• Future Students
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Apply Now
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certification
  • Scholarship Opportunities
• Current Students
  • Advising
  • Student Resources
  • Scholarship Opportunites
  • Competitions
  • Student Organizations
  • Photo Gallery
• Degree Programs
• Faculty / Staff
• Ensembles
  • Choirs
  • Orchestra
  • Bands
  • Jazz
  • Percussion
  • Musical Theatre
• Dance
• Keyboard
• Events
• Alumni
• Community Music Academy
• Music Therapy Center

About EMU Dance

Students come to the dance program at Eastern Michigan University from a variety of backgrounds and represent a broad range of experiences and interests in dance. No matter what a student’s chosen career direction may be, the aim of the dance program is to prepare each student for successful entry into either the work force or graduate school. The dance program supports both the intellectual and artistic development of each student and adheres to nationally accepted professional standards in all matters concerning curriculum, technique, choreography and production. Upon graduation, EMU dance majors are well-balanced in both the theory and practice of dance. In addition to movement skills, EMU dancers gain leadership, communication and research skills; analytical assessment, problem solving and time management skills; and skills in multimedia production through the individualized guidance and attention of faculty committed to professional excellence.

The Bachelor’s degree with a major in dance emphasizes a core of required classes as well as areas of specialization such as dance therapy, studio management, teaching, performance and choreography. In addition to modern dance, all dance majors receive in-depth training in ballet, dance history, teaching, choreography and, depending on their individualized curriculum, supplemental training in jazz, tap, ballroom, hip-hop and world dance forms. The expressive and technical attributes of dance students are developed through a broad range of performance and choreographic opportunities. These include the EMU Moveable Feat dance tour ensemble (which offers regional, national and international performances); Mainstage concerts in Quirk Theater and Pease Auditorium on the EMU campus; informal showings in Studio 106; and annual participation in the American College Dance Festival.

In addition, students enjoy numerous master classes and guest artist residencies each year. Master classes have included work with the Cunningham Company, the Hubbard Street Dance Company, Demetrius Klein, Pilobolus, the Lyon Opera Ballet, and Ron Brown. Residencies have included Lori Bellilove with the Duncan technique, Biza Sompa with the West African (Congolese) technique, and Lisa Nicks of the Doug Elkins Company. In addition, jazz and hip-hop choreographers routinely offer classes and opportunities to perform their works