Dance Program
Dance is a component of the Department of Drama and Dance,
operating within the liberal arts philosophy with beginning to
advanced courses. Our students can fulfill the arts distribution
requirement, achieve a minor, supplement drama studies, fulfill
requirements in other programs, and earn elective credit. Events
vary by semester, including informal presentations of
faculty/student/guest work. Creativity and critical thinking are
stressed in classes. The program serves the liberal arts goals
rather than having a conservatory orientation even though a number
of our courses offer opportunities for students to continue with
advanced skills. Modern dance and creative work are the core
curricular elements along with several non-western forms offered
during the year. The faculty is composed of a senior
member/Director, a full, half-time, and part-time lecturer, and a
cross-over instructor from Music for the African forms.
The dance courses offer a liberal arts
perspective that provides expanded movement choices, compositional
techniques, the understanding of a variety of genres, and
problem-solving skills which are transferable to non-arts
activities. Although pre-professional dance training is not the
focus, there are curricular options for many advanced students.
Students may complete the department’s minor with an emphasis on
dance, or they may apply dance courses to the Drama, American
Studies, or the Plan of Study concentrations. During each semester,
the dance program sponsors some combination of extra-curricular
events, and informal performances. There are regular opportunities
to dance in faculty choreography or in student work sponsored by the
department. Extra-curricular groups are also widely available as is
our own co-curricular group Jumbodance, sponsoring free dance
classes in forms such as tap, salsa, hip hop, flamenco, jazz, and
others.
Prospective Students
With enough advance notice you may be able to schedule a meeting
with the Dance Program Director (M-F) or view a class (M-Th). Most
advanced classes are at the end of
the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Unfortunately, there are no dance classes on Friday or during the
summer. We do not review videos of prospective students as we
welcome those of all levels. Some students intending to minor in
dance may receive additional interest from us. The academic profile
of all dancers seeking admission to Tufts must be within the range
established by Admissions.
We encourage visits by prospective students and minors. Please review directions to the dance facilities and offices in Jackson Gym.
Please contact the Director to schedule an appointment.