Dance at Colorado State University
Welcome to CSU Dance, where we offer a collaborative dance training center and degrees designed to prepare majors for careers in dance-related fields. Dance students explore the many possibilities for movement expression, along with creative and scholarly examination, in a challenging and supportive environment. In addition to regular training in classical and contemporary dance techniques, the curriculum requires performance, choreography, pedagogy, production, and theoretical coursework. Numerous performance opportunities include four main stage productions each year, and regular guest artist residencies and masterclasses.
Students not majoring in dance are encouraged to enroll in dance technique courses, space permitting. Any student enrolled in a dance technique class is eligible to audition for a role in a dance performance. Auditions are held each semester. Come join the dance community at CSU!
Admission to Colorado State University and admission to the dance major is competitive and therefore it is important to apply early. Students are allowed to double major in dance and other disciplines.
CSU Dance Focus Areas
Performance, Technique, and Repertoire
Dance majors receive four years of training in dance technique. Accomplished musicians in piano, percussion, and various other instruments accompany technique classes. Ballet study includes investigation of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary forms and pointe work. In addition to learning various styles of the 20th – 21st century modern techniques, students explore the contemporary developments of the instructors and excerpts from various repertories. Additional training in jazz, musical tap forms, and Dances of the African Diaspora are offered and encouraged. Individual expression and artistic development are cultivated along with strong technical foundations in guided semesters of dance techniques.
Students are initially placed in the appropriate level based on an assessment of their previous training during Fall or Spring Visit Days or by video audition. Placement in technique classes for non-majors depends on space availability, technical level, and suitability.
Through a series of repertory courses, students learn and perform classical and contemporary dance repertoire. In addition to historical adaptations, dancers have the opportunity to perform original works created by faculty and guest artists as part of the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts. Performers also collaborate with student choreographers featured in these concerts and the Dance Capstone Concert series. Rehearsal and performance of dance works for CSU concerts and other outreach engagements are explored throughout the dance degree program.
Auditions for roles in faculty, guest, and student pieces take place at the beginning of each semester. Any student enrolled in a dance technique class is eligible to audition.
Choreography and Improvisation
Choreographic dance coursework begins by discovering organic and inventive movement through Improvisation. Students develop unique solutions for choreographic questions by exploring fundamental elements of dance composition in Choreography I. In Choreography II, compositional studies advance to include group, multimedia, and site-specific work. Graduating dance majors complete the Dance Capstone Concert, where they apply previous and current knowledge to fully produce a dance concert featuring their choreography, performance, design, event publicity, and management.
Pedagogy and Teaching Methodologies
Each dance major completes three pedagogy courses as part of the degree requirements. Students gain practical experience in planning and teaching lessons for children in an elementary school and studio setting utilizing the Colorado Department of Education Dance Standards. Students also experience dance instruction in higher education as they plan, prepare, and serve as student teaching assistants for beginning-level ballet and modern technique dance coursework.
History and Theory
Incoming students participate in a first-year seminar course, which surveys a variety of dance topics, including anatomy/kinesiology, injury prevention, library resources, and possible career paths. Ballet and Modern history dance coursework offers dynamic learning through writing, research, discussion, video resources, and embodied experiences. Students develop interview and networking skills and a detailed portfolio comprised of commonly requested documents and work samples. Dance internships may be available for students seeking professional experience within the community.
Technical Production and Design
As part of the dance concert production running crew, students gain practical experience, including light, soundboard, video/projection, curtain/rail, and backstage operations. Dance majors have their choice of courses from Costume Design, Lighting Design, Stage Management, or Digital Media for Live Performance. Dance majors engage with an incredible production team comprised of professional, faculty, and student designers and directors.
Guest Artists and Masterclasses
Students engage with accomplished dance professionals through our annual guest artist residencies and masterclasses. These nationally and internationally renowned artists teach, choreograph, mentor, and form valuable connections with our students.
Previous artists and companies have included: the Taipei Artists Village International Residency, David Dorfman Dance, Diavolo Dance Company, Yunyu Wang, Tommy Parlon, Gabriel Masson, Katie Elliott, Viktor Kabaniaev, Salli Guitterez, Andrew Skeels, Pilobolus, Ailey II/Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, BODYTRAFFIC, Colorado Ballet, Koresh Dance Company, Smuin Ballet, Catherine Cabeen, Larry Keigwin, ABT II, Robert Moses’ Kin Dance Company, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, Hubbard Street 2, IMPACT Dance Company, MOMIX, Northwest Dance Project, Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company, Ormao, River North Chicago, Taylor 2, and Verb Ballets.
Why Dance at CSU?
- Diverse faculty with expertise and qualifications on national and international levels
- Comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on career preparation in a liberal arts setting
- Experiential coursework and leadership opportunities including supervised teaching, direction, choreography, and performance
- Individualized mentorship from faculty and fellow students
- Live musical accompaniment for technique classes
- Exceptional guest artist residencies and masterclasses with world-renowned artists from companies such as Compagnie Käfig, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Keigwin + Company, Parsons Dance, and more
- Community partnerships with the Fort Collins Lincoln Center and Poudre School District
- Travel opportunities for majors to attend Colorado Dance Education Organization, National Dance Education Organization,
and the American College Dance Association conferences - World-class facilities and immersive arts environment in the University Center for the Arts
- Opportunity for students to have their voices heard through the Student Advisory Committee.
- Excellent general education at a premier research university ranked in the top tier of the nation’s best universities (U.S. News and World Report)
- Ability to double major (B.A. only) or minor in a variety of other disciplines
- Alumni achievements in dance include performance, teaching, choreography, arts advocacy and management, theatrical production, fashion design, exercise science, physical therapy, business, education, and somatic practices