Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education

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The Conservatory's dance education program emphasizes development of skills in dance performance and provides all of the courses in dance teaching techniques, education, and general education necessary for teaching licensure in Virginia. It is also appropriate for the student who plans to pursue graduate level studies in fields related to dance or dance education.

While licensure is not required for teaching in a private studio, this degree program provides an excellent foundation in the academic and studio backgrounds necessary for teaching dance in a private studio setting. Courses in psychology and human growth and development are included, as well as study in creative movement for children, techniques for teaching dance and pedagogy. Graduates who are licensed in Virginia obtain licensure in other states through standard reciprocal agreements.

Dance education students maintain intensive training in ballet and modern dance technique classes for the first three years of study. In the junior year, students begin their field experience (which involves observation of teachers in the public school setting). At this point, dancers choose to continue their dance training by enrolling in either a ballet or modern dance course each semester. Directed teaching occurs in the senior year.

Graduates of this degree program are currently teaching successfully in studios in Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia. They have been involved in the public school setting as dance instructors, dance club and drill team leaders, and as choreographers for school productions.

SEQUENCE OF COURSES

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