet Dance Theatre and received a 2014 Community Partnership for Arts and Culture Fellowship in Cleveland. Josh majored in theatre education and minored in dance at Ohio Wesleyan.

Graduate School

Marissa Esber '14 was actively involved in Terpsicorps. After graduating, she earned an M.S. in Kinesiology and Sport Psychology from Temple University.

Double Majors

Yasmin Radzi '16 double majored in Neuroscience and Dance. She is now a Research Assistant at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Success in Multiple Industries

As an undergraduate, Amanda Kissner '00 studied Dance and Theatre. She now is an Agent Owner at Rose Insurance Agency in Defiance, Ohio.

Headlines

Events

A Look at Dance

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Terpsicorps

Orchesis 17/18

Jannuzi Dance Studio

Jannuzi Dance Studio is housed in Simpson-Querry Fitness Center, dedicated 2015.

Terpsicorps

Orchesis

The members of Orchesis 16-17 pose for a photo.

Workshop with Pacer Dance Team

Delaware City Schools’ Pacer Dance Team 2016-2017 takes part in a master dance class led by OWU's Jeremy Griffin-Jackson assisted by Cay Johnson, Isaac Kochman, and Rachel Meer.

Terpsicorps

Rehearsal in the dance studio.

Terpsicorps

Orchesis 17/18

Professor Rashana Perks Smith leads a rehearsal.

Video: Behind the Scenes at Orchesis 2014

Student Leader

As a Sophomore, Hayley Glessner '19 (middle right) choreographed her own piece for Orchesis 16/17. Her piece dealt with societal pressures women face, and the process of accepting yourself.

Orchesis Rehearsal

Students warm up in the Jannuzi Dance Studio.

Jannuzi Dance Studio Opening

Orchesis

Department Contact Info

Location

Chappelear Drama Center
45 Rowland Ave.
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3845
F 740-368-3858
E thtrdnce@owu.edu

Department Contact

Chairperson: D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.
740-368-3847
dgvander@owu.edu

Office Manager/ Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Beach
740-368-3846
eabeach@owu.edu