Ohio University School of Dance

For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and arts administrators in Ohio, the Ohio University School of Dance in Athens stands as a beacon of artistic and academic excellence. Nestled within the larger Ohio University community, the School of Dance offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to cultivate the next generation of dance professionals. This esteemed institution provides a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes, technical skills are honed, and students are prepared for diverse careers within the dynamic world of dance and beyond. If you're passionate about movement and eager to pursue your artistic education in a supportive and challenging university setting, the Ohio University School of Dance offers an unparalleled experience right here in our vibrant Ohio landscape.

The Ohio University School of Dance is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance, a testament to its commitment to high standards in dance education. Its programs are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural phenomenon. Students benefit from a holistic approach that integrates movement practice with theoretical inquiry, preparing them not just as performers or choreographers, but as well-rounded artists and critical thinkers. This integration of rigorous training with a broad academic foundation is a hallmark of the Ohio University School of Dance, setting its graduates apart in the professional world and making it an exceptional choice for students across the state of Ohio and beyond.

The Ohio University School of Dance is located at 137, Putnam Hall, 96 E Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA. Athens, Ohio, is a charming and vibrant college town nestled in the southeastern part of the state, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and a thriving arts and culture scene. The school's location within Putnam Hall on East Union Street places it centrally within the Ohio University campus, providing easy access to other university resources and amenities. Athens is accessible via major state routes, making it a manageable drive for students and visitors from various parts of Ohio, including Columbus, Cincinnati, and other regional cities. While Athens maintains a quaint, small-town feel, it is well-connected, ensuring that students can easily arrive for auditions, attend classes, and participate in campus life. Parking on a university campus can sometimes be a consideration, but Ohio University provides various parking options for students and visitors, which can be explored via the university's main website. This blend of a focused academic environment within a lively community makes the location highly suitable for aspiring dance students from all corners of Ohio.

• Undergraduate Dance Programs: The School offers robust undergraduate degrees for aspiring dancers, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Performance and Choreography and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance. The B.F.A. focuses on intensive professional training, while the B.A. provides a broader liberal arts education with a dance emphasis.
• Dance Minors: For students majoring in other disciplines but wishing to pursue their passion for dance, the School offers various dance minors, including one in Dance - History and Theory.
• Dance Production Certificate: A specialized certificate program designed to provide students with skills in the technical and production aspects of dance.
• Honors Tutorial College in Dance: An exclusive program for highly motivated and academically talented students, offering individualized instruction and research opportunities in dance.
• Graduate Dance Programs: The School provides advanced study opportunities with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Community Dance and a Master of Arts Administration (M.A.A.) with a specialization in Community Dance, preparing graduates for leadership roles in community arts.
• Auditions and Admissions: The School conducts auditions for admission to its dance programs, evaluating talent, training, and aptitude for further study in modern, ballet, jazz, or African dance. Both in-person and video audition options are available.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Opportunities for talent-based scholarships are available for admitted dance students.
• Summer Dance Institute: Provides intensive dance training and exploration during the summer months, open to both current and prospective students.
• Visiting Artists & Scholars Program: Students benefit from exposure to a wide range of national and international dance professionals through master classes, workshops, and performances.
• Student Organizations: Opportunities to participate in student-led dance groups such as the OHIO Dance Team, The Movement Organization, and Athens Black Contemporary Dancers, enriching the overall student experience.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The programs offer rigorous training across movement practice (contemporary, ballet, African/international-based forms, somatics), choreography, performance, history/theory/literature, analysis, dance education, kinesiology, and production. This ensures a well-rounded education for the "whole artist."
• Focus on Performance and Choreography: The B.F.A. program in particular provides a strong foundation for careers as performers, choreographers, or teachers, with core emphasis on developing performance skills and fostering creative abilities. Students gain practical experience crucial for professional success.
• Integration of Theory and Practice: Students engage in both studio research for creative art-making and scholarly research, examining dance within social, historical, and cultural frameworks. This dual approach enriches their understanding and prepares them for diverse roles in the field.
• Small Class Sizes and Faculty Mentorship: Students benefit from intimate learning environments and personalized education. Faculty mentorship begins early, integrating with first- and last-year seminars that foster a strong cohort community.
• Interdisciplinary Connections: Dance students have opportunities to collaborate with other departments and university initiatives, including the Wexner Center for the Arts, Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), and the Performing Arts Medicine program, broadening their artistic and academic horizons.
• Diverse Global Experiences: The School offers study abroad opportunities, with dance students having toured repertory to countries like China, Brazil, and Denmark, providing invaluable international exposure.
• Career Preparation: Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the dance profession and related fields, including performers, choreographers, educators, arts administrators, health science professionals, and dance critics, among others.
• Accreditation: As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance, the School maintains high academic and artistic standards, assuring students of a quality education.

Address: 137, Putnam Hall, 96 E Union St, Athens, OH 44118, USA

Phone: (740) 593-1826

For Ohio residents passionate about dance, the Ohio University School of Dance in Athens presents an outstanding and highly suitable option for higher education. Its location in a vibrant university town, while offering a distinct atmosphere from major metropolitan areas, is easily accessible from across the state, making it a practical choice for students from various backgrounds in Ohio.

What truly makes this institution ideal for locals is its comprehensive approach to dance education. It’s not just about learning steps; it’s about becoming a well-rounded artist and intellectual. The diverse program offerings, from performance and choreography-focused BFAs to community dance-oriented MAs, cater to a wide spectrum of career aspirations within the dance world. Ohio students benefit from small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship, ensuring that they receive the individualized attention crucial for artistic growth. The opportunity to study various dance forms, engage in both practical and theoretical inquiry, and even participate in international tours provides an enriching experience that rivals larger, more distant institutions.

Furthermore, being part of the larger Ohio University system offers students access to a wealth of resources and interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance their education beyond the dance studio. For aspiring dancers and choreographers in Ohio seeking a rigorous, supportive, and creatively stimulating environment to pursue their passion and prepare for a successful career in the arts, the Ohio University School of Dance stands as a premier destination, providing world-class training right here in our home state.

Ohio University School of Dance

137, Putnam Hall, 96 E Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA