Posting Date: October 20, 2008
Dance program admits first class of dance majors
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The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies offered admission to 34 dance majors who will begin course work towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance in January 2009. The first class of new majors consists of a mix of existing and incoming KSU students who auditioned on Oct. 3 to secure admission into KSU's growing dance program.
The new dance major curriculum allows students an opportunity to develop a concentration in ballet, modern or jazz, as well as take classes in areas such as dance pedagogy, history, kinesiology, criticism and somatic techniques. All dance majors will be required to perform for two years with the KSU Dance Company, as well as gain practical experience in the field through a professional internship. The new dance major is the latest degree program added to the College of the Arts in response to the success of its dance minor program that has enrolled over 140 students in the last three years.
The KSU Dance Program has received regional and national recognition in its relatively short existence, and performed at leading metro Atlanta venues such as the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. In spring 2008 the KSU Dance Company received top honors at the American College Dance Festival and was selected among over 30 university dance programs in the southeast to perform at the national festival in New York City. "Incubus" was one of 29 dances selected from 430 that were adjudicated across the country. The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies produces a variety of main stage, studio and touring dance performances every year, providing students with a number of performance and stage management opportunities.
The department plans to admit approximately 50 dance majors into the program every year through its three annual auditions. According to Sam Robinson, assistant dean for admission and enrollment management, "we admitted a larger number of students in our first audition this year since we did not hold auditions in July, and had a number of existing students who were qualified and eagerly awaiting the launch of the new major." The next dance major audition will be held Feb. 13, 2009.
The launch of the new dance major at KSU is an important landmark for the College of the Arts as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. If the past 3 years are any indication of a pattern of growth and artistic excellence, the KSU Dance Program is well on its way to becoming a leader in undergraduate dance education in the southeast.