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College of Creative Arts and Media: School of Theatre and Dance

Dance, BA

As a WVU Dance student, you'll learn both the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge you need to shine in the world of dance.

We’ll prepare you in the studio and give you opportunities to perform on stage, here at the University and beyond. From informal dance showcases to our annual dance concert — plus musicals and local, regional and national dance festivals and conferences — you’ll have many ways to demonstrate your talent.

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 The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Two rows of students in white shirts and black pants tap dancing on stage

Develop and hone your techniques in a program that offers both experiential and theoretical dance education. You’ll study a variety of dance genres and subjects — ballet, modern, jazz, tap, world dance, choreography, dance history and dance criticism.

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

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • DANC 255:
    Dance Styles for Musical Theatre

    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.

  • DANC 320:
    Advanced Modern

    (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.

  • DANC 360:
    Advanced Choreography

    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.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Dance Education

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 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 (ACDA), CORPS de Ballet International and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO).
  • 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.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Evansdale Library, a short walk from the Canady Creative Arts Center, gives you access to a vast script collection and industry-specific journals and magazines. You’ll stay ahead of the curve and be in the know about all things theatre.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

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.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

Teach or instruct courses other than those that normally lead to an occupational objective or degree. Courses may include self-improvement, nonvocational, and nonacademic subjects. Teaching may or may not take place in a traditional educational institution.

Median Salary: $45,330

Possible job titles include: Ballet Teacher, Dance Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, Piano Teacher.

Explore Career

Dancers

Perform dances. May perform on stage, for on-air broadcasting, or for video recording.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: NA

Possible job titles include: Ballet Dancer, Company Dancer, Dancer, Soloist Dancer.

Explore Career

Choreographers

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $52,000

Possible job titles include: Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dance Director.

Explore Career

Where our grads are working

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

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Explore the Canady Creative Arts Center
  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Dance major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Dance at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

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