<p>My d, a rising senior, was surprised and pleased to see that Bucknell, in addition to being so strong academically, might also offer what she’s looking for in a dance department (i.e., a challenging ballet class 2-3 times per week). She was especially excited to see a pointe and variations class listed in the catalogue. This is kind of rare in a school that doesn’t offer a dance major.</p>
<p>However, it looks as if it’s not being offered next semester - so she wonders if the class is given rarely, only when the demand exists? Can anyone comment on the dance department in general - what kind of performance opportunities there are, the level of the ballet classes, what the student-run dance groups are like?</p>
<p>She’s going to be away for much of the summer, so visiting would probably have to wait until fall. Thanks for any information you can provide!</p>
<p>frazzled-</p>
<p>i definitely cant be of too much help here, but ill provide what information i can.</p>
<p>first, the course in which your daughter is interested is currently listed in the spring (08) schedule, so its definitely not a 'phantom' class. how often its offered, i dont know, but i wouldnt be surprised to see that its offered every spring (most 'small' classes work in this way). a quick email to the dept secretary (chris fry) should clear it up: <a href="mailto:cefry@bucknell.edu">cefry@bucknell.edu</a>.</p>
<p>second, i can say that your daughter will probably find the non-introductory dance classes at bucknell sufficiently challenging. theyre real dance classes, and students in them spend quite a lot of time practicing. </p>
<p>as for groups and performances, i believe the department puts on a show at the end of every semester in addition to shows put on by the bucknell</a> dance company.</p>
<p>last, i just want to say that i have heard nothing but GREAT things about er-dong hu, the head of the dance dept, the dance company and prof of the class you mentioned. those who know far more about dance than i do say he is an incredibly talented man... and a good teacher. from watching him at the few dance performances i attended (all of which were PACKED, by the way), i cant do anything but concur.</p>
<p>Thanks, Eric, for taking the time to share your impressions. It was nice of you to look up the pointe and variations class info for my d. She'll be glad to know it's not a phantom class, because it's her favorite :) .</p>
<p>Thanks for the other dance info, as well. The dept. head looks impressive on line, certainly. I was just so surprised to see so many offerings at Bucknell when I did a search for dance minors. The school has a great reputation in our area, and one or two kids from our hs enroll each year, but I've always thought of Bucknell as an engineering school. D and I watched the virtual tour and I can see it's that and a lot more. She likes what she's heard so far!</p>
<p>My daughter is in the dance company and it has been a wonderful experience for her. The school supports the company by providing top notch facilities, costumes (designed and made by professionals) sound, lighting and of course a wonderful dance faculty. Two summers ago they were invited to participate in a festival in China-- all expenses were taken care of and they performed in several venues in addition to site seeing--a two week trip w/ the profs. I cannot say enough about the university (my daughter is a liberal arts major) or the dance company. In our college search visits, they invited her to participate in a class and to watch a rehearsal of their upcoming performance. We also got to speak to the head of the dance dept to ask questions. I cannot imagine that you won't be impressed and do recommend a visit-- perhaps to see one of the shows? Best of luck</p>