Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I take a tour of Marymount Manhattan College?
Prospective students can take a tour Monday through Saturday by contacting the Admissions Office at (212) 517-0430.
2. Can I observe or participate in a dance class?
We encourage prospective students to observe a dance class by setting up an appointment with the Dance Department at (212) 517-0610. However, due to space restrictions and our commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, the Dance Department does not permit perspective students to participate in a dance class.
3. What does the dance audition consist of?
The audition for the Dance Department typically consists of a ballet barre and condensed ballet center, followed by a modern and a jazz combination. This portion of the audition is approximately three hours long. After evaluating these techniques and a combination of other qualities ranging from academic to movement, faculty adjudicators make a first cut. In the second portion of the audition, selected students present individual solos and participate in a brief interview with the adjudicators. All students should come prepared with a 1-2 minute solo in the style that best represents them (no tap allowed) and be prepared to speak with faculty members. Please note, however, that not all prospective students will be seen in the second round of the audition. The dance audition is a full day event and students should plan to be in New York City all day.
4. Can I send in a video audition?
The Dance Department strongly encourages prospective students to come and visit our program and Marymount Manhattan College directly. We believe that college is too important a decision to make without having first-hand knowledge. Further, there are aspects of dance performance that video simply can't capture. However, we also recognize that mitigating circumstances sometimes prevent in-person auditions. If a student believes he/she qualifies, please contact the Dance Department to discuss acceptance of a video audition and to find out the criteria to be included in the video.
5. How is level determined in technique classes?
Levels for dance technique courses are determined by faculty adjudicators based on the student's demonstrated proficiency at the audition.
6. How many dance studios are there?
There are four studios on campus for daily classes and rehearsals. The Great Hall, with state-of-the-art flooring and dimensions of 34' by 76', is one of New York City's largest dance studios. All studios are equipped with Marley flooring that allows for all styles of dance without rosin.
7. How big are the dance classes?
Dance classes can range in size from 15 students to 25 students depending on the course. Modern I is the only exception to this rule: 30 students is the cap.
8. How many dance majors are there?
The Dance Department is capped at 165 dance majors, and that number fluctuates downward by approximately five students any given semester depending on medical leaves, maintenance of matriculation, or change of major.
9. How many faculty members are there?
The faculty consists of six (6) full-time faculty members, one (1)-half time technical director, and approximately 30 adjunct faculty members.
10. Is there live accompaniment for dance classes?
Modern classes have percussionists and/or pianists and ballet classes have pianists. All the musicians who supply music for the technique classes at MMC are highly accomplished musicians in their own right. The Dance Department takes great pride in the musicianship of its accompanists. They are amongst the finest the City has to offer. Jazz and tap classes do not typically have live accompaniment.
11. Are there performance opportunities?
There are two performance opportunities each semester for BFA dance majors. BA dance majors have one performance opportunity each semester.
12. What is the difference between being a BFA and a BA dance major?
The BFA degree is designed for the student who plans to pursue a career in dance performance and/or choreography. The BA degree is designed for students who wish to double major and/or to pursue careers in dance as teachers, critics, photographers, physical or dance therapists, videographers or other. The BFA program consists of 61 dance credits, and the BA program consists of 47 dance credits. BFA majors can concentrate in Ballet, Modern, Choreography or Jazz. BA majors can concentrate in Teaching Dance Arts, Dance Studies, Body, Science, Motion and Dance and Media.
13. Can I take a dance course if I am not a dance major?
Due to the size of our dance program and the limitations of our studio space, we do not offer dance technique classes to students who are not majors. Courses open to non-majors are Intro to Dance, and Dance History I.
14. What is the typical course load for a dance major?
Dance Majors typically take a full course load that includes both dance and shared/core courses. Modern, Ballet and Jazz technique classes are courses that meet daily. Tap, Pointe and Improvisation meet twice a week and courses in music, history, anatomy and choreography are taken throughout the four years at the college. BFA dance majors also participate in several rehearsals during the day.
15. Can I double major?
It is possible for dance majors to double major with consultation and discussion with their faculty advisor. For the BFA, planning is particularly imperative, as there is little to no room for elective course work.
16. Does the dance department allow dancers to attend outside auditions?
Outside auditions that interfere with the training or academic schedule of dancers are strictly prohibited. Seniors who are in their last semester of work are given permission to audition; beyond their own initiatives, students receive supplemental information about auditions from the department in accordance with individual career goals.
17. Does the dance department provide dancers with career counseling prior to graduation?
In the first semester of senior year, the department assists students with resumes, photos and cover letters to equip them for interviews and or auditions. In the last semester of senior year students are encouraged to begin the audition and interview process, and to establish relationships with other dance professionals in New York City.
18. What do dance majors do upon graduation?
After graduation our students gain employment in many areas of the dance world. Former students can be found performing in companies, directing their own companies, performing on Broadway and in touring companies, performing in films, teaching dance, designing costumes, pursuing degrees in higher education, working in arts administration and pursuing careers in other fields.
1. How can I take a tour of Marymount Manhattan College?
Prospective students can take a tour Monday through Saturday by contacting the Admissions Office at (212) 517-0430.
2. Can I observe or participate in a dance class?
We encourage prospective students to observe a dance class by setting up an appointment with the Dance Department at (212) 517-0610. However, due to space restrictions and our commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, the Dance Department does not permit perspective students to participate in a dance class.
3. What does the dance audition consist of?
The audition for the Dance Department typically consists of a ballet barre and condensed ballet center, followed by a modern and a jazz combination. This portion of the audition is approximately three hours long. After evaluating these techniques and a combination of other qualities ranging from academic to movement, faculty adjudicators make a first cut. In the second portion of the audition, selected students present individual solos and participate in a brief interview with the adjudicators. All students should come prepared with a 1-2 minute solo in the style that best represents them (no tap allowed) and be prepared to speak with faculty members. Please note, however, that not all prospective students will be seen in the second round of the audition. The dance audition is a full day event and students should plan to be in New York City all day.
4. Can I send in a video audition?
The Dance Department strongly encourages prospective students to come and visit our program and Marymount Manhattan College directly. We believe that college is too important a decision to make without having first-hand knowledge. Further, there are aspects of dance performance that video simply can't capture. However, we also recognize that mitigating circumstances sometimes prevent in-person auditions. If a student believes he/she qualifies, please contact the Dance Department to discuss acceptance of a video audition and to find out the criteria to be included in the video.
5. How is level determined in technique classes?
Levels for dance technique courses are determined by faculty adjudicators based on the student's demonstrated proficiency at the audition.
6. How many dance studios are there?
There are four studios on campus for daily classes and rehearsals. The Great Hall, with state-of-the-art flooring and dimensions of 34' by 76', is one of New York City's largest dance studios. All studios are equipped with Marley flooring that allows for all styles of dance without rosin.
7. How big are the dance classes?
Dance classes can range in size from 15 students to 25 students depending on the course. Modern I is the only exception to this rule: 30 students is the cap.
8. How many dance majors are there?
The Dance Department is capped at 165 dance majors, and that number fluctuates downward by approximately five students any given semester depending on medical leaves, maintenance of matriculation, or change of major.
9. How many faculty members are there?
The faculty consists of six (6) full-time faculty members, one (1)-half time technical director, and approximately 30 adjunct faculty members.
10. Is there live accompaniment for dance classes?
Modern classes have percussionists and/or pianists and ballet classes have pianists. All the musicians who supply music for the technique classes at MMC are highly accomplished musicians in their own right. The Dance Department takes great pride in the musicianship of its accompanists. They are amongst the finest the City has to offer. Jazz and tap classes do not typically have live accompaniment.
11. Are there performance opportunities?
There are two performance opportunities each semester for BFA dance majors. BA dance majors have one performance opportunity each semester.
12. What is the difference between being a BFA and a BA dance major?
The BFA degree is designed for the student who plans to pursue a career in dance performance and/or choreography. The BA degree is designed for students who wish to double major and/or to pursue careers in dance as teachers, critics, photographers, physical or dance therapists, videographers or other. The BFA program consists of 61 dance credits, and the BA program consists of 47 dance credits. BFA majors can concentrate in Ballet, Modern, Choreography or Jazz. BA majors can concentrate in Teaching Dance Arts, Dance Studies, Body, Science, Motion and Dance and Media.
13. Can I take a dance course if I am not a dance major?
Due to the size of our dance program and the limitations of our studio space, we do not offer dance technique classes to students who are not majors. Courses open to non-majors are Intro to Dance, and Dance History I.
14. What is the typical course load for a dance major?
Dance Majors typically take a full course load that includes both dance and shared/core courses. Modern, Ballet and Jazz technique classes are courses that meet daily. Tap, Pointe and Improvisation meet twice a week and courses in music, history, anatomy and choreography are taken throughout the four years at the college. BFA dance majors also participate in several rehearsals during the day.
15. Can I double major?
It is possible for dance majors to double major with consultation and discussion with their faculty advisor. For the BFA, planning is particularly imperative, as there is little to no room for elective course work.
16. Does the dance department allow dancers to attend outside auditions?
Outside auditions that interfere with the training or academic schedule of dancers are strictly prohibited. Seniors who are in their last semester of work are given permission to audition; beyond their own initiatives, students receive supplemental information about auditions from the department in accordance with individual career goals.
17. Does the dance department provide dancers with career counseling prior to graduation?
In the first semester of senior year, the department assists students with resumes, photos and cover letters to equip them for interviews and or auditions. In the last semester of senior year students are encouraged to begin the audition and interview process, and to establish relationships with other dance professionals in New York City.
18. What do dance majors do upon graduation?
After graduation our students gain employment in many areas of the dance world. Former students can be found performing in companies, directing their own companies, performing on Broadway and in touring companies, performing in films, teaching dance, designing costumes, pursuing degrees in higher education, working in arts administration and pursuing careers in other fields.