Division of Fine and Performing Arts
Dance
To inquire about this program:
Dance Department | 212-517-0610 | E-mail
Dance Department Philosophy The Marymount Manhattan College Dance Department provides the best of both worlds – a strong dance program that has built its reputation on the integrity and artistic sensibilities of the faculty and the well-rounded education that comes from being part of a liberal arts college. It is the Department's philosophy that this combination offers the best preparation for the dancer to perform on and off the stage. We believe that becoming a dancer is not just a matter of learning dance techniques or interrelated subjects but requires the kind of personal growth that a liberal arts education provides.
The MMC Advantage
The growth of the Department over the last two decades attests to the validity of the Dance Department's philosophy. Today we have reached maximum capacity with over 165 dance majors. MMC dance students come from all over the country, covering 30 states and several countries. We welcome international students.
The Department's success stems from its pragmatic approach to teaching dance and the rigorous nature of its curriculum. The repertoires of most companies today require that a dancer be capable of dancing multiple styles. Versatility is paramount; therefore, our students study ballet, modern, jazz and tap. Offering both a BFA and BA in dance, we strongly encourage study in interrelated disciplines of dance that is rich with creativity and opportunity. Students are able to pursue a minor or possibly a double major in other areas of the College's curriculum, providing them with additional skills to use after graduating, as well as expanding their opportunities for personal growth. Our interest is the dancer as a whole person, an artist who balances a trained body with an active, capable mind and deeply engaged spirit.
Senior year students are assisted with resumes, photos and cover letters to equip them for interviews and/or auditions. We want our graduates employed.
To ensure employment of our students, the Marymount Manhattan College dance program is demanding and rigorous. It strives to instill discipline, self-esteem, artistry, and creativity, components that students need to realize their fullest potential in any profession, but most especially in dance. Ballet, modern and jazz classes (5xper week), are augmented by tap, pointe, men’s class or improvisation (2xper week). Courses in music, composition, history/theory and anatomy round out the curriculum. For the BFA candidate, several afternoon rehearsals, which culminate into four performances a year, reinforce the development of the dancer as performer/choreographer and artist. BA candidates have the opportunity to select a performance course. Further requirements support the student's focus in his/her chosen concentration, and both the BFA and BA candidate has the opportunity to gain career experience via internships and directed studies.
For further information, please visit the Department site
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