Ohio State Department of Dance

For aspiring dancers, choreographers, scholars, and educators across Ohio and beyond, The Ohio State University Department of Dance stands as a preeminent institution and a true point of interest within the state's cultural and academic landscape. Located on the bustling Columbus campus, this department is not merely a place to learn dance steps; it is a dynamic center where physical practice, creative activity, and theoretical inquiry are deeply intertwined, shaping the future of dance.

The Ohio State University Department of Dance is recognized as one of the top dance programs in the United States, particularly at the forefront of contemporary modern dance. Its curriculum is designed to cultivate a rigorous and diverse understanding of dance, embracing a cross-disciplinary perspective where movement practice informs critical theory, digital technologies expand choreographic possibilities, and historical study enriches teaching. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only exceptional artists but also visionary leaders and advocates within the dance field and their communities.

The department prides itself on its "embodied scholarship" – a unique philosophy that emphasizes the connection between physical practice, creative exploration, and intellectual inquiry. Students benefit from an environment rich with innovation, frequently engaging with visiting artists and scholars who augment the resident faculty. Furthermore, institutional relationships with prominent organizations like Dance/USA, BalletMet Columbus, and Movement Research Inc., along with international exchange programs, provide unparalleled opportunities for students to connect with the global dance world. For anyone in Ohio passionate about dance as an art form, a field of study, or a pathway to a professional career, the Ohio State Department of Dance offers an unparalleled educational experience.

The Ohio State University Department of Dance is centrally located within the main campus at 316 Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Sullivant Hall is a significant building on the campus, widely recognized and easily accessible from various points in Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio region. Its prime location on North High Street, a major artery running through the city, ensures excellent connectivity for students, faculty, and visitors.

For those traveling by car, The Ohio State University campus offers several parking garages. The nearest options to Sullivant Hall are typically the Ohio Union North and Ohio Union South garages, located directly south on High Street. These facilities provide hourly rates, making it convenient for short-term visits, performances, or classes. Public transportation, particularly Columbus's COTA bus service, also serves the campus extensively, offering a sustainable and convenient option for commuting from various parts of the city.

Being part of a large university campus, the Department of Dance benefits from being within walking distance of numerous campus amenities, including dining options, libraries, and other academic buildings. This integration within the university environment enhances the overall experience, providing students with access to a wide array of resources and a vibrant academic community. The accessibility of its location makes it an ideal choice for dance enthusiasts throughout Ohio seeking top-tier education in the performing arts.

The Ohio State University Department of Dance offers a comprehensive suite of academic programs and unique opportunities designed for serious dance students at various stages of their educational journey:

• Undergraduate Programs:
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: A highly competitive and rigorous program focusing on performance and choreography. The curriculum includes intensive training in contemporary dance, ballet, African/international-based forms, somatics, composition, repertory, movement analysis, dance education, kinesiology, history/theory/literature, production/lighting, and creative technology.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: A broader liberal arts degree in dance, allowing students to develop dance skills while gaining an intellectual grasp of the art and its principles within a wider academic context.
  • Dance Minors: Options for students majoring in other fields to pursue a minor in Dance, including specializations in Choreography and Performance, Dance History and Theory, and Dance Somatic Studies.
  • Dance Production Certificate: A focused program for those interested in the technical and administrative aspects of dance production.
• Graduate Programs:
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: A rigorous three-year studio-centered program, recognized as a terminal degree. It emphasizes creative choreographic making and performance work, grounded in academic study. Specializations can include digital arts, community engagement/social justice, education and pedagogy, somatics and kinesiology, and dance analysis and history.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Dance Studies: Designed for emerging scholars motivated to engage in critical theory, history, and literature in dance. This program focuses on advanced research and scholarly inquiry.
  • Master of Arts in Community Dance: While the primary search results highlighted OSU's main dance degrees, some broader Ohio university dance program listings also show MA in Community Dance at other Ohio institutions, indicating a potential area of study in the state for those interested in outreach and community engagement through dance.
  • Master of Arts Administration (MAA): Focuses on the administrative aspects of arts organizations.
• Research & Scholarly Activity:
  • Labanotation & Dance Documentation: The department houses the Dance Notation Bureau Extension, a significant resource for documenting and reconstructing dance works using Labanotation. It also engages in multimedia dance documentation.
  • Faculty and Graduate Research: Extensive research in areas like reconstruction, staging, documentation, technology, pedagogy, and writing, contributing significantly to the field of dance scholarship.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular performances of original choreography by students, faculty, and visiting artists, as well as reconstructions of historical works.
• Summer Dance Institutes/Programs: Focused programs, such as the H.A.T.C.H. (Holistic Approaches to Transformative Choreography) incubator, bringing world-renowned choreographers into residence.

The Ohio State University Department of Dance boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that solidify its status as a leading institution in dance education:

• Nationally Recognized Excellence: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance and consistently ranked among the top dance programs in the United States, particularly known for its contributions to contemporary modern dance.
• Holistic "Embodied Scholarship" Approach: Integrates physical practice, creative activity, and theoretical inquiry, ensuring a comprehensive and deeply intellectual understanding of dance, preparing students as well-rounded artists and scholars.
• World-Class Faculty and Visiting Artists: Students benefit from instruction and mentorship by renowned resident faculty and a regular influx of world-renowned visiting artists and scholars, providing diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Housed in Sullivant Hall, the department features newly renovated spaces, including a flexible, state-of-the-art performance space (a dynamic black-box theater), six large studios with A/V hook-ups, full-wall mirrors, and often natural light, a costume shop, and a media lab.
• Comprehensive Curricula: Offers diverse degree programs (BFA, BA, MFA, PhD, Minors, Certificates) that cover a wide range of dance disciplines, including contemporary, ballet, African/international-based forms, composition, performance, history, theory, education, somatics, kinesiology, and dance film.
• Research and Archival Hub: Home to the Dance Notation Bureau Extension and engaged in significant research in dance documentation, Labanotation software development (LabanWriter, LabanReader), and multimedia dance projects, making it a critical center for preserving dance history.
• Strong Industry Connections: Maintained institutional relationships with professional dance companies and organizations (e.g., Dance/USA, BalletMet Columbus, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as Professional Company in Residence), providing valuable networking and internship opportunities.
• Global Opportunities: Offers study abroad programs and international exchange opportunities (e.g., China, Brazil, Denmark, London, Taiwan), broadening students' perspectives and experiences in dance.
• Commitment to Social Transformation and Civic Responsibility: Actively expands access to diverse dance training and promotes public understanding and appreciation for dance, often through community-responsive pedagogy and projects like the Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP).
• Distinguished Alumni Network: Graduates often go on to significant careers as performers, choreographers, scholars, and educators in the dance field.

For those in Ohio considering a serious pursuit of dance education or scholarly inquiry, contacting The Ohio State University Department of Dance is the first step towards a world-class experience. Their dedicated administrative and faculty staff are available to provide comprehensive information about their highly competitive programs, application processes, audition requirements, and more. You can reach them at the following contact points:

Address: 316, Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

Phone: (614) 292-7977

Mobile Phone: +1 614-292-7977

It is strongly recommended that prospective students visit the official Ohio State Department of Dance website (dance.osu.edu) for the most detailed and up-to-date information regarding application deadlines, audition schedules (especially for BFA and MFA programs which are required), curriculum specifics, and financial aid opportunities. Engaging directly with the department via their website or a phone call will provide the clearest path to exploring the exceptional opportunities available.

For high school students, aspiring artists, scholars, and professionals across Ohio, The Ohio State University Department of Dance is an unparalleled point of interest. Its reputation as one of the nation's leading dance programs, combined with its commitment to a holistic "embodied scholarship" approach, ensures that students receive a comprehensive and deeply enriching education. The department's state-of-the-art facilities in Sullivant Hall, its distinguished faculty, extensive research initiatives, and strong industry connections provide an environment ripe for artistic and intellectual growth.

Choosing the Ohio State Department of Dance means immersing oneself in a vibrant, innovative, and supportive community at the forefront of contemporary dance. Whether you aim to become a performer, choreographer, dance scholar, educator, or arts administrator, the rigorous training and diverse opportunities available will prepare you to be a visionary leader in the field. For any Ohioan with a serious passion for dance, this institution offers the definitive pathway to realizing their full potential.

Ohio State Department of Dance

316, Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA