Dance
Aesthetic principles. Physical practices. The journey from studio to stage. Dance is an exploration of how the body speaks; how cultural and historical traditions shape the language of expression; and how choreography is inspired and developed.
Dance at Mount Holyoke offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing technical training, creative experimentation, and critical/theoretical understanding. The department is renowned for extensive studio offerings in ballet technique, modern technique, and repertory/performance, as well as its regular offerings in West African Dance and rotating offerings in tap, jazz, contact improvisation, and other forms. Theory courses range from scientific foundations of dance to twentieth-century dance history to choreography and dance aesthetics. The department's classes are augmented by the more than 100 theory and studio courses offered annually through the Five College Dance Department.
Both majors and minors have opportunities to train with guest artists, as well as to develop and perform new work. Each academic year concludes with a showcase performance featuring both students and faculty.