Dance Studies
The only Dance Studies major in Michigan
The CMU Dance Studies Major is specifically designed to prepare students for the vast scope of the dance industry! CMU Dance Studies students will take classes that will prepare them for various jobs within the field of dance, including: professional performer, dance studio owner, educator, choreographer, arts administrator, critic, film maker, and scholar. All dance majors will intern in their chosen area of dance the summer after their junior year. A minor in Business or Entrepreneurship is required.
The CMU Dance Program offers numerous opportunities for experiential learning! Students will have performance, choreography, back stage, film, and interdisciplinary opportunities starting with your very first semester! Program examples of learning outside the classroom include the Student Choreography Showcase, University Theatre Dance Company, Dance Film program as part of the Central Michigan International Film Festival, national and international guest artist master classes, dance teaching and leadership positions, and collaborating with faculty on research endeavors.
The CMU Dance faculty are engaged in active performance practices, community engagement, and scholarly research that directly serve the goals of the Dance Studies Major to prepare students to work in various dance-related vocations.
Learn more about joining the CMU Dance Studies major by contacting Heather Trommer-Beardslee.
Dance minor
The minor in dance provides performance experiences and a well-rounded curriculum for students who wish to combine the study of dance with a degree in another discipline. After you earn a minor in dance at CMU, you may pursue a career in the professional dance industry. CMU's program will help you further develop your dance technique, production, history, and choreography skills.
University Theatre Dance Company
The University Theatre Dance Company performs in the spring as part of the University Theatre Main Stage Season in Bush Theatre. Auditions are open to all CMU students regardless of major. The dance company features 15 to 30 talented university students in professionally choreographed jazz, ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, and tap dance works. University Theatre Dance Company membership is awarded through auditions, which occur yearly in early to mid-January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CMU Dance Studies Major include?
The CMU Dance Studies Major is specifically designed to prepare students for the vast scope of the dance industry! CMU Dance Studies students will take classes that will prepare them for a variety of jobs within the field of dance including, but not limited to, professional performer, dance studio owner, educator, choreographer, arts administrator, critic, film maker, and scholar. All dance majors will take an internship in their chosen area of dance the summer after their junior year. A minor in Business, Entrepreneurship, or Non-Profit Leadership is required.
Do I need to audition to be a CMU Dance Studies Major?
No! Since the Dance Studies Major is a Bachelor of Applied Arts and prepares students for a wide variety of skills / careers in addition to dancing, an audition is not required. All students who are accepted to CMU are welcome to sign a Dance Studies Major. In order to make sure that all students are challenged in their dance classes, we have a system of placement tests in order to place students in the technique class level that is most appropriate for them.
Are there scholarships for Dance Studies Majors?
Yes! There are special talent scholarships. Auditions are typically held in February.
Will I have opportunities to perform and create performances?
Absolutely! Starting your very first year, you will have several opportunities to perform. We hold the Student Choreography Showcase in the fall and the University Theatre Dance Company Concert in the spring. In addition to faculty choreographed dances in the spring concert, two pieces from the Student Choreography Showcase are chosen to be fully produced in the mainstage concert.
Then, in addition to the concerts, you will have the opportunity to make dance films, site specific performances, choreography projects, studio productions….. you name it. We even having a summer touring company you can audition for to learn about how to tour as a professional performer / technician. We are excited about your creativity and curiosities!
Will I learn about backstage positions?
Yes! We have a required studio course system designed to provide you with experiences in the costume shop, scene shop, backstage, and more. You will have a wide variety of production experiences at CMU!
What other questions do you have about dance at CMU?
Please contact Heather Trommer-Beardslee with your questions.
