Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The Dance programme at Ohio Wesleyan emphasises technique, creative process and intellectual study. You will take a core of studio courses in contemporary techniques such as modern, ballet, jazz and improvisation alongside composition and choreography classes. Coursework typically includes dance history and criticism, somatic practices, movement analysis, and anatomy for dancers to support safe training and informed artistic choices.

• Technique classes — progressive ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz and partnering.
• Choreography and composition — phrase development, dramaturgy, choreographic projects and rehearsal methods.
• Theory and history — surveys of dance history, critical approaches, and the study of dance in cultural contexts.
• Movement science — kinesiology, injury prevention, conditioning and somatics for performance longevity.
• Performance labs — ensemble work, directed projects, and season productions to develop professional rehearsal and stage experience.
• Interdisciplinary options — opportunities to study music, theatre, film, education or a second major/minor to broaden career pathways.
• Capstone — a senior choreographic or research project that synthesises practical and academic learning.

Entry requirements

Admission to Ohio Wesleyan is selective and based on a holistic review of academic records and complementary materials. Applicants to the Dance programme should expect to provide the following:

• Secondary school completion or equivalent academic record demonstrating readiness for a liberal-arts curriculum.
• Performance materials — an audition (live or recorded) showcasing technical range and artistic potential; some applicants may submit a choreography reel or performance portfolio instead, depending on circumstances.
• Academic references — at least one academic recommendation; a letter from a dance teacher or director is helpful if available.
• Personal statement — a statement of purpose outlining artistic goals, relevant experience and how the liberal-arts environment fits your plans.

Applicants without formal dance training but with strong potential and commitment may be considered; contact the department for guidance on pre-professional preparation and placement.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of practical skills and critical thinking that support a range of careers in the arts and beyond. Typical career paths include performance with contemporary companies, choreography for theatre and film, teaching in schools or private studios, and arts administration or producing roles in presenting organisations.

• Performer — contemporary, modern and commercial dance companies, freelance performance and touring.
• Choreographer/director — creating work for theatre, dance festivals, interdisciplinary projects and media.
• Dance educator — teaching in K–12 settings, community programmes, private studios or higher-education teaching with additional certification or postgraduate study.
• Arts management and producing — programming, outreach, development and producing for companies, festivals and cultural organisations.
• Related fields — movement coaching, physical therapy prerequisites, wellness and fitness industries, arts advocacy and cultural policy.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan offers dance training within a small liberal-arts environment that fosters individualized mentorship and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Class sizes are typically small, allowing close faculty supervision in technique and choreography. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities, ensemble projects, and partnerships across theatre, music and visual arts that broaden creative perspectives.

The campus context supports experiential learning through internships, community engagement and leadership roles in student-run productions, preparing graduates to pursue professional opportunities or further study. Faculty are practising artists and scholars who balance studio work with critical inquiry, helping students develop both artistic voice and analytical skills.