Dance Programs

There are three programs of dance studies at Virginia Intermont College. The B.A. in dance, the B.F.A. in dance and a dance minor.

The BA degree in dance requires 39 credits. Twenty-eight to 29 elective hours allow the student the freedom to elect additional dance credits, explore other disciplines on campus, pursue a minor or consider a double major. A double major usually requires a commitment longer than four years.

The B.F.A. degree requires 68 credits in dance. It is a rigorous program of study. Student dancers should be in good health with no previous chronic injuries. It is demanding both physically and mentally. It is not possible to complete the B.F.A. in four years and carry a minor.

The dance minor requires 18 credits in dance. Students need to audition and be advised by the dance faculty to determine placement. Students should begin to work on the dance minor program during their freshman year.


Dance Classes

The average class size is 6-12, allowing maximum support and development for each individual student. The majority of all studio classes are one and a half hours in length. Dancers average 5-12 technique classes per week.

It is imperative for a student pursuing a career in dance to experience performing, to study and practice elements of teaching and to explore the craft of choreography. At Virginia Intermont, the dance department expects the dance major to study and become accomplished in several dance techniques and styles at the advanced level.

Studio technique classes are offered in graduated levels. Student dancers study ballet, modern/contemporary dance and jazz. In addition to these studio classes, majors also study dance History I/II, Dance Seminar, Elements of Teaching and Dance Performance and Dance Production.

There are also elective courses in dance. A few of these are tap, improvisation, floor barre, variations/repertory, dance workshops and men's technique.

Example of a typical course schedule for freshman year:

Fall

Spring

Company

Performing is a major emphasis in the dance programs. Dance majors are required to perform with the faculty directed student Dance Company throughout their four-year residency at Virginia Intermont College. Auditions for casting are held throughout the year. Rehearsals are scheduled throughout the week.

Company's repertory reflects the studio technique training. Student dancers perform in classical ballets, contemporary ballets, modern/contemporary dance works, jazz works and theatre dance. Company choreographers include the Virginia Intermont full-time dance faculty and guest choreographers.

Company celebrated Alumni Weekend 2001 by performing to an enthusiastic audience in Harrison-Jones Memorial Hall. Company's diverse repertory included:

"Divertissements IV" - a modern work choreographed by guest choreographer by Artistic Director, Harolyn Gaudette and set to the beautiful music of Mozart.

"The Dawn Before The Eye" - a modern work choreographed by guest choreographer, Chung-Fu Chang.

"Move" - a high energy jazz work choreographed by the dynamic guest choreographer, Randy Allen.

"Radiance" - a modern work set to Vivaldi choreographed by D. Harolyn Gaudette.

"Soulful Heart" - a tango on pointe with the intensity and shadings of its Argentina roots, choreographed by D. Harolyn Gaudette.

"Earth Rhythms" - a primitive modern work set to the percussive sounds of Brent Lewis.

• 60-70% of the dance majors are from out of the state of Virginia.
• 50% of the majors are from the northeast and across the United States.
• 50% of the majors are from the south.
• 50% of the majors from Virginia are from northern or eastern Virginia.
• 50% of the remaining majors Virginia are from southwest Virginia.
• 50% of the majors are from cities or suburbs.
• 50% of the majors are from small towns.
• 95-100% of the freshmen enter with no minimal or modern dance training.
• 95% of the freshmen enter with ballet training and are placed in various levels of ballet.
• 90-100% of the freshmen enter with jazz training and are placed in various levels of jazz.
• The majority of dance majors come from a dance background of 2-3 dance classes a week.
• 50-80% of upperclass dance majors are scholastically honored at Virginia Intermont College.
• 10-20% of the dance majors carry a minor.
• Fewer than 10% double major.
• 90-100% of the dance graduates work in dance as performers, teachers, choreographers and dance related areas nationally.