The dance division emphasizes the study of dance as an independent theatre art. You may major in dance or elect to minor in modern dance or ballet. Course topics include theory and techniques of modern dance and ballet, composition, applied anatomy, improvisation, history, musical theatre, jazz, tap, and world dance forms such as West African and Indian.

		One of the dance division's greatest strengths is its faculty, which prides itself on its accessibility. All performance classes are taught by full-time faculty.  Distinguished, award-winning guest artists visit campus and teach master classes.  You'll find courses not usually offered in a liberal arts curriculum, including Dance Improvisation and Choreography.

The Washington University Dance Theatre (WUDT) provides opportunities for you to perform in works choreographed by faculty and guest artists. Each year a dance choreographed for WUDT is sent to the regional American College

Donald McKayle

Dance Festival. Also, the Margaret Marcus Residency and the Worseck Dance Fund bring to campus visiting performers of national renown who teach workshops and master classes.

Tadashi Koyama		Graduates of the dance division have gone on to top graduate schools and professional dance companies. Students interested in the major should inquire about the Worseck Dance Scholarship.

"My name is Magdalena Maury and I am the artistic director of the Georgia Youth Ballet Company, a regional non-professional company south of Atlanta Georgia. My son is a sophomore at Wash. U and I have visited many times over the last year and a half. I would like to congratulate you on your excellent ballet program. I have a difficult time recommending strong college ballet programs to my graduating students that do not wish to pursue professional careers in ballet, but would like a rigorous university with an excellent ballet program. There are only a handful in the country that have both strong ballet and modern programs, as most universities favor modern dance. Imagine my delight in finding that Wash. U has an outstanding ballet program that fits the needs of my students who wish to become doctors and lawyers, but never want to give up their ballet training. I have already had one student visit, and several future graduates that have expressed interest in Wash. U for this very reason. I am thankful to add Wash. U to the short list of universities I recommend to my dancers and their parents. I can say from first hand experience, as my son thrives in his sophomore year, that Wash U will not only provide an excellent academic environment, but will enable those who love ballet to experience outstanding ballet classes and performances during their college years." Magdalena Maury Georgia Youth Ballet October, 2006

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"Wash U's dance department has helped me to take what began as a euphoric hobby and develop it into an essential ingredient of my life. I no longer feel like an aspiring dancer, I now know that I AM a dancer. And no one can ever take that away from me." Lauren Mark, '04

"Mary Jean is an excellent teacher. She gives great combinations, but that's only the beginning--she makes many corrections and suggestions, and she's always nice about it. She really has eagle eyes. Also, she's very well organized, so class moves along at a good pace." Sara Bernal