Dance
Artistic expression; technical excellence; transferable skills.
If you dream of performing, choreographing, teaching, running a studio, or engaging with your community, a degree in dance can help you set the stage.
The պ Department of Dance is a classical ballet program rooted in the liberal arts tradition. պ University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Our Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts offerings emphasize the development of professional dancers, teachers, choreographers and scholars.
The rigorous programming emphasizes high quality training in a supportive environment from a faculty of experienced professionals, with the mission to generate leaders in the dance field.
In addition to numerous performing opportunities (regionally, nationally, and internationally), our diverse curriculum (which includes an array of dance techniques, history, choreography, pedagogy, theory, and dance-related sciences), offers enough flexibility to accommodate the pursuit of a minor or even a second major. With leadership development as a goal, our department houses three clubs and offers service opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
Through our program you will gain experiences and cultivate skills that are necessary for the dance field, and are also applicable and transferable to a wide variety of careers.
Fast Facts
- Students can choose between a more rigorous BFA track, or the B.A. track with options to minor and double major in other areas.
- Each year the dance department brings in between five to eight guest artists to work with majors in masterclass and residency formats.
- The Dance Department is home to fourdifferent performance ensembles including the պ Dancers, The Liturgical Dance Ensemble, SoMar Dance Works, and Dance Outreach.
- Dance majors will have the opportunity to perform between two to four times a year in our mainstage performances at the beautiful Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, regardless of year or age.
- Audition for the Department of Dance, REQUIRED
- Additional courses in each category may be taken if desired and as schedule allows
- MANDATORY enrollment in a technique class for a full semester if enrolled in Company Ensemble
- Casting in a Company Ensemble production is by audition and not guaranteed
- It is suggested that a student complete the minor close to consecutive years to retain the technical level seen in the initial audition
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the classical and contemporary ballet focused program is designed to offer a wide range of mandated curriculum in dance that will include courses in a diverse array of dance techniques, history, choreography, pedagogy, dance sciences and most importantly, numerous performance opportunities. Leadership development opportunities are abundant forperforming ensembles that tour regionally, nationally, and internationally as well as three clubs, service, internships, and study abroad programs.
Before students graduate, they are offered a variety of main stage performance opportunities, includingfaculty and guest artist concerts, full length ballets, musicals, student choreography concerts and performances withSoMar Dance Works (by audition only) and The պ Dancers. Students are regularly introduced to renowned guest teachers and choreographers, and are encouraged to participate in theatreand opera where dance opportunities are available.To extend their academic and dance achievements, the program also boasts a collection of student run organizations including Dance Club, Liturgical Dance Ensemble, and the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.
This degree is targeted to students who aspire to a career in professional concert, commercial performance and/or choreography with long term goals set on leadership following their performance career. The degree mandates additional curriculum in dance techniques, performances and choreography to support professional experiences and leadership in these areas of the field. It can also accommodate some dual majors.
This program is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a rigorous degree program of combined general and dance studies. The degreeallows a student to complete a dual major or minor that complementary to the field and/or a concentration in pedagogyor to completeaccelerated programming.Emphasis is placed on the development of transferable skills that will support transitions inside or outside the dance field.
Consists of 12 credits as follows:
DANC 475: Internship (3 credits)
3 additional credits from the following:
DANC 180: Intro. to Labanotation (3 credits)
DANC 200: Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 380: Choreography II (3 credits)
DANC 485: Senior Seminar (Pedagogical Research) (3 credits)
3 additional Dance Technique Elective credits (1-3)
3 additional from the following:
DANC 291, 292: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 391, 392: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 491, 492: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique
Recommended:
PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
EDEC 101: Early Foundations (3 credits)
ESPE 101: Psychology of Diverse Learners (3 credits)
EDEC 105: Health and Wellness (3 credits)
ESPE 201: Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
PSYC 235: Sports Psychology (3 credits) *Offered in 2020
EDEC 301: Early Childhood Methods (3 credits)
Those interested in teaching adaptive dance might also consider a minor in Special Education or Art Therapy.
Consists of 21 credits as follows:
ACCT 101: Principles of Accounting (3 credits)
MGMT 120: Principles of Management (3 credits)
MKTG 162: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
DANC 200: Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 475: Arts Management Internship (3 credits)
2 electives of the following, at least one 300 level course.
ART 128: Graphic Design Basics (3 credits)
COM 240: Digital Video Production (3 credits)
COM 260: Intro. to Social Media (3 credits)
ART 321: Intro. to Website Design (3 credits)
COM 312: Communication & Social Responsibility (3 credits)
COM 314: Global Communications (3 credits)
COM 330: Web & Social Media Analytics & Strategies (3 credits) *Requires COM 260 to be taken previously or concurrently
Consists of 24 credits as follows:
Dance Technique (12 credits)
Ballet (3 credits) *6 credits, REQUIRED
DANC 151: Modern I and/or DANC 251: Modern II (2 credits) *Modern I REQUIRED, pre-requisite for Modern II
DANC 161: Jazz I and/or DANC 261: Jazz II (2 credits) *Jazz I REQUIRED, pre-requisite for Jazz II
Dance Technique Electives (2 credits)
Various courses to choose from (1 credit)
Performance Courses (3 credits)
Company Ensemble (1 credit) – 2 credits REQUIRED; must be enrolled concurrently in a technique class
DANC 190: Production Practicum (1 credit) – REQUIRED
Theory Courses (6 credits) *Choose two of the courses listed
DANC 110: Dance History (3 credits)
DANC 106: Music for Dancers (3 credits)
DANC 280: Choreography I (3 credits) *Pre-requisite – Sophomore standing or higher
*Recommended that students take Music for Dancers or Dance History before Choreography 1
Physical Maintenance (1 credit) *Choose one of the courses listed
DANC 150: Dance Conditioning (1 credit)
DANC 104: Pilates: Mind/Body Mat Practice (1 credit)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level of technical mastery in ballet and/or other dance discipline(s)
- Identify a significant body of theoretical and historical knowledge pertaining to the dance field
- Produce and present work by confronting professional problems through analysis, experimentation, and development of coherent goals, evident in scholarly and creative presentations
- Recognize and assess positive approaches to mental and physical health, professional theatrical aesthetic, and injury-free work ethic
Discover Dance at պ
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PerformancesEach year, students from the պ Dance Department perform in two to four mainstage productions at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. |
Career OutcomesOur graduates have performed with the St. Louis Ballet, Cleveland Ballet Conservatory, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Dance/USA and with touring Broadway and European stage productions. |
Perform GloballyStudents have studied and danced internationally in locations such as Ireland, Australia, Amsterdam, London, and Jerusalem. |
- Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 – 2 and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 9, 2024 – 11 and 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25, 2025 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27, 2025 – 2 p.m.
- A minimum of three years professional experience
- The ability to reside in Erie, Pa.
- A completed application form
- Three recent letters of recommendation from directors, instructors, choreographers and/or colleagues to show evidence of leadership potential
- A personal biography narrative, outlining your career path, aspirations and professional interests
- Your résumé
- Video documentation of performances, choreography and/or teaching
- Support documentation: photos, programs, reviews, interviews, etc.
- An on-campus interview with the faculty
- American Ballet Theatre
- Arts Council of Erie
- Ballet Concerto
- Ballet New England
- Ballet Theatre Midwest
- Graphic Design
- Boston Dance Company
- Broadway Dance Center
- California Ballet School Inc.
- Count Basie Theatre
- Dancenter
- Disney College Program
- Erie Bayfront Dance
- Erie County Historical Society
- Erie Dance Conservatory
- Erie Dance Consortium
- Erie Philharmonic
- Hersheypark Entertainment
- Hilton Head Dance School
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Lake Erie Ballet School
- Macfadden
- պ Ballet Theatre
- պ College Dance Department
- պ College Summer Dance Experience
- պ University Center for Arts/Culture
- Morriss Center (The)
- NWPA Collegiate Academy
- Paige Conservation, Inc.
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
- Pittsburgh Youth Ballet
- SoMar Dance Works
- WRKT/WRTS
2024 Performance Schedule
The պ Dance Department strives to make an impact on the survival of high-quality classical and contemporary ballet and the building of future leaders in the arts. Experience the culmination of these emerging artists’ creative exploration and discovery as performers and choreographers.
Choreography III Concert
Walker Recital Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 – 8 p.m.
FREE
Polychromatic
Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center
Like a prism refracts light, creating the full spectrum of colors, Polychromatic is an array of the many shades that dance can embody. Building on their consistent reputation as Erie’s premiere dance ensemble, the պ Dancers presents a mixed repertoire concert of neoclassical and contemporary works by both faculty and guest artist choreographers. Polychromatic is a concert not to miss.
'Tis the Season
Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center
‘Tis the season for trumpets and tutus, sugar plums, and saxophones! Let the պ Dancers and Jazz Ensemble put you in the holiday spirit with a concert of music and movement. Swing into the holidays with the Jazz Ensemble’s big band collection of seasonal tunes. The պ Dancers will also present “The Nutcracker Suite.” Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless seasonal classic, this beloved ballet is a feast for the eyes. ‘Tis the Season is perfect for the whole family.
Choreography II Showcase
danceSpace Palmer Studio
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 8 p.m.
FREE
Raw Edges XXVII
Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, պ University
Join the պ Dancers as they celebrate 27 years of cutting-edge choreography. With an exciting mix of music and themes, Raw Edges XXVII features innovative dance works by emerging artists. Included in the program is an interactive Q&A session with the program’s choreographers as they discuss their inspirations and creative processes. Experience an audience favorite and պ tradition at Raw Edges XXVII.
Are you a professional dancer in transition? Now is the time to advance your career and apply your professional experience toward a baccalaureate degree at պ University.
There are many exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those individuals who are educationally prepared. The պ University Returning Professional Program features experienced faculty, a national reputation for excellence and the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the students.
If you are a ballet dancer with three years of professional experience, պ offers you the opportunity to turn your life experience into transferrable credits towards a baccalaureate degree in dance, or one of 40 other majors.
In this win/win program, the university benefits from your experience, while you move more easily through your career transition. The Returning Professional Program emphasizes the importance of planning for the long-term future by offering a B.A. degree with a concentration in pedagogy or a BFA degree.
Life Experience/Transfer Credits
Based on a professional experience portfolio presented at the onset of admission, returning professionals who apply for our program have the option of petitioning the Dance Department to accept up to 24 elective transfer of life experience credits toward a non-dance major, or up to 37 transfer or life experience credits within the dance major. Credits could be a combination of the following:
16credits Ballet Technique
6 credits Pointe/Men’s Technique
4credits Modern, Tap, Jazz, Music Theatre
3credits Dance History
3-9credits Choreography I-III
3 credits Pedagogy
3 credits Kinesiology
6credits Company Ensemble
If pursing a B.A. degree in dance, you would be required to enter and complete the program in applied theory (pedagogy).
Admissions Requirements
Transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities are considered for acceptance. A limited number of scholarships, stipends, financial aid and work-study opportunities are available.
The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of.
The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of.
Each year, dance department presents internationally acclaimed guest teachers from companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Bad Boys of Dance, Ballet Hispanico, Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, MOMIX, New York City Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Pilobolus, Paul Taylor Dance Company, STREB Extreme Action, Trey McIntyre Project, Royal Danish Ballet, and Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai. Below is a list of some of our master classes, guest artists, residencies, and other opportunities that have been affiliated with the պ University Dance Department in the past:
| Robert Barnett | JumpStart | Former Artistic Director of Atlanta Ballet | |
| Shannon Lee West | JumpStart | Resident Choreographer-Missouri Contemporary Ballet | |
| Kara Jones | JumpStart | Rockettes | |
| Amanda Edge | Master Classes Residency | New York City Ballet, Current performer with “Phantom” on Broadway | |
| Matthew Prescott | Master Classes/Guest Artist Chat | Instructor for Joffrey NYC, Interlochen Arts Academy, Former dancer with Joffrey Ballet, Current performer with “Phantom” on Broadway | |
| Maria Caruso | Master Classes | Bodiography Contemporary Ballet | |
| Ursula Payne | Master Classes/Residency | Slippery Rock University Dance Department Chair | |
| Compagnie Käfig | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC | |
| Moscow Festival Ballet | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC | |
| Diego Salterini | Master Classes | Co-director and Co-founder of DANCE!Now Ensemble | |
| Bad Boys of Dance (Rasta Thomas) | Master Classes | Performance in MIAC | |
| Laura Alonso | Master Classes |
-Performed with Ballet National de Cuba for 25 years -Stages classics for London’s Royal Ballet School and The Royal Danish Ballet |
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| Vivi Flindt | Master Classes | -Originated many roles with The Royal Danish Ballet | |
| Bill Evans | Residency |
-Undergraduate program director at the College at Brackport & State University of New York -Professor of Dance at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque -Artistic & Executive Director of the Bill Evans Dance Company -Creator of the Evans Modern Dance Technique |
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| Maria Caruso | Master Classes | -Artistic Director of Bodiography Contemporary Ballet | |
| Lisa de Ribre | Master Classes |
-Choreographer -Former dancer with New York City Ballet and Soloist with American Ballet Theater |
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| Chita Rivera | Guest Artist Chat | -Original Broadway Cast of West Side Story, Chicago, Bye-Bye Birdie | |
| Tim Veach | Master Classes | -Director, Columbus Dance Theater | |
| Amanda Dunster | Guest Choreographer |
-Ballet Mistress for Pennsylvania Ballet -Stage La Fille Mal Garde on The պ Dancers |
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| Eddie Tovar | Guest Artist |
-Past principal of Texas Ballet Theater -Past company member of Orlando Ballet |
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| Bruce Marks | Guest Artist |
-Internationally acclaimed dancer, teacher, choreographer, artistic director, consultant, and competition judge -Metropolitan Opera Ballet, ABT, Royal Danish Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, etc |
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| Nancy Jordan | Guest Choreographer |
-Stage Limon repetoire as member of Jose Limon Foundation -Previous ballet mistress of the Juilliard School |
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| Wei Wu | Masterclass/Guest Choreographer | -Liaoning Ballet Academy of China | |
| Daniel Lewis | Guest Choreographer | -Jose Limon Foundation |
C. Noelle Partusch, MFA
Chair, Department of Dance