Ohio University School of Dance

Ohio University School of Dance Introduce

For those in the Ohio region passionate about dance, the Ohio University School of Dance in Athens offers a truly comprehensive and professional educational experience. As part of Ohio University's Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, this school is a nationally recognized hub for dance education, research, and performance. It's a place where students are not just taught dance moves but are nurtured as diverse thinkers, researchers, and collaborators. The school's mission is to provide an optimal learning environment with the resources to sustain excellence and further achievements, developing kinesthetic competency and a strong performance presence. For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and arts administrators in Ohio, the school provides a rigorous and intellectually stimulating curriculum that prepares them for a variety of careers in the field. The commitment to a holistic approach means that students explore not only the physical aspects of dance but also its history, ethnology, kinesiology, and cultural significance. This broad education is a key component of what makes this institution a leader in dance academia.

The school's atmosphere is one of collaborative energy, with students working alongside faculty and visiting artists to create and perform. The environment is supportive and focused on a deep appreciation of dance as a complex phenomenon. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to position their own work within broader social contexts, fostering a sense of social responsibility and activism through art. This focus on dance as a tool for social transformation is a unique and compelling aspect of the program. The school also takes great pride in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming and affirming space for all students. Being noted as LGBTQ+ friendly further emphasizes this inclusive ethos, making it a safe and open place for students from all backgrounds to thrive and express themselves fully. It’s an environment where every breath is art, and every movement is a chance to connect and collaborate.

The Ohio University School of Dance is centrally located in Putnam Hall at 96 E Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA. Its prime location within the main campus of Ohio University makes it an integral part of the vibrant, picturesque college town. Athens, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, provides a dynamic and creative backdrop for students. The School of Dance is committed to accessibility, ensuring that its facilities are welcoming to all students and visitors. This commitment reflects the university’s broader mission of providing an inclusive educational environment for everyone in the community.

Accessibility features at the school include:

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

The Putnam Hall building itself is designed to support the dance curriculum, with a variety of specialized spaces. It features multiple spring-floor dance studios, which are essential for the health and safety of dancers. A fully-equipped Pilates lab is also available for student use, allowing for crucial cross-training and injury prevention. The Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater, a 225-seat studio theater, serves as a premier performance and rehearsal space. These state-of-the-art facilities provide a professional setting for learning and performance, contributing to the high caliber of the program. The location also allows students to take advantage of other university resources and Athens' thriving arts and culture scene, from live music to film festivals and more.

The Ohio University School of Dance offers a wide range of academic programs and experiences designed to prepare students for successful careers in the field. The curriculum is robust and varied, catering to different interests, whether a student is focused on performance, choreography, or community engagement. The school is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance, a testament to the quality and rigor of its programs. Students are provided with a foundation that combines rigorous technique with theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are well-equipped for the demands of the professional world and for advanced graduate studies.

The services and academic programs offered include:

Undergraduate Dance Programs, including a B.F.A. in Performance and Choreography and a B.A. in Dance
Dance Minors in Choreography and Performance, Dance History and Theory, and Dance Somatic Studies
Honors Tutorial College B.F.A. in Dance for exceptionally talented students
A Dance Production Certificate
Graduate Programs, including a Master of Arts in Community Dance and a Master of Arts Administration (M.A.A.)
A variety of classes in modern, ballet, jazz, African dance forms, Yoga, and Pilates
Academic courses on dance history, ethnology, and kinesiology
Performance opportunities through student organizations like The Movement and the Athens Black Contemporary Dancers
The Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe) Clinic for injury prevention and care
The OHIO Dance Team, offering a competitive and spirited performance outlet

The curriculum emphasizes a broad study of dance, preparing students for careers as performers, choreographers, teachers, arts administrators, and more. This multi-faceted approach ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also intellectually and creatively prepared for the many possibilities within the dance field.

The Ohio University School of Dance stands out among higher education programs in Ohio due to its unique features and commitment to student success. The school provides a holistic approach to dance education, combining practical skill development with academic inquiry and professional preparation. The blend of a challenging curriculum and a supportive community is a core highlight that benefits every student.

Some of the standout features and highlights of the school include:

Nationally Recognized Expertise: The school's emphasis on dance composition and the creative process is nationally known, and its Master of Arts in Community Dance was the first of its kind in the United States, highlighting a pioneering spirit.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students benefit from five spring-floor dance studios, a fully-equipped Pilates lab, and a 225-seat studio theater with professional audio and lighting systems.
Holistic Student Support: The collaboration with the SHAPe Clinic provides students with no-cost access to licensed athletic trainers specializing in performing arts injuries, a unique and invaluable resource for dancers.
Inclusive Community: The school is LGBTQ+ friendly and committed to diversity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and respected. This is also reflected in courses that explore race, gender, and sexuality in the arts.
Professional and Creative Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to perform original choreography by themselves, faculty, and visiting artists. They can also get involved in student-led organizations and intern with professional companies, gaining real-world experience.
Interdisciplinary Focus: The B.A. program's potential for double majors and the school's ties to the wider College of Fine Arts allow students to integrate their love of dance with other academic interests.

These features create an environment where students can not only hone their craft but also develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to be leaders and advocates in their communities and the broader dance field.

For prospective students and anyone interested in the programs at the Ohio University School of Dance, here is the contact information:

Address: 137, Putnam Hall, 96 E Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Phone: (740) 593-1826

These contact details provide a direct line to the school, where interested parties can learn more about academic programs, audition requirements, and the vibrant campus life at Ohio University.

What is truly worth choosing about the Ohio University School of Dance is its exceptional commitment to preparing the next generation of dance professionals. The school offers a unique balance of a rigorous academic curriculum and a supportive, creative community. Students don't just learn steps; they learn how to be thoughtful, articulate, and socially conscious artists. The groundbreaking Master of Arts in Community Dance program exemplifies this, preparing students to use dance as a tool for positive change in diverse communities. The availability of resources like the SHAPe Clinic demonstrates a genuine care for the physical well-being of its students, a feature not commonly found in dance programs. For a high school student in Ohio who dreams of a career in dance, or for an adult who wishes to pursue a degree in a creative field, this institution provides a comprehensive and encouraging environment. The opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and collaboration with other fine arts departments also set this program apart, allowing students to forge their own unique path. By choosing the Ohio University School of Dance, you are choosing a program that will challenge you to grow as an artist, a scholar, and a person, all while being part of a welcoming and supportive community in the heart of Ohio.