The Department of Dance offers an intensive program for students committed to entering the profession as dancers or choreographers. It seeks exceptionally talented students who have learned through previous experience that they are physically and imaginatively capable of committing themselves to a training that reflects the standards of professional work. It provides a full range of technical training, and, for those interested in choreography, a solid base for creative work. Studio training, course work creativity, and performance are ways to determine each student's progress.
Technique and compositional skills are taught by working professionals in the New York dance world, from which guest teachers and choreographers are also drawn.
Performance opportunities are available throughout the student's time in the program; the final year culminates in a professional experience within a resident company setting: the Second Avenue Dance Company. Guest choreographers, faculty, and students develop new pieces, works are reconstructed from past and present dance company repertoires, and dance concerts are presented throughout the year.
All students also take part in concerts that present choreography originally developed through classes, workshops, and guest projects. The overall aim of the department is to develop dancers who are fully able to participate in the wide range of work that encompasses today's dance world.
