Western Michigan University’s Department of Dance is nationally recognized as a community that values aesthetic breadth, student choice and disciplinary excellence. In our mission as a dance community we are committed to:
- The highest aesthetic standards,
- Being of service to our diverse cultural community,
- Excellence in creative and scholarly research,
- Exemplary, experientially-based teaching.
The Department goals are to educate students who will:
- Participate in dance and dance-related activities,
- Integrate theory and practice,
- Demonstrate skills, credentials and knowledge needed to carve careers,
- Articulate and apply a personal aesthetic.
Department objectives are:
- Provide training in ballet, jazz and modern and study of the theoretical and creative areas of dance
- Maintain, evaluate and update curricula which take into account current standards and practices, as well as department aspirations and realities
- Maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of the department
- Periodically review and revise admission, grading, retention and graduation requirements using data generated by the Department Assessment Plan and the criteria for National Association of Schools of Dance accreditation standards
- Provide consistent academic advising and a variety of opportunities that enhance the student’s transition to professional careers in dance
- Attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic and physical abilities, as well as artistic potential, utilizing a scholarship system designed to recognize potential and reward excellence
- Maintain ongoing communications with alumni
- Encourage and support student and faculty experimentation and collaboration with other artists
- Stabilize, augment and diversify the personnel of the department
- Support faculty in maintaining, updating and refining skills and to remain visible as dance professionals
- Provide opportunities for students to study and perform the works of master choreographers and sponsor residencies and master classes by guest artists
- Provide service to the community through outreach activities, such as seminars, conferences, and lecture-performances
- Provide a variety of course offerings for the non-major student which provides physical experience in and appreciation of dance
- Incorporate digital technology into pedagogical and aesthetic practices
