Department of Dance

The Dance Department inspires students to become impressive dancers, creative makers, critical and abstract thinkers, problem solvers, collaborators, effective communicators and affecting artists. Areas of study include performance, choreography, historical and cultural contexts, rhythmic analysis and scientific foundations. Studio courses include modern dance, ballet, street dance and West African dance.

With an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, Dance faculty share their expertise in our studios, classrooms and performance spaces. They are creative collaborators who mentor each student to define their own unique research trajectory. Multiple performance opportunities are available each semester at Mount Holyoke and with our partners in Five College Dance.

Advising

If you are considering a Dance major or minor, we encourage you to connect with a Dance faculty advisor early in your first year to ensure your course of study stays on track. In addition to helping with course planning and scheduling, our faculty advisors are committed to mentoring students throughout all four years in our studios, classrooms and performance spaces. As creative collaborators, they’ll support you in defining your unique research trajectory and preparing for a successful career in the field.

Auditions

For the College: Audition tapes are not required; however you may submit examples of your work to the Mount Holyoke Slideroom along with your application to the College. Through these submissions, Dance faculty will observe your dancing ability. If you are a strong performer and/or choreographer, the faculty will share that information with the Admissions office for their consideration during their review of your application.

For the Dance Major: As Mount Holyoke College is a liberal arts college, you may declare a Dance Major or Minor without auditioning for the program. Students declare a major by asking a faculty member to serve as their advisor (or contacting the Chair for an advisor), completing the Declaration of Major Form and meeting with the Department Chair for discussion and signature.

For Dance Technique Courses: Any student may enroll in dance technique courses at the appropriate level for the particular form (ballet, modern, street dance, West African, etc.), beginning-level courses (100's) or intermediate courses (200's). However, to enroll in advanced technique courses (300's), students must participate in a placement audition at the start of the fall semester.

For Dance Productions: The Mount Holyoke College Department of Dances hosts four mainstage productions each year. All auditions are open to Mount Holyoke College and Five College Dance students. Auditions are held in both the fall and spring semesters. Students are also invited to audition and perform in concerts across all Five College Dance Departments.

Performance and Research

Dance at Mount Holyoke 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. The dance department presents numerous performances, lectures, panel discussions and master classes throughout each semester.