Dance, BA
We’ll prepare you in the studio and give you opportunities to perform on stage, here at the University and beyond. You’ll have many ways to demonstrate your talent, from informal dance showcases to musicals and our annual dance concert. You can also participate in local, regional, and national dance festivals and conferences.
But we go beyond teaching dance steps. We’re here to enrich your overall dance education, showing you the importance and impact that dance has on our culture and society.
Acceptance to the Dance Program requires admission to WVU and a successful audition. Your audition also may qualify you for a School of Theatre and Dance scholarship.
Your Degree Plan
We offer you a program that’s both hands-on and theoretical. You’ll get to explore a wide range of dance styles and subjects:
- Classic ballet
- Jazz
- Modern dance
- Tap
- World dance
- Choreography
- Dance history
- Dance criticism
Dance Styles for Musical Theatre
DANC 255
An introduction to musical theatre repertoire along with gaining a more efficient and proficient way of learning and executing Broadway musical choreography, new and old. This course gives the student the tools needed at an intermediate to advanced level of dance, to complement their singing and acting abilities; learning choreography from notable musicals.
Advanced Modern
DANC 320
(May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.) Topics covered include advanced modern dance technique, dance vocabulary, dance literacy, proper alignment, musicality, and sound anatomical practices.
Advanced Choreography
DANC 360
Provides opportunity at the advanced level for creative exploration and analysis of principles of dance composition through improvisations and problem solving. Informal presentation of student works will be included.
Dance Education
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Extensive performance opportunities: informal dance showcases, the annual dance concert, musicals, and local, regional, and national dance festivals and conferences.
- Affiliated with the American College Dance Association, CORPS de Ballet International, and the National Dance Education Organization.
- State-of-the-art Mary Katherine Wiedebusch Dance Studio features a sprung floor, walls of windows, new sound system, and marley floor.
- First dance major offered in West Virginia.
- Double major opportunities available to tailor your education.
- Choreographing opportunities for main stage performances.
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
- 5 theatres of varied sizes and setups at the Canady Creative Arts Center.
- Grants available for educational travel and research.
- The Creative Consultants program, which pairs you with accomplished alumni mentors for invaluable insights, advice, and support.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Our students have attended summer intensives with renowned companies like the Paul Taylor Dance Company School in New York City and the North Carolina Dance Theatre School in Charlotte.
Plus, they’ve had the opportunity to study abroad with The ProDanza Italia/USA Workshop in Tuscany, Italy.
Students have also interned with entertainment giants like Walt Disney World in Florida and Busch Gardens in Virginia.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Median Salary: $45,590
Possible Job Titles: Dance Instructor, Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, Teacher
Dancers
Has a Bright Outlook
Possible Job Titles: Ballet Dancer, Company Dancer, Dancer, Soloist Dancer
Choreographers
Median Salary: $55,600
Possible Job Titles: Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Maker, Opera Choreographer
Where our grads work
Recent graduates have pursued careers in dance by moving into the professional dance and theatre field or continuing their education in graduate programs.
Others have chosen other disciplines and vocations, such as journalism, law, health, and physical education.
Places and Spaces
See where you’ll study, research, and create.
Canady Creative Arts Center
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Student Life
You'll experience epic traditions, quality academics, and a supportive community that feels like home.
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Dance major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Dance at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Dance, BA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Dance at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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