<p>Ok, HONESTLY… do you have to be amazing at dance (ballet, tap, modern, etc.) in order to dance at Barnard? I mean, I have been dancing for a few years now but I am no future professional. Can I take classes without being incredible?</p>
<p>Of course you can. People who can barely walk straight take classes; probably more than half the people I know took at least one dance class at some point, even if only to satisfy the gym requirement. I tried to take Ballet I myself, but it was my last semester, the class is insanely popular, and I signed up too late. le sigh. The various style classes are supposed to be a lot of fun; my friend took African Dance and we all got a giggle out of watching them hold class on the lawn some days.</p>
<p>I'm a ballet dancer and am pretty serious about my training. I don't necessarily want to pursue a professional career, but I would definitely like to keep up my ballet technique as a college student. As a freshman, is it difficult to get into a ballet class?</p>
<p>When visiting colleges, D had her best ballet experience at Barnard. (Also best alumni interview.) She did hear that you often had to move quickly at registration, that classes could fill up rapidly per PF's experience. I don't know if it helps to be an Advanced student. Barnard has three levels (six courses = three levels x Fall/Spring), which was better than the two offered at many colleges where off-campus ballet was the more attractive option.</p>
<p>Actually, Barnard offers six levels EACH of ballet and modern each semester. You place yourself according to your own experience into a level the first week of class (during "shopping period") and you then may be asked by the instructor to move up (or down) or stay, depending upon the relative levels and numbers of other students in the class. My d is in her second semester at Barnard and is a serious dancer (though does not plan to be a professional for life). She "shopped" a level 5 ballet classher first semester and ended up taking a level 4, I believe. She took level 6 modern. </p>
<p>The dance program there is amazing and diverse and flexible (if you will pardon the pun).</p>
<p>Six levels? Please pardon my failing memory. The more essential point is that it was the best ballet teaching she encountered. She did get feedback that the performance opportunities, particularly on pointe, were slim.</p>
<p>Yes, probably that is true. My d is not so much "into" ballet and performing en pointe, these days, is not at the top of her "to do" list! Modern performance opportunites are probably more prevalent, though ballet technique was certainly featured in one of last semester's guest choreographer's works (David Parker's "Nutcracked"), even though the dance itself was considered "modern". Auditions for this semesters' Dances at Miller included at least one purely ballet work (out of three) and there are other performance opportunities throughout the semester.... The OP's question of being able to maintain her ballet technique at Barnard even if she does not want to pursue it as a career should be answered in the affirmative, though, I hope!</p>
<p>And, Thedad, I trust your d is doing well and recovering (she hurt her foot, right?). Your input is ALWAYS welcomed!!!</p>
<p>If you are serious about dance, you can be serious about dance at Barnard. I am a first year at Barnard, and I am a serious dancer. If you have any more questions, ask away!</p>
<p>Thanks, CMM. D got back to Smith today, a J-term class starts Thursday. For Spring, she's dropped down to Intermediate while she builds strength back up in the foot. </p>
<p>As we talked over the PF, ballet was such a "total immersion" in her life and by extension ours that withdrawal goes a bit slowly.</p>
<p>Hi,
I’m looking at majoring in dance at Barnard. Are you a dance major or know anyone who would be willing to talk to me about it?
Thanks,
Kelli</p>
<p>What sort of questions do you have about majoring in dance at Barnard, Kelli? My D, who graduated from Barnard in 2009, considered being a dance major. However, she decided to pursue neuroscience instead. She completed performance and technique requirements for a double major in dance, but did not take all the “academic” dance classes she would have needed…just not enough time! </p>
<p>What is unique and interesting about pursuing dance at Barnard, IMO, is the opportunity to simultaneously pursue excellent and challenging academics while receiving top-notch dance training and experience. Also, if you so desire, there are many opportunities to take additional dance technique classes in the City. Even attend open auditions for Broadway shows (all of which my D did, and loved!).</p>
<p>So, ask away. I will try to answer or, hopefully, a current dance major will jump in here…</p>