|
Frequently Asked Questions about Dance at Goucher
Does Goucher’s program require an audition?
All admitted students, whether a Dance major or not, may take any dance course appropriate for their level. Students wishing to major in dance with a non-performance concentration are not required to audition. Students wishing to major in dance with a performance concentration are required to audition. Auditions for the performance concentration must be complete prior to declaration of major. This process can occur as a prospective first-year or transfer student, or as a Goucher first-year or sophomore. Auditions for the 2010-2011 academic year will take place November 22, 2009 and in February 14, 2010. All students are required to complete the Dance - Performance Concentration - Audition Application and will be automatically be eligible for scholarship consideration. Students not auditioning for the performance concentration who are interested in pursuing the Rosenberg Scholarship in Dance or the Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship (see below), are required to file a Scholarship in the Arts Application and must participate in the audition taking place in February 2010.
How do I arrange an audition?
This information can be found under the Audition Procedures button on our Dance Homepage.
How am I notified of the results of the audition?
Notifications will be mailed in January for Early Action candidates and in March for Regular Decision candidates. Applicants must be artistically accepted into the Performance Concentration as well as academically accepted into the college. If the applicant is not artistically accepted, but has been academically accepted for admission, the applicant can attend Goucher as a potential Dance Major with Non-Performance Concentration or as a different major.
What happens if I am not offered the Performance Concentration Major as an incoming student?
If a student is artistically denied they may attend Goucher as a first-year or transfer student and re-apply and audition as first-year or sophomore students.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, there are many opportunities for students to perform including performances with Dancers In Action (Fall and Spring Concerts), Chorégraphie Antique, Senior Concerts, Student Works, Outreach.
Do I have to be a Dance Major or Minor to perform?
No you don't have to be a Dance Major or Minor to perform. As long as you are enrolled in a dance technique class during the semester you are performing in, you can audition for as many pieces as you want.
Why Goucher and not a conservatory?
At a dance conservatory, dance is the primary focus while academia tends to be pushed into the background. Here at Goucher, our dance students not only study dance in an intense environment at a challenging pace, but they are also receiving a well-rounded liberal arts education. The possibilities for a career with a B.A. (Goucher) as opposed to a B.F.A. (Conservatory) are much broader upon graduation. Students can double major in dance and something else, take a minor in another field of study, or simply major in something other than dance while still actively participating in dance classes and performances. Many of our dancers are double majors involved in performances and choreography while still maintaining a spot on the Dean’s List every semester. Students also have the option to take courses in Choreography, Dance History, Dance Criticism, Anatomy and Kinesiology, and Notation. Goucher Dancers appreciate the endless possibilities readily available to them as they further their education, not only in dance, but in academia as well.
How are students placed in their technique classes?
At Goucher, there is a level for every dancer from beginner to advanced. All students are allowed to enroll in dance classes, and will be placed according to the faculty’s assessment of their technical ability upon completion of a placement audition during Summer Orientation or at the beginning of the fall semester.
How many levels of technique are there at Goucher?
Ballet technique levels range from DAN 120 (beginner) to DAN 321 (advanced). Modern technique levels range from DAN 114 (beginner) to DAN 311 (advanced); each with four levels in between. There are also three levels of pointe. Two levels of jazz technique are offered, including Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced.
How large are the classes?
Dance classes range anywhere from about 10-20 students.
How many students are in the dance program?
There are many students who participate fully in dance classes and performances but are not majors. They along with the dance majors and prospective majors make up the dance program. There are well over 100 students involved in the dance program.
How many students are dance majors?
Students do not declare their major until the end of their sophomore year, thus decreasing the number of majors at one time. There are usually around 100 declared dance majors not including all freshmen and sophomores.
What are my options for visiting the dance department?
One of the most influential sources in choosing a college is your visit. Dancers can visit the dance department on Explore Goucher Day in the fall or by calling and arranging a visit through the admissions office that can include an overnight stay, observing dance classes and meeting other students.
What’s a typical day like for a Goucher Dance Student?
Here are three examples...
Lizzy '12, Lizzy is a Dance Performance major.
- Monday - Cultural Anthropology (9:30-10:20), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Italian (12:30-1:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20), Intermediate Dance Composition (4:30-6:00)
- Tuesday - Ballet 321 (9:00-10:20), Pointe 302 (10:30-11:20), Music for Dancers (6:30-8:30), Ballet Rehearsal (8:30-10:00)
- Wednesday - Cultural Anthropology (9:30-10:20), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Italian (12:30-1:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20), Intermediate Dance Composition (4:30-6:00)
- Thursday - Ballet 321 (9:00-10:20), Pointe 302 (10:30-11:20), Italian (12:30-1:20), Ballet Rehearsal (6:00-9:00)
- Friday - Cultural Anthropology (9:30-10:20), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Italian (12:30-1:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20)
- Weekends - Various Rehearsals
Megan ‘11, Megan is a double major in Dance Science and Biology.
- Monday - Ballet 221 (9:00-10:20), Animal Physiology (10:30-11:20), Advanced Genetics (12:30-1:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20), Intermediate Dance Composition (4:30-6:00), Rehearsal for a Student Work (7:00-8:00)
- Tuesday - Advanced Genetics Lab (8:30-11:30), Ballet 220 (12:00-1:20), Animal Physicology Lab (1:30-4:30), Ballet Rehearsal (8:00-10:00)
- Wednesday - Ballet 221 (9:00-10:20), Animal Physiology (10:30-11:20), Advanced Genetics (12:30-1:20), Pointe 201 (1:30-2:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20), Intermediate Dance Composition (4:30-6:00)
- Thursday - Seminar in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (9:00-11:30), Ballet 220 (12:00-1:20), Riding Lesson (1:30-2:30)
- Friday - Ballet 221 (9:00-10:20), Animal Physiology (10:30-11:20), Advanced Genetics (12:30-1:20), Pointe 201 (1:30-2:20), Modern 218 (3:00-4:20)
- Weekends - Various Rehearsals and Work
Laura ’12, Laura is a double major Dance and Education.
- Monday - Spanish 120 (9:00-10:15), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Student Teaching (3:00-5:00), Rehearsal for a Student Work (7:00-8:00)
- Tuesday - Beginning Dance Composition (8:30-10:20), Modern 217 (10:30-11:50), Adolescent Development (12:00-1:15), Gateway to Mexico (4:00-6:30)
- Wednesday - Spanish 120 (9:30-10:20), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Pointe 120 (1:30-2:20), Student Teaching (3:00-5:00), Education Club (9:00-10:00)
- Thursday - Beginning Dance Composition (8:30-10:20), Modern 217 (10:30-11:50), Adolescent Development (12:00-1:15)
- Friday - Spanish 120 (9:00-10:15), Ballet 222 (10:30-11:50), Pointe 120 (1:30-2:20), Rehearsal for a Student Work (7:00-8:00)
- Weekends - Various Rehearsals
Are there scholarships in dance?
Yes, we have two Scholarships in the Arts here at Goucher. The Rosenberg Scholarship in Dance is awarded to 3 advanced dancers in either modern or ballet based on their auditions. There is also the Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship that is awarded to one incoming advanced dancer. As a prospective student, you must complete the Scholarship in the Arts Application with supporting materials to be considered for these scholarships (information for both can be obtained from the Admissions pages on the website). Student finalists will then compete along with current students for the scholarships at an audition in February. Dancers complete a modern and ballet class and then perform a solo for a panel of faculty members. Students who have completed the Dance - Performance Concentration - Audition Application do not need to complete the Scholarship in the Arts Application. They will automatically be considered for scholarships given by Goucher College. Students not auditioning for the performance concentration must complete the Scholarship in the Arts Application.
How much can I dance?
After placement class, dancers may register for their level and any additional levels below that (keeping in mind they must fit into your schedule). Therefore, dancers can often take two different levels of ballet and modern technique, allowing them to take class twice a day or everyday if they choose.
Is there an emphasis on either ballet or modern at Goucher?
Ballet and Modern are equally emphasized at Goucher. In order to complete the dance major or minor, students must reach a specified level of both ballet and modern technique. Performances feature both ballet and modern works, and both feature guest-artists each semester.
What technique styles are taught?
The department does not adhere to one syllabus of a discipline (Cecchetti, Graham, Limón, RAD). Instead, the department reflects the breadth of the dance world and exposes students to a number of choices and approaches. It is important to note that the basic premise for all dance technique classes is anatomical and placement accuracy. Each teacher has developed his/her own style of movement based upon their own educational and professional experiences.
Does the department have physical therapy resources?
Yes. Bonnie Schulman is the dance department’s physical therapist. She visits campus for two hours every week. Students can sign up for times to see her. If a student requires extra attention, s/he can make an appointment at Bonnie’s office for further treatment. The department pays for these on-campus services and up to two office visits. If a dancer were to need immediate attention on a day when Bonnie is not on campus, they may either call to make an appointment with her office or see the athletic trainer.
Does Goucher offer jazz and tap?
Goucher does offer two levels of Jazz and two levels of Musical Theatre. Tap classes may be taken at Towson University if the student wishes to make these arrangements and the classes fit into the student’s schedule.
Who can take Dance courses?
Most of the Dance Department's courses are open to our undergraduates.
Do students have opportunities for touring?
Yes -- Students tour to local elementary schools by participating in our Outreach Course · Chorégraphie Antique, the dance history ensemble · ACDF (American College Dance Festival)
Are there student clubs or groups that are dance related?
Orchesis · Dance Team · Sacred Ground · NOVA (Naturally Occurring Visceral Arts) · Capoeira Club · Hip Hop Club · African Dance Club
Can I major in dance and something else?
Absolutely. Many students major in dance along with another field such as Biology, Chemistry, Management, Theatre, Psychology, Communication, and many more.
Are there study abroad opportunities in dance?
Goucher offers many three-week intensive study abroad courses over either the winter or summer break to Brazil, Ghana, and London. Students may also decide to spend an entire semester abroad. Many students have spent a semester in Middlesex, England, and others have spent a semester in Ghana. In the spring of 2008, Goucher sent students to Arezzo, Italy for the first time for a semester-long Accademia Dell'Arte program. Brazil is the only three-week program that is focused primarily on dance. The other three-week programs incorporate dance, however, it is not primary focus.
Are there dance internship opportunities?
Yes, many are student-initiated internships such as those in Arts Administration or Dance Therapy. The Career Development Office as well as the faculty are both excellent resources in locating internship opportunities.
Is funding available for study abroad, touring, or student projects?
Yes, through the Office of International Studies, Friends of Goucher Dance, and Innovation Grants.
What degree does Goucher offer?
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
How many credits do I need to be a dance major?
The Dance Major with a Performance Concentration is 43.5 credits and the Non-Performance Concentration is 40 credits. To graduate a student must complete 120 credits.
Does Goucher offer a dance science degree? Or Arts Administration?
Goucher’s degree is a Bachelor of the Arts. Within the Dance Major there are focuses in choreography, dance history and criticism, dance therapy, dance administration, dance science, and dance and theater. The student’s majors will appear on the diploma, however, concentrations such as dance science, dance therapy, or Dance Administration will not appear on the diploma.
Is there a live accompaniment for dance technique courses?
Yes, all modern and ballet technique courses have live accompaniment.
What do Alumnae/i go on to do?
Some graduates choose to pursue careers closely related to dance such as performance, education, and choreography. Others choose careers behind the scenes in production or management. Occupations in the fields of arts administration and dance writing are common and many graduates pursue careers as pilates instructors, dance teachers, managers, or publicists. It is imperative to note that many specialized areas require advanced degrees. Many of our students do pursue graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.
Check out our link Goucher Alumnae/i for more details