Western Michigan University Department of Dance: A Premier Destination for Dance Education in Michigan

Western Michigan University Department of Dance Introduce

Hello, aspiring dancers and arts enthusiasts across Michigan! If your passion lies in the world of dance, and you're seeking a rigorous yet nurturing academic environment to hone your craft, then the Western Michigan University Department of Dance in Kalamazoo should undoubtedly be on your radar. This isn't just any university department; it's a nationally recognized program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of professional dancers, choreographers, and dance educators. With a rich history of excellence and a forward-thinking approach to dance education, WMU's Department of Dance offers a comprehensive and immersive experience designed to prepare students for vibrant careers in the performing arts and beyond. From cutting-edge facilities to extensive performance opportunities and a focus on real-world connections, this department provides an unparalleled platform for artistic growth right here in our beloved Great Lakes State. Let's explore what makes WMU Dance a premier destination for serious dance students in Michigan.

The Western Michigan University Department of Dance is centrally located at 1300 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. As part of the main Western Michigan University campus, its accessibility is a significant advantage for prospective students from across Michigan and beyond. Kalamazoo is a vibrant city in Southwest Michigan, well-connected by major highways such as US-131 and I-94, making travel to the university straightforward from cities like Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing, and Chicago. The campus itself is designed with student convenience in mind, and the Department of Dance facilities, including the Dorothy U. Dalton Center and the new state-of-the-art studio in Dunbar Hall, are easily reachable within the university grounds. Public transportation options within Kalamazoo also support student mobility, further enhancing accessibility. The location provides students with the unique balance of a focused academic environment within a dynamic university setting, while also being part of a larger, culturally rich city that offers various amenities and opportunities for engagement outside of academics.

The Western Michigan University Department of Dance offers a robust and comprehensive array of services and programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the diverse field of dance. Their offerings are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, ensuring a high standard of education. Key services include:

Undergraduate Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: This intensive program emphasizes performance, choreographic, and aesthetic training, ideal for students aspiring to professional dance careers.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: This track allows students to explore the broader diversity of the dance profession by integrating liberal arts electives that align with their unique career goals beyond professional performance.
Comprehensive Technical Training: Students receive high-quality, tri-focal undergraduate training in core dance techniques, including:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Modern Dance
Choreography Instruction: Programs include dedicated coursework in choreography, fostering students' creative and expressive abilities.
Dance History and Theory: Students delve into the historical and theoretical aspects of dance, building a strong academic foundation.
Dance Instruction and Production: Courses cover practical aspects of dance, preparing students for teaching roles and understanding the behind-the-scenes elements of dance production.
Great Works Dance Project: A unique program that brings master choreographers and their works to WMU, providing students with opportunities to learn and perform world-class historic and contemporary dance.
Performance Opportunities: Numerous platforms for students to perform, including two annual departmental concerts featuring student choreographers and performers, collaborations with music and theatre majors, and productions by student organizations like Orchesis.
Western Dance Project: A touring ensemble composed of WMU dance students that performs and presents lecture-demonstrations and masterclasses in schools, community centers, and festivals statewide, regionally, and nationally.
National Choreography Competition: An initiative to identify and promote emerging choreographers, commissioning them to create new works for WMU dance students.
Guest Residencies and Immersive Experiences: Students engage with professionals through dozens of guest artist residencies each year, providing invaluable networking and learning opportunities.
Career Preparation and Alumni Connections: The department focuses on professional immersion experiences and maintains strong ties with alumni working professionally in various dance-related fields, including performing, choreographing, teaching, and arts administration.
Conditioning and Dance Science: Curricula integrate courses in conditioning for dance, dance science, and kinesiology to promote dancer health and safety.
Dance Minor Program: For students majoring in other fields, a dance minor is available, though currently with a waiting list due to high demand.
Online Certificate in Dance Studio Management: An online program for those interested in the business side of dance.

The Western Michigan University Department of Dance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and the success of its graduates. These elements make it a top choice for dance education in Michigan:

National Accreditation and Recognition: The department is one of only 80 institutions accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). This accreditation signifies a commitment to the highest aesthetic standards and excellence in dance education, assuring students of a quality program.
Tri-Focal Training Excellence: WMU Dance offers comprehensive and equal emphasis on training in three core dance techniques: ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This well-rounded approach ensures graduates are versatile and highly adaptable for various professional dance careers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students learn and rehearse in outstanding dance studios within the Dorothy U. Dalton Center, complemented by a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio in Dunbar Hall (opening 2024). These facilities include sprung floors for safety, pianos, percussion instruments, sound playback units, and a Motion Capture Studio, providing a cutting-edge environment for artistic and technical development.
The Great Works Dance Project: A hallmark of the department, this unique program brings world-class historic and contemporary dance works to WMU. Renowned choreographers and guest artists stage and rehearse masterworks, providing students with unparalleled exposure and performance opportunities.
Extensive Performance and Choreography Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to perform in fully-produced concerts, including the Winter Gala Dance Concert, and to present their own choreography in graduating presentations and student organization showcases. This practical experience is vital for professional development.
Western Dance Project Touring Ensemble: This unique touring company allows students to gain valuable teaching and performance experience by presenting concerts, lecture-demonstrations, and masterclasses to schools and communities statewide, regionally, and nationally.
Strong Professional Connections and Alumni Network: The department is committed to providing professional immersion experiences. Graduates have gone on to work with prestigious companies like Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and Garth Fagan Dance, or lead their own studios and teach at universities. Nearly half of alumni pursue graduate studies at top institutions.
Focus on Dancer Health and Well-being: The curriculum includes conditioning for dance, dance science, and kinesiology, emphasizing safe practices and injury prevention. Facilities include a conditioning room with Pilates reformers and other equipment.
Community Engagement: The department fosters connections with community organizations through service learning, internships, and workshops, providing performances and educational events that are often free or low cost to the wider Kalamazoo community.

For individuals interested in pursuing dance education at Western Michigan University's Department of Dance, here is their contact information:

Address: 1300 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
Phone: (269) 387-5830

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the WMU Dance website or contact the department directly to learn more about audition requirements, application procedures, scholarship opportunities, and specific program details. Their academic advisor, Thom Cooper, can also be reached for any questions regarding the dance programs.

For locals across Michigan, the Western Michigan University Department of Dance stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable institution for dance education. Its presence in Kalamazoo offers a world-class training ground without the need to leave our beautiful state. The department's national accreditation ensures a top-tier curriculum, providing comprehensive and equally emphasized training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance, which is crucial for versatile dancers. The commitment to performance is evident through the Great Works Dance Project, allowing students to learn from and perform master choreography, and the Western Dance Project, which offers invaluable touring and teaching experience right within Michigan and beyond. This hands-on, professional-level exposure is invaluable for aspiring artists. Furthermore, the focus on dancer health through conditioning and dance science courses, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, underscores a dedication to student well-being and longevity in their careers. For Michigan families and individuals seeking a university dance program that balances rigorous artistic training with strong academic foundations, extensive performance opportunities, and meaningful professional preparation, the Western Michigan University Department of Dance is not just an option—it's a premier choice, fostering the next generation of dance professionals right here in our community.