UofM Ranked Among Top Dance Programs in the Nation
Septrember 18, 2019 - Onstage Blog has listed the University of Memphis among the Top 30 College Dance Programs in the nation for 2019-20.
The schools were selected on criteria that included cost vs. scholarships, quality of facilities, performance/production opportunities and post-graduate support, as well as diversity of students and faculty. A new consideration this year was security, both on- and off-campus.
“I am delighted that our dance program has been recognized for excellence in the company of the best dance departments in the nation,” said Dr. Anne Hogan, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts. “I am very proud of the work of our talented faculty and students in the UofM Dance program, and our new Dance Science concentration is a unique component of our high-quality training and committed mentoring.”
The Dance Science curriculum combines courses drawn from the BS in Health Studies concentration in Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences and the BFA in Theatre concentration in Dance. The program includes dance training and skills in areas such as nutrition, biomechanics, exercise physiology, psychology and kinesiology.
“Our collaborative dance science program allows students both in Communication and Fine Arts and Health Studies to merge their mutual interests to gain training and knowledge in both areas – something that may increase job opportunities upon graduation,” said Dr. Richard Bloomer, dean of the School of Health Studies.
The goal, said Theatre & Dance Chair Holly Lau, is to train graduates for careers in a variety of related fields, such as health and wellness advisors for dance companies and trainers in fitness clubs. The concentration also will allow students who take additional classes and degrees to pursue careers in physical therapy or dance medicine.
“It creates a dancer who really is best aware of her own body and how to take care of her own self,” Lau said. “Every single one of our dancers teach. They are really very skilled, careful, healthy teachers. So no matter what else they do in their life, they have this.
“We are so pleased to be recognized as a high-quality dance program in the company of the best dance departments in the nation. UofM Dance is a vital and thriving program. Along with our new Dance Science concentration, our award-winning faculty is dedicated to developing each student’s artistic voice and creative potential through excellent training, enriching internships and committed mentoring.”
This year the blog decided not to rank the schools 1-30. Since the programs often are separated by only one or two points, they are listed in no particular order. The UofM appears along with such prestigious dance programs as NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Juilliard and North Carolina School of the Arts. View the entire list here.