Programs of Study
Meredith's dance curriculum blends a broad liberal arts education with the specialized study in dance. We offer dancers rich educational experiences that foster their development as choreographers, performers and teachers. We believe educating the whole person/artist best serves our students in both their professional and personal endeavors.
The emphasis of our curriculum in technical training is contemporary dance supported with classes in ballet, tap, jazz and other dance forms. Our technical training is rigorous, but it is only one aspect of Meredith's program. We integrate learning experiences in
• creative process (improvisation and composition),
• movement sciences (movement analysis, anatomy, physiology, and somatics), and
• theory (dance in society, dance history, movement fundamentals, and teaching methods.)
What we offer:
Dance Studies Major, BA: The BA in Dance Studies prepares students specifcally for Dance Education or Private Studio teaching or broadly for careers in arts administration or further study in dance. Students who complete the internship in Private Studio Teaching are highly employable in that field and often become studio owners. The major is designed so that highly motivated students can pair it with the K-12 License, the Professional Performance Certificate, a second major, or a minor in another field. Common second major choices for dancers are Psyhcology, Business, and Communication.
K-12 NC License: The K-12 NC License is an optional program that certifies students to teach dance in NC public schools. Graduates of this program are highly employable in NC school systems that offer dance education in their programming.
Professional Performance Certificate: The Professional Performance Certificate is open by audition to students who have declared a major in Dance Studies. Coursework in advanced technique, advanced performance with faculty and professional choroegraphers, internships, and approved off-campus study is designed to prepare students for professional performance in regional and national markets.
Dance Studies Minor: A dance minor emphasizes a foundation in dance technique, composition and history, and is supplemented by electives in a variety of related areas.
Transfer Students
Students who plan to transfer from another institution to major in Dance Studies should contact Carol Finley early in her process to discuss ways to maximize her progress toward the major before she transfers to Meredith.
