Inside Dance
VCU School of the Arts

Inside Dance is part of a series relating majors at VCU to occupational fields. The information in this pamphlet can help you in planning your education and career.

The study of dance is an inquiry into movement and its potential for communication. Students study both choreography and performance.

Through the general requirements for dance majors, students typically develop the following skills:

• written and verbal communication skills.
• basic knowledge of art history and social sciences.
• solid foundation in the performance of their discipline.
• creative problem solving as related to their discipline.

Some skills typically developed by students in this major include the following:

• strong skills in dance techniques, improvisation, composition and performance.
• foundation in dance history, aesthetics and dance philosophies.
• foundation of the body fundamentals as they relate to dance technique.
• practical skills in dance production.

Some representative courses students in dance take include the following:

• Modern Dance Technique
• Ballet Technique
• Afro-Caribbean Dance
• Jazz Dance Technique
• Rehearsal and Performance
• T'ai Chi
• Composition
• Music for Dancers
• Choreography
• Dancer as Teacher
• Video/Choreography
• Dance Production Workshop
• Kinesiology
• Senior Project

To become more marketable:

• Participate in, and take on leadership roles in, extracurricular activities such as choreography for student informal concerts and showings.
• Take electives relating to your career goals (e.g., music or small business management) or minor in a supporting field.
• Take advantage of and participate in departmental opportunities such as the Professional Project and numerous other performances.

Typical areas of employment entered include the following:

• Performer
• Choreographer
• Artistic Director, Dance Company
• Dance Critic
• Administrator, Dance Company or Studio
• Producer
• Publicist
• Dance Fund-raiser
• Dance Therapist
• Dance Teacher

Graduate study is not required for careers in performance or choreography. A master's degree is necessary for those who wish to teach at the college level. Students interested in obtaining state teaching certification may also need to take additional coursework.

Further information is available at the Career Center (Student Commons, first floor) or through the department:

Virginia Comonwealth University
School of the Arts
Department of Dance / Choreography
1315 Floyd Ave.
PO Box 843007
Richmond VA 23284-3007

Phone (804) 828-1711  |  FAX (804) 828-7356
E-mail mmcurtis@saturn.vcu.edu

This brochure is published by the VCU Career Development Council in cooperation with Academic Campus departments.

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