Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University

- Mather Dance, 11201 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

For those in the Northeast Ohio region with a passion for dance, the Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University stands as a beacon of academic and artistic excellence. As one of the oldest Master of Fine Arts (MFA) dance institutions in the United States, it offers a high-quality education in a conservatory-like environment. Located in the vibrant University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, the department provides an unparalleled opportunity for serious students and community members alike to engage with dance on a profound level. The curriculum, while rigorous, is designed to be accessible to various skill levels, making it a valuable resource for anyone from a curious beginner to a seasoned professional. The department is a hub of creativity, research, and performance, with a legacy that has shaped generations of dancers, choreographers, and dance educators.

The Department of Dance is renowned for its focus on modern and contemporary dance, but its offerings are broad and comprehensive. Students and community members can participate in classes that cover not only technique but also dance history, choreography, and kinesiology. This holistic approach ensures that dancers are not just learning steps but are also gaining a deeper understanding of the art form, their bodies, and the cultural context of dance. The department's faculty includes distinguished professionals who have performed with and been a part of world-renowned companies like the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Jose Limón Company. Their expertise and dedication provide students with a top-tier educational experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. This focus on both practical training and theoretical knowledge is what makes the Department of Dance a standout institution in the Midwest and beyond.

The Department of Dance is located in the Mather Dance building at 11201 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Its prime location within the Case Western Reserve University campus places it in the heart of Cleveland's cultural and arts district, University Circle. This proximity to institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Institute of Music creates a rich, interdisciplinary environment for students and visitors. Accessibility is a key feature of the location. The department provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can easily access the facilities. The Mather Dance Center itself is a well-known venue for performances and classes, and its convenient location makes it a central meeting point for the Cleveland dance community and the university campus.

For local Ohio residents, whether you are a university student or not, the accessibility of the department's offerings is a huge advantage. While the core programs are for university students, many of the lower-level technique classes are open to non-majors. This allows community members and students from other disciplines to participate in high-quality dance training. The commitment to a welcoming and inclusive environment is reflected in the department's "good for kids" designation, indicating that it is a safe and suitable place for younger students to begin their dance journey. The presence of the department within a major research university means that it also offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with fields like dance science and wellness, a program that is one of the first of its kind in a U.S. graduate dance program.

Services Offered

• Ballet Classes: Regular classes in ballet technique for various skill levels.
• Dance Program: Academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in dance.
• Dance Technique Class: Courses focused on developing specific dance techniques, including contemporary and modern dance.
• Individual Course: Students may register for specific classes without being enrolled in a full degree program, subject to applicable consent.
• Regular Class: Ongoing classes for students enrolled at the university.
• Technique Classes: Courses covering a variety of dance techniques for both majors, minors, and non-majors.
• The Dance Classes: A broad term for the entire range of dance instruction offered by the department, from introductory to advanced.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in various concerts and productions, including the Mather Dance Collective (MaDaCol).

Features / Highlights

• Expert Faculty: The department boasts a faculty of renowned professionals who have extensive performance, choreography, and teaching experience with celebrated dance companies.
• Dancer Wellness Program: A unique program with an emphasis on dancer health, nutrition, and injury prevention, which is a leading feature of the graduate program.
• Accessibility: The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, making it an inclusive space for all.
• Good for Kids: The department provides a positive and safe environment suitable for children and younger learners, a valuable asset for local families.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: The curriculum encourages students to engage with other fields of study, such as dance history and science, fostering a well-rounded education.
• Historical Significance: The department is one of the oldest MFA dance institutions in the country, with a rich history of excellence and innovation.
• Diverse Offerings: Provides a wide range of academic and non-academic opportunities, from technique classes for non-majors to rigorous graduate degree programs.
• Campus and Community Integration: The department is a key part of the Case Western Reserve University campus and is well-integrated into Cleveland's vibrant arts scene.

Contact Information

Address: Mather Dance, 11201 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: (216) 368-2854

What is worth choosing

What makes the Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University so special and worth choosing is its ability to offer an elite, comprehensive dance education within a supportive and collaborative environment. This is not just a dance studio; it is a center of excellence that combines high-level professional training with the academic rigor of a top-tier university. Alumni consistently praise the in-depth training and coursework, noting how it "shaped my way of moving, feeling and seeing my body" and prepared them for successful careers as dancers, teachers, and arts administrators. The mentorship provided by faculty members is a recurring theme in testimonials, with former students expressing gratitude for the "encouraging and positive presence" of their teachers, even years after graduation.

For those in Ohio, this institution represents a unique local opportunity. You can receive a world-class dance education without having to leave the state. The department's focus on areas like contemporary dance and its pioneering Dancer Wellness Program demonstrates its forward-thinking approach, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of the 21st-century dance world. Furthermore, the environment is noted for being incredibly supportive. Former students have said that the "family that I found at Mather Dance Center helped me to overcome this homesickness," highlighting the strong community forged within its walls. This combination of a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and a nurturing community is what makes the Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University a truly exceptional choice for anyone serious about dance. It is a place that not only trains excellent dancers but also nurtures the "next generation of teachers, researchers, and artistic leaders."

Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University

Mather Dance, 11201 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA