The Dance Program: Dance Science & Scholarship

learn to dance / dance to learn

 
photo by Matthew Wright

The Dance Science and Dance Scholarship concentrations are the foundation for a wide range of dance-related careers — and for the opportunity to continue training and performing.

The Dance Science & Dance Scholarship concentrations are designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the field of dance, but not necessarily as a dancer or choreographer. Many dancers choose to pursue both performance and dance science or dance scholarship.

photo by matthew wrightAll dance majors, of course, continue their studio dance training throughout their four years at Muhlenberg, working closely with the Dance Program's internationally acclaimed faculty and guest artists. Most also continue to perform on the Mainstage and in informal concerts and ensembles.

Both academic dance concentrations provide an excellent foundation for continuing studies at the master's degree level. Many dance science students go on to careers in dance medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, and some have gone on to medical school to become doctors specializing in dance medicine. Dance scholarship students can go on to continued study in history and sociology, as well as arts administration and management.

Coursework for Dance Science and Dance Scholarship concentrators includes:photo by matthew wright

  • Foundation courses in technique, movement and composition
  • Anatomy and Kinesiology for Dancers, Experiential Anatomy & Somatic Practice, and Biology of Movement
  • Courses in Dance History and Dance & Society
  • African Dance and Cultures
  • Continued training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance
  • Stagecraft and design
  • Optional courses in dance teaching theory and methods; advanced composition; and other areas of study.

Physical Therapy Co-op Program

Muhlenberg offers a cooperative program with Thomas Jefferson University for students interested in the fields of dance and physical therapy. Students spend a total of six years — three at Muhlenberg and three at Thomas Jefferson — and finish with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and a Doctorate in physical therapy. The bachelor's degree is issued after the first completed year at Thomas Jefferson.

This program requires application by Jan. 1 of the senior year of high school. Find out more.

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If you encounter problems submitting this form, please contact Scott Snyder at scottsnyder@muhlenberg.edu

Dance performance photo by Matthew Wright.