Session Description

The Conservatory's contemporary dance program is designed to expand students' understanding of both the physical and intellectual dimensions of dance, as well as their knowledge of themselves and their unique artistic voice. The innovative curriculum includes core courses, which are classes required of all dance students at the Conservatory, as well as an optional area of emphasis, which students choose in their junior year based on the area of dance that interests them most. This emphasis informs elective course choices during the final two years of the program, allowing students to explore the many facets of dance. The core curriculum is composed of five areas, each of which supports and reinforces the others: Movement Training immerses students in daily classes of ballet and modern dance, as well as classes in partnering, jazzdance, African dance, hip-hop, heels, salsa, repertory, and more. This studio training builds physical strength and endurance as students refine their technical skills and ability to perform at the highest level possible. It also teaches an embodied understanding of the aesthetic traditions, somatic methods, and choreographic approaches that are explored in the other four core areas. The Academic Component provides context around dance theory and influential works, develops awareness of the field, strengthens skills in writing, speaking, analysis, and critical thinking, and equally values innovation and tradition. The Creative Component develops a student's individual artistic voice and understanding of choreographic theory and process, communication, and leadership. The Creative Component also includes classes in dance composition, improvisation, and collaborative creation. Additionally, student-created work is featured on two mainstage concerts per year, offering student choreographers the opportunity to present their work at a professional level. The Body Knowing Component supports deep awareness and investigation of the body as an essential aspect of the dance artist's training and lifelong practice. These courses include studies in Alexander Technique, Experiential Anatomy, Gyrokinesis®, Conditioning for Dancers, Stretch & Strengthening, Yoga and Floor Barre™. Cross-Conservatory Studies incorporate elements of music and theater into the dance curriculum, encouraging students to take full advantage of the Conservatory's unique multidisciplinary learning environment. Classes available to Conservatory dancers include voice, acting, and music appreciation. In their junior and senior years, students further explore their artistic and professional goals through a senior capstone project, a self-produced collaborative senior concert, and concentrated course studies in an area of emphasis, which can include pedagogy or dance composition. At the same time, they continue to refine their technical abilities and artistry in their core technique courses. Throughout their four years, students perform in semesterly dance productions on the Conservatory's mainstage, which is a central focus of the dance curriculum. These performances provide students with invaluable experience, as they work directly with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists on the creation of new works and the reconstruction of iconic masterworks. Additionally, student-created work is featured on two mainstage concerts per year, offering student choreographers the opportunity to present their work at a professional level. By the completion of the program, Conservatory dancers will be prepared to take on any role in the field of dance. They will leave the program as confident performers, collaborators, and creators who are ready to meet the challenges of a lifelong career as a dance artist.