<p>We were in a similar situation with both my kids when looking at MT programs as they had been dancing since preschool and spent several years in a pre-professional performance based (vs comp based) dance company (more hours in the dance studio than school or home…). </p>
<p>During our search, we learned some interesting things that we had not expected:
~ First, just because a school had a dance major, or even minor, it doesn’t mean it will be an advantage for MTs who are dancers. In many cases, even if the dance department allows them to dance at their level with the dancers, the classes may not fit into their MT schedule and/or there may not actually be space in the class after all the dance majors sign up. I know at one school that has this set up, the more advanced the MT dancer, the harder it is to get a spot in the class at their level. (There are a few places where you can double major or minor in dance and everyone plays nicely, but that is more the exception than the rule).
~ Second, at several schools, even if there is a dance major, the theatre department has their own dance faculty to meet the needs and levels of the MT (and acting) students. This training is more specific and usually includes ballet, tap, jazz, MT styles, and urban/hip hop. Many dance programs focus on modern/contemporary styles that dancers may love to take and are great for company work, but make less sense in an MT curriculum that is already jam packed. A priority for us was that they were able to level up for dance within the program and not be placed based on solely their cohort, and most importantly, not lose ground.
~ Third, for the kids who came to MT as dancers, most MT programs (and many dance programs) are not going to be at the level they are used to (ie advanced/pro classes at Steps or BDC). But this is also a time for them to become an Artist who sings, acts, designs, creates, and, yes, dances…
~ Finally, during the audition process, you can’t judge the level of dance in the program but the dance call - they have to tailor it to all levels and they know what they are doing and can see your training and experience a mile away.</p>
<p>Here’s my daughter’s experience with dance her first year at Coastal:
~ Fall semester, she could not fit in a dance class, but was cast in the fall mainstage musical and got plenty of tap, jazz and partnering during daily rehearsals and shows.
~ Second semester, she was placed in the advanced MT Dance Styles (mostly jrs/srs, but 2 other freshmen girls - one MT, one Acting). She plans to repeat this class and make it an Honors class in order to challenge herself even more.
~ In dance, as well as all aspects of this, and any, program, you can push yourself as much as you want - you will get out what you put in.<br>
~ There are opportunities for dance outside of class. For example, when not in use, the studios are open and available for students - she and a friend would often just go in, plug in their iphone and dance for the love of dance. She and this same friend choreographed the opening and closing group numbers for their student directed/produced BFA year-end showcase - they also choreographed and performed a dance duet in the same showcase.
~ She is really excited to be in the Dance Company next year - it meets as a class during fall semester and meets for rehearsals/performances during spring semester. The company is small and up-and-coming. Next year, there will be about 13-14 in the company (open to not only the department, but to anyone on campus - so it’s very selective).
~ The dance faculty are trained as dancers and experienced as performers, choreographers, and directors. The head of dance actively works outside of Coastal; in fact, she will be choreographing at a major regional theatre this summer. I truly cannot think of a better mentor for my dancer MT daughter.
~ While she came to MT as a dancer, she came to Coastal as a dancer who sings and acts; at Coastal, she has grown in leaps and bounds as an Artist. Ironically, after she danced at the freshman BFA showcase, one of the voice faculty and her MT advisor 
both said they were hoping to hear her sing!</p>