Prepare for a Life in Motion with a Dance Degree from Seton Hill

Seton Hill's Dance Program offers a holistic learning experience, with courses in various styles of dance technique, dance history, the teaching of dance, composition, dance anatomy and nutrition. Additional exploration in acting and music will broaden your skills as an artist as you prepare for your future career. Plus, you can customize your degree by choosing one of four tracks of study. Most importantly, you'll receive the personal guidance from professional dance faculty that is crucial to your learning process as an artist.

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The Seton Hill Dance Department

In the Dance Department at Seton Hill, you will:

• Explore movement
• Foster collaboration
• Develop & embrace your individual artistry

At Seton Hill, we strive to develop well-rounded dancers who are also "thoughtful artists." Faculty will be with you every step of the way to help guide you toward your goals and to further develop who you are as an artist. As a dance major at Seton Hill, you will participate in a review at the end of your first semester sophomore year. This review will assess your progress within the program and provide guidance as you complete your dance training.

Tracks of Dance Study

Pre-Dance/Movement Therapy

Seton Hill’s Pre-Dance/Movement Therapy track will prepare you for graduate study in this field. To become a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), you must complete your education through the master’s degree level. The Pre-Dance Therapy track gives you a head start on your graduate education. Dance/Movement therapists use physical movement to help people overcome mental and physical challenges. 

• Psychology
• Art Therapy
• Teaching of Dance
• Human Development
• Dance and Expression for Individuals with Disabilities

Choreography

At Seton Hill, you will learn and practice the art of choreography through Dance Composition I and II courses, working closely with faculty mentors that encourage the development of your artistic voice. Student choreographers have the opportunity to cast, create, and rehearse an original work for the annual student Works in Progress concert each year. Upperclassmen also have the opportunity to submit choreographic work to be considered for the annual Fall Dance Concert at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center.

Pedagogy

The Dance Pedagogy track provides students with opportunities for integrated learning and experiential teaching through curriculum from both the dance and education programs. As future dance educators, students will gain additional understanding of curricular development and teaching strategies for pre-school to professional programs. Students enrolled in the pedagogy track have the opportunity for additional experiential learning through internships and as assistant teachers for the Seton Hill University Dance Academy (SHUDA), located on campus. If you are thinking of owning your dance studio, you have the unique opportunity to earn your bachelor’s in dance and an MBA at Seton Hill in an accelerated time frame. 

Performance

The Dance Performance track provides students with in-depth technical training in a variety of dance styles - including four levels of study - in ballet, jazz, modern and tap. The dance department offers many opportunities for students to perform both on and off-campus. Guest artists are invited to work with students through semester-long courses, master classes, and residencies. Collaborative work and performances with other students in the arts is highly encouraged. 

Minor in Dance

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.

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 work at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conference.

Internships & Apprenticeships

Seton Hill dance majors are employed in the university’s costume and scene shops as well as in the box office. Dance majors also have a long track record of success working as interns, apprentices and performers in theatre companies and theme parks around the country.

Students have been accepted for continuing study into:

• Mark Morris Dance Group Summer Intensive
• Joffrey Ballet
• New York City Ballet
• American Ballet Theatre New York

...and have held internships with:

• American Dance Festival
• Attack Theatre
• Ballet de Montreal

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.

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. 

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

The concentration you choose will influence your future career path, as you develop a deeper understanding of a specific area of dance. Graduates from Seton Hill’s Dance Program are prepared to:

• Perform in a wide variety of settings, from entertainment venues to Broadway
• Become a thoughtful and creative dance educator for students of varying ages and skill levels
• Prepare for graduate study in Dance/Movement Therapy
• Choreograph original work that can be used independently or collaboratively for dance and theatre productions

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.

Recent graduates have gone on to work with:

• Jacob’s Pillow
• Mid-Atlantic Ballet
• RWS Entertainment Group
• Seton Hill University Dance Academy

Ready to Take Your Next Step UP?

Apply Now!

You can apply online for free any time. Seton Hill features streamlined admission requirements and a comprehensive aid program.

Interview & Audition 

Once you apply 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.)

Come Visit

If you haven’t been to visit us yet, please schedule a time to come up to the Hill. You may just see your future from here.