Dance
Movement is the language of dance.
Dance gives us the power to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers. Dancers use motion to evoke feelings, tell stories and provoke thought. As a dance major at Alma, you will:
- Take rigorous studio technique courses in ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and more.
- Examine practical, pedagogical and philosophical approaches to teaching dance in different settings.
- Perform in three dance concerts a year.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
Movement is the language of dance.
Dance gives us the power to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers. Dancers use motion to evoke feelings, tell stories and provoke thought. As a dance major at Alma, you will:
- Take rigorous studio technique courses in ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and more.
- Examine practical, pedagogical and philosophical approaches to teaching dance in different settings.
- Perform in three dance concerts a year.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
My dance minor really was the thing that pushed me to go on and pursue something that I actively loved.
My dance minor really was the thing that pushed me to go on and pursue something that I actively loved.
Get to Know Dance
Meet the Faculty
Remick Heritage Center for Performing Arts
A celebrated live entertainment venue, the Heritage Center showcases a lively program of music, theatre and dance from students, faculty and professional groups.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Imagine. Create. Perform.
The art of dance involves the expression of the heart, soul, mind and spirit. As such, the dance program at Alma is more than technique, rehearsal and performance. We emphasize self-knowledge, artistry, creativity, ensemble work and interdisciplinary connections.
At Alma College, we prioritize offering a well-rounded education that prepares you for life both on and off the stage. As a dance major, you’ll build a solid foundation in studio technique, dance theory and choreography. You’ll also take classes in other subject areas, fueling collaboration across disciplines.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities beyond campus, too. Along with participating in the Alma College Dance Company, our spring term course offers trips to New York and London, where you can attend major theatrical and dance productions.
What You Need to Know
Demand for dancers and choreographers is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the field will grow by 27% between 2021 and 2031 — far outpacing the national average growth rate.
Thanks to its well-rounded curriculum, you’ll graduate from our dance program equipped to thrive in various careers. Many of our graduates go on to perform with professional dance companies. Others pursue work in choreography, dance instruction or physical therapy.
The dance major is also well suited to those who want to go on to roles in arts administration or dance production.
Alma College Dance Company
The Alma College Dance Company serves as the performance arm of the dance program. As a participant, you’ll receive school credit for engaging in extensive rehearsal processes and performances. Each semester, works are choreographed by faculty and guest choreographers. Recent guest choreographers include: Raphael Xavier, Laura Halzack, Winston Dynamite Brown, and Cisco Graciano. All students are welcome to audition. To learn more, contact Kayt MacMaster.
The Kiltie Dancers
This lively co-ed dance group brings Alma’s Scottish heritage to life and offers instruction in Highland dance at beginner and advanced levels.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
You’ll find countless ways to get active, channel your creativity and make friends in our 100+ student organizations.
