The Ohio State Department of Dance: A Hub for Artistic Excellence in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State Department of Dance Introduce

The Ohio State University Department of Dance, a premier program at the forefront of contemporary dance, is a beacon of artistic and intellectual inquiry in Columbus, Ohio. Located in the historic Sullivant Hall, the department is a vibrant community where students and faculty engage in "embodied scholarship," a unique approach that intertwines physical practice, creative activity, and theoretical inquiry. For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and scholars in Ohio and beyond, this department offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for a multifaceted career in the field. The program is not just about technique; it's about cultivating "artist-citizens" who are committed to leadership, community, and social justice. This holistic educational philosophy sets it apart, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled movers but also critical thinkers and advocates for the art form.

The department's commitment to excellence is reflected in its high national ranking, positioning it as a top destination for dance education. Students at Ohio State are challenged to develop a sophisticated understanding of dance's role in human culture while mastering performance and choreographic skills. The curriculum encourages an interdisciplinary approach, fostering a creative environment where students can explore experimental technologies, dance history, and theory. The faculty, a diverse group of world-renowned artists, scholars, and teachers, serve as mentors, deeply invested in the promise and future of each student. They provide the guidance and support necessary for students to become visionaries and leaders in their communities. While the provided information doesn't include specific customer reviews, the department's public reputation as a leader in dance studies speaks for itself. It is a place where students can truly find their passion and be set up for a bright and impactful future in the world of dance.

The Ohio State Department of Dance is housed in Sullivant Hall at 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210. This location places it right in the heart of The Ohio State University's main campus, making it easily accessible for students and visitors. Sullivant Hall itself has undergone a significant renovation to become more transparent and inviting. Its new glass curtainwall on the north side, facing the Wexner plaza, creates an open and welcoming facade for both the university and the city.

Accessibility is a key priority for the department and the university as a whole. The building features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that people with mobility challenges can navigate the facility with ease. The transparent design of the building not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides clarity of access, making it simple for people to find their way to classrooms, studios, and performance spaces. This commitment to an inclusive environment is a significant highlight for anyone considering a visit or enrolling in a program.

The Ohio State Department of Dance offers a wide range of academic and creative services, catering to a diverse student body.

Undergraduate Programs: The department offers two primary undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performance and Choreography and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance. The BFA is a rigorous, pre-professional program for those who wish to focus on creating and performing, while the BA provides a broad study of dance within a liberal arts framework.
Graduate Programs: For those seeking advanced study, the department offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance and a PhD in Dance Studies. These programs are designed for emerging artists and scholars who want to delve into advanced research, critical theory, and choreography.
Dance Minors and Electives: In addition to its degree programs, the department offers various minors and electives for students who want to supplement their primary studies. Options include minors in Choreography and Performance, Dance History and Theory, and Dance Somatic Studies.
Movement Practices: The curriculum includes a diverse array of physical practices beyond traditional contemporary dance, such as Africanist dance, ballet, improvisation, and somatic practices like Pilates and Yoga. This variety ensures students become versatile movers prepared for a wide range of professional contexts.
Research and Production: Students have opportunities for research and hands-on production experience. The curriculum integrates courses in dance composition, music in dance, and interdisciplinary workshops, allowing students to explore the intersection of dance with other art forms and technologies.

The Ohio State Department of Dance distinguishes itself with a number of key features that make it a standout institution.

National Recognition: The department is consistently ranked as one of the best dance programs in the United States, a testament to its academic rigor and artistic excellence. This high standing ensures that students receive a top-tier education that is highly respected within the dance community.
Embodied Scholarship Philosophy: The department’s unique educational model, which integrates physical practice with creative and theoretical inquiry, provides students with a well-rounded and intellectually stimulating experience. This approach prepares them not just as performers but as future educators, researchers, and administrators.
Distinguished Faculty: The faculty consists of globally recognized artists and scholars who are leaders in their respective fields. Their expertise and mentorship are invaluable, offering students personalized guidance and connections within the professional dance world.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities: The curriculum and location within a major university like Ohio State allow for extensive interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can take courses and work with other departments, such as film, music, and art, to create innovative and groundbreaking work.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Sullivant Hall's recent renovation has created a modern and inviting space with versatile performance venues, studios, and public galleries, all designed to support the diverse needs of the dance department.

For more information or to connect with the department, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 316, Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USAPhone: (614) 292-7977Mobile Phone: +1 614-292-7977

For anyone in Ohio seeking a serious and professional dance education, The Ohio State University Department of Dance is an excellent choice. Unlike many local studios that focus on recreational or pre-professional training, Ohio State provides a full-fledged academic and artistic experience at the highest level. The department's commitment to "embodied scholarship" ensures that students develop both technical mastery and a deep intellectual understanding of dance. This prepares them for a wide range of career paths, from performance and choreography to teaching and research. The opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized faculty and to collaborate with other arts departments at a major university is a significant advantage that is hard to find elsewhere.

Furthermore, the facilities in Sullivant Hall, with its modern design and focus on accessibility, provide an ideal environment for creative and physical work. The department's location in Columbus, a major city with a thriving arts scene, offers students numerous opportunities to engage with the professional world outside of the university setting. By choosing the Ohio State Department of Dance, students are not just enrolling in a program; they are becoming part of a prestigious and forward-thinking community that values creativity, intellect, and social responsibility. This combination of top-tier instruction, a comprehensive curriculum, and a supportive environment makes it a truly worthwhile investment for anyone dedicated to the art and practice of dance.