Why Major in Dance?
Eastern University's BA in Dance prepares students for careers in dance while equipping them to integrate their Christian faith with the discipline of dance. The program approaches the study of dance in a comprehensive manner, balancing the academic curriculum with performance production. The development of satisfactory technical performance based on sound biomechanical principles is supported by engagement with historical, socio-cultural and aesthetic theory, exploration of creative potential, instruction in pedagogical practice and understanding of anatomical principles. The course work and community environment engage the individual on physical, intellectual, social, and emotional levels anchored in Christian spirituality--shaping a dance professional who is well-rounded and grounded.
Why Choose Eastern?
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Expert faculty: Dance faculty have regional, national, and international recognition with expertise in research, education, performance, choreography, community-based arts, and studio work.
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Annual Functional Athletic Assessments: We are one of the few dance programs in the country to offer these assessments.
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Personalized insight: Dancers gain insight into their unique physical challenges or strengths to more accurately set training goals and have a more sustainable career.
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Faith in community: Department is community-based, focused on pursuing technical excellence combined with the Christian faith.
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American College Dance Association (ACDA) member: Students regularly attend classes and concerts as well as perform their own choreographic works.
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Multi-level classes in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz with guest artists teaching master classes in Tap, Horton, Limon, Mary Anthony, African, and Hip Hop.
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Performances: Dancers perform in up to four dance concerts per year, as well as: chapel, sporting events, Fine Arts dance festival, and Windows on the World.
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Student dance groups, including Eastern Dance Club, Eastern Dance Ministry, Dance Repertory, and Redefined, perform both on and off campus.
“The training Eastern provided in the dance classrooms combined with the history classes and anatomy and kinesiology class has influenced how I teach my lessons. I am constantly using anatomy terms and discussing the history of ballet and modern when I am teaching the different styles of dance. ”
