How do I declare a dance minor?
All AU students must declare a major before declaring a minor. After meeting with the Dance Program Director, students must submit a minor declaration form to the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office.
Do I need to audition or be a dance minor to participate in the Dance Program?
For intermediate and advanced level dance classes, placement auditions are now required prior to registration. No audition is needed for beginning level classes. Performance opportunities are open all students enrolled at AU—see Placement Audition FAQ.
Placement auditions take place in:
- Spring semester (for fall registration)
- August (prior to the start of classes for fall registration)
- October/November (for spring registration)
These auditions will allow the program to standardize registration procedures and regulate the curriculum in all dance technique classes.
How many students are in dance technique courses?
Though enrollment will vary each semester, dance technique courses are capped at 18 students for safety and effective instruction.
What dance forms are offered?
There are multiple levels of ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. Additionally, there are courses in social and world dance forms including African and ballroom.
How many dance courses can I take per semester?
You can take as many courses as will fit in your schedule.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes. The Dance Program produces one mainstage concert at the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, a choreographer’s workshop/performance, and two informal showcases each academic year. Each spring students perform at the American College Dance Festival. Additionally, there are multiple student-run organizations that perform on and off campus.
How many dance studios are there?
There are two dance studios: one in the Katzen Arts Center and one in Federal Hall on the Tenley Campus. Both studios are have sprung, marley covered floors, multifunction stereos, and wireless internet connection. Additionally, the Katzen dance studio is equipped with portable barres and an audio/visual system for multimedia presentations.
How many dance faculty members are there?
The Dance Program is comprised of one full-time faculty member, an Artist-In-Residence, and multiple adjunct faculty members who bring their expertise from the professional world to AU’s classrooms.
What is AU’s connection to the professional dance community, locally, nationally and internationally?
In addition to a professionally active faculty, the Dance Program has a long history of hosting nationally and internationally recognized guest artists who teach master classes, stage choreography, present lecture-demonstrations, adjudicate student choreography, and serve as creative advisors and professional mentors to students. Past guest artists include Sean Curran, Peter DiMuro, Doug Elkins, Risa Jaroslow, Amir Kolben, Francisca Morand, Risa Steinberg, Sara Skaggs, and Ed Tyler. Also, many AU alumni are active members of the dance field and maintain a close ties with the university.
Washington has a vibrant dance community with numerous venues for performance and classes, as well as being home to many seasoned and burgeoning dance companies. Local performances, auditions, and information are posted on the call board in the Katzen dance studio. In addition, with AU’s close proximity to many leading arts organizations, students have the opportunity to create internships and independent studies in dance education and management.
May I observe a dance class?
Yes. Contact the Dance Program Director at 202-885-3433 or mgeorge@american.edu for further information.
Can I take a tour of the Katzen Arts Center?
Yes, please visit AU's Tour & Information Sessions for further information.