Dance Frequently Asked Questions

An audition is not required to major or minor in dance. All admitted students, whether a dance major or not, may take any dance course appropriate for their placed level. Students wishing to major in dance must complete core requirements and then select from the technical and theoretical courses offered to complete their course of study. Goucher College does have talent scholarships for students with an interest in dance. All first-year students interested in scholarship consideration are required to file an application for admission and the dance scholarship application.

For application links, deadlines and audition options, details, and guidelines, please click here.

This information can be found here.

Students applying for scholarship consideration will be notified by email of the results within a few weeks after the audition.

Yes, there are many opportunities for students to perform, including performances with Goucher Repertory Dance Ensemble (fall and spring concerts), composition course concerts, student independent choreography projects, and outreach.

No, you don't have to be a dance major or minor to perform. As long as you are enrolled in a dance technique class in the genre in which you are performing, during the semester you are performing in, you can audition.

At a dance conservatory, dance is the primary focus while academia tends to be pushed into the background. Here at Goucher, our dance students not only study dance in an intense environment at a challenging pace, but they are also receiving a well-rounded liberal arts education. The possibilities for a career with a B.A. (Goucher) as opposed to a B.F.A. (conservatory) are much broader upon graduation. Students can double major in dance and something else, take a minor in another field of study, or simply major in something other than dance while still actively participating in dance classes and performances. Many of our dancers are double majors involved in performances and choreography while still maintaining a spot on the Dean's List every semester. Students also have the option to take courses in composition, dance history, dance criticism, pedagogy,dance technologies, dance education, anatomy and kinesiology, and notation. Goucher dancers appreciate the endless possibilities readily available to them as they further their education, not only in dance, but in academia as well.

At Goucher, there is a level for every dancer from beginner to advanced. All students are allowed to enroll in dance classes, and they will be placed according to the faculty's assessment of their technical ability upon completion of a placement audition during Fall Orientation.

Ballet technique levels range from DAN 121 (Ballet I) to DAN 421 (Ballet IV). Modern technique levels range from DAN 115 (Modern I) to DAN 415 (Modern IV). There are also two levels of pointe. In Fall 2017 we began to offer four levels of West African Diaspora Technique (DAN 133 to DAN 433) such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, and West African.  Elective courses include classes such as men's technique, partnering, improvisation, repertory, and Pilates.

Dance classes range anywhere from about 12 to 20 students for technique classes and between 10 and 16 for most theory courses.

There are many students who participate fully in dance classes and performances but are not majors. They, along with the dance majors and prospective majors, make up the dance program. There are more than 100 students involved in the dance program.

Students are not required to declare their major until the end of their sophomore year, thus decreasing the number of majors at one time. There are usually around 40 declared dance majors not including all first-year students and sophomores.

One of the most influential sources in choosing a college is your visit. Dancers can visit the dance program by scheduling a visit online, or by calling and arranging a visit through the Admissions Office.  Your visit can include an overnight stay, observing dance classes, and meeting with dance faculty.

Yes, we have several scholarships in dance here at Goucher. The Dance Scholarship is awarded to first-year advanced dancers. As a prospective student, you must complete an application for admission and a dance scholarship application.  

For application links, deadlines and audition options, details, and guidelines, please click here.

The Dance Program also offers several scholarships to continuing advanced dancers including the Friends of Goucher Dance scholarship, the Gala Scholarship, and the Sophia L. Kurek '13 Memorial Scholarship.

After placement class, dancers may register for their level and any additional levels below that (keeping in mind they must fit into their schedule).  Dancers can often take class twice a day or every day if they choose. Technique classes can be augmented with other studio courses including repertory, men's technique, partnering, and more.

Ballet and modern are equally emphasized at Goucher. As of the Fall 2017, students must also engage with West African Diaspora dance techniques to complete the major or minor. Students must reach a specified level of each genre in order to graduate. Performances feature creative works that are supported by the studio practices engaged in by our student body.

The dance program does not adhere to one syllabus of a discipline (Cecchetti, Graham, Limón, RAD). Instead, the program reflects the breadth of the dance world and exposes students to a number of choices and approaches. It is important to note that the basic premise for all dance technique classes is anatomical and placement accuracy. 

Yes. The Dance Program's physical therapist visits campus weekly. If a student requires continuing treatment, he or she will be referred to an off campus practice. 

Goucher offers four levels of West African Diaspora technique which include jazz, tap, and hip-hop, among others. Specific courses will be rotated through levels 1 through 4.

Most of the Dance Program's courses are open to our undergraduates. Placement class is required.

Yes. Students tour to local elementary schools by participating in the program's outreach course and have the opportunity to tour to the American College Dance Association Conference each spring.

Orchesis · Dance Team · Dancers of Color Coalition · Sacred Ground · Improv Club · Hip Hop Club · African Dance Club · Salsa Club · International Essense Step Team · Flamenco Club · Capoeira Club

Absolutely. Many students major in dance along with another field such as biology, chemistry, management, theatre, psychology, and communications.

Goucher offers several three-week intensive study-abroad courses with an emphasis in dance over either the winter or summer break to places such as Scotland and South Africa. Students may also decide to spend an entire semester abroad. Many students have spent a semester in London, England at University of Roehampton and in Ghana.

Yes, many are student-initiated internships, such as those in arts management or dance therapy. The Career Education Office as well as the faculty are both excellent resources in locating internship opportunities.

Yes, through the Office of Global Education, Friends of Goucher Dance, and Innovation Grants.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The dance major is 44-46 credits. To graduate a student must complete 120 credits.

Goucher's degree is a Bachelor of Arts. The major is designed to allow students to follow their specific interests.  These may be within the field of dance (performance or choreography) or integrated with another field of interest such as dance therapy (psychology), physical therapy, dance science or premedical studies (sciences), arts management (business), education (dance education).

Yes, our technique courses have live accompaniment.

Some graduates choose to pursue careers closely related to dance, such as performance, education, and choreography. Others choose careers behind the scenes in production or management. Occupations in the fields of arts management and dance writing are common, and many graduates pursue careers as Pilates instructors, dance teachers, managers, or publicists. It is imperative to note that many specialized areas require advanced degrees. Many of our students do pursue graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.

Check out Goucher Alumnae/i for details.