A liberal arts degree: what does it offer the dancer?

In previous articles in this series we've talked about arts magnet high schools, resident high schools, and conservatory programs. Perhaps, however, you are one of those dancers who are pulled in two directions. You love dance, but you also enjoy and are good at your schoolwork. Or you have not yet really made the commitment to dance professionally; it is possible (but not at all certain) that you will. Or, you want to dance as much as possible, but you want an education as well. Perhaps your parents are insisting that you go to college. Don't despair. There are a number of terrific choices open to you.

At some liberal arts colleges dance study may account for as much as a third of the credit course work. And in most colleges a student takes three or four academic courses each semester, which leaves time for extracurricular activities. If you are organized and determined, you can follow an intellectually enriching course of academic study and progress with your dancing as well. It will take planning, drive, and dedication, but most dancers are used to that!

There are many, many colleges that offer good opportunities for the young dancer--so many that it would be impossible to name them all. How do you determine which institution is right for you? What questions should you be asking?

First of all, try to find out exactly how much dance study is offered. Read the catalog of each college that interests you, but also speak with the people in the dance department. Ask how many technique classes are offered weekly, which techniques, and on what levels. Is choreography taught? How about music, notation, and anatomy? Repertory? Variations? Dance history? Acquaint yourself with the backgrounds of the faculty members. Find out about guest faculty, master classes, and visiting artists.

If the school doesn't offer everything that you need, find out what classes are available off campus. How is outside study regarded by the school administration? If at all possible, plan to visit prospective colleges and talk to some of the students. (Talking to just one student is almost worse than talking to no one because you will get very singular point of view.)

College affords a great opportunity to become knowledgeable about your chosen art form and to widen your knowledge of many arts. If you've chosen the college route, you should expect to learn about everything that makes up the background of an artist--including art history, literature, languages, and writing. Think, for instance, of all of the stories of how the great impresario Serge Diaghilev educated his up-and-coming choreographers, such as Nijinsky and Massine, by taking them to museums and teaching them about art. (Diaghilev, Nijinsky, and Massine are people you will learn about in college, if you're not already familiar with them.)

No school is right for everyone. Are you a city kid who hates greenery? Be sure to choose an urban environment. Conversely, are you a city kid who would love the opportunity to experience a new environment? It so, why not choose a small college with a rural campus? Is it time for you to test your talent in a more competitive situation? Then choose an institution with a large dance department. Do you need a lot of nurturing? Probably a small college is best. Is your interest in dance mainly avocational? Then a college with a good, strong dance club is what you are looking for. Are you professionally oriented? Find out what the alumni have gone on to do. Do you want to combine dance study with undergraduate premedical work? Be sure that the course hours for each do not conflict.

The most important thing is to match your needs with the offerings of the college you choose. What is perfect for your best friend will not necessarily serve you well. College is a time for growing, maturing, and making new friends, as well as gaining knowledge. For many of us the college years are among the richest and most memorable years of our lives.