Dance Education (BA)
Program Highlights
- Prepare for Teaching Certification
- Annual Performance Opportunities
Earn Your Dance Education Degree
Inspire the Next Generation Through Dance
Turn your passion for movement into a future helping others discover theirs. At Seton Hill University, the Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education combines your growth as an artist with preparation to teach. Bring your creativity, curiosity and commitment to a degree that puts them in motion.
Why Study Dance Education at Seton Hill?
As a Dance Education student at Seton Hill, you will:
- Build your foundation through dance technique, improvisation, history and cultural dance forms.
- Explore how to teach dance while continuing to develop your own artistic voice.
- Receive individual advising from dance faculty each semester.
- Gain teaching experience through the Seton Hill University Dance Academy (SHUDA).
- Prepare for Pennsylvania’s Pre-K–12 dance certification exam.
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Arts Center & Performing Arts Center
Seton Hill’s award-winning Arts Center is the home of the Dance Program and offers spacious studios, new classrooms and plenty of places to practice, study, hang out or grab something to eat. The Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center, one block away, provides a variety of performance venues, including an expansive concert hall and a black box theatre.
Performance & Production Opportunities
As a Seton Hill dance student, you will receive individualized training coupled with abundant production and performance opportunities. Every year, Seton Hill produces a full season of theatre and dance performances.
Students also have the opportunity to:
- Audition for three concerts per year (auditions are open to all Seton Hill students).
- Present and perform work at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conference.
Artist-Faculty
Dance faculty at Seton Hill have backgrounds in performance, teaching and choreography. Faculty areas of specialty include:
- Dance Science
- Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
- Dance Pedagogy
- Performance
- Choreography
Students also get exposure to professionals working in the field through adjunct faculty.
Partnerships
As a Seton Hill dance student, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of unique partnerships that will enhance your dance education experience. We are currently a member of the Jacob's Pillow College Partnership Program.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Seton Hill's Study Abroad Program helps dancers take the leap to experience somewhere new, including locations like London, Dublin and New York City. In the past, students have had the opportunity to attend the Dublin Dance Festival, take dance classes in other countries, and meet in-person with professional choreographers and dancers.
Clubs & Organizations
- Student Dance Organization (SDO) - a student-run organization that offers master classes, performance opportunities, and other group events
- University Dance Team - performs at events throughout the year
Careers
Your professors and Seton Hill’s award-winning Career and Professional Development Center will work with local, regional and national employers to provide you with the career preparation skills, internship opportunities and placement services you need - as a student and after you graduate.
Interview & Audition
Once you apply and have been accepted to Seton Hill, you must successfully complete an interview and audition with members of the dance faculty to be admitted into the Dance Program (and to become eligible to compete for merit-based dance scholarships).
Admissions & Aid
At Seton Hill University, we offer streamlined admissions requirements and a comprehensive financial aid program. Named a Best Value by U.S. News & World Report, Seton Hill is more affordable than you might think!
Dance Minor
The Dance Minor curriculum offers a variety of technique courses as well as academic courses that potentially enhance regular study in your intended major. While a dance minor does not require an audition, students must successfully complete the Experiencing Dance & Performance course with a 3.0 or higher and be approved by the department coordinator to declare a dance minor.
Faculty
TaMara Swank
Assistant Professor, Department Coordinator, Dance
Dawn Penney
Adjunct Faculty, Dance
Kerra Alexander
Adjunct Faculty, Dance
Tesha Barnett
Adjunct Professor Dance
Program News
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