<p>Hi I was happy when I found out that they offered majors with an emphasis in one of the areas. That really excited me because dance is definitely my strongest point and the one I enjoy most. But I was looking at their course requirements and noticed that they didn’t require jazz, tap, or musical theatre dance they only required ballet and modern. Now how can this be an emphasis on dance? Most musical theatre requirements even without the emphasis on dance require those classes. Can anyone tell me why it is set up this way? Anyone currently attending? I tried contacting the department, but they haven’t gotten back to me. Thanks.</p>
<p>My daughter is in the program. First of all, there is definitely a strong emphasis on dance. She is in ballet twice a week, and a class that is jazz one day and tap the other day. She is a very strong tapper and is extremely happy in her tap class, which is taught by Clay James. She thinks the dance component is terrific, both for experienced and inexperienced dancers.
The degree with the different focuses--that may be changing. Clay James is shaping and reshaping this program as he goes along, so I don't know how accurate that focus thing is. I do know that the curriculum is being tweaked yearly, so stay tuned for changes. However, the continued strong dance component is pretty much guaranteed with Clay at the helm. He wants his students to be strong in all three areas.</p>
<p>Thanks momsinger! That makes me feel much better. It's real good to hear from someone who is actually attending. I am a freshman musical theatre and dance major at Wichita State University and I really want to change to a program that focuses more on dance. Thanks.</p>
<p>I second Momsinger's comments. My D is a current freshman and is in classes with Momsinger's D. She is a competitive dancer and has a LOT of training, and she is LOVING the dance at Montclair and feels very challenged. She was telling me recently how much her technique has improved from Clay's classes and all the ballet, which is strengthening her immensely. That is one of the reasons she chose Montclair, because it offered such a strong program in all three areas.</p>
<p>Momsinger is correct in her assessment of the program under Clay from what I know. Students can express their preferences as to what classes they want to take in dance, and if their ability is up to the level of the classes, they are certainly encouraged to take them. My D changed all her dance classes by the second week, and also added MORE dance to her schedule.
Clay and Eric Diamond are in this to get their students as well trained and educated as possible, and the "concentrations" I do not think are the way the department is being run now. This a "musical theatre" major now, and they really should change their website I think.</p>
<p>Thanks dancermom. As long as they have challenging dance classes I'm fine! I like the idea of being able to pick and choose the classes. Here they were reluctant when I first signed up for classes to move me up. Of course after the first week I moved up in ballet, but as far as schedules go I couldn't change anything else so I'm stuck in a low level that isn't challenging at all.</p>
<p>broadway dancer - from what my D said they are as flexible as they can be within the parameters of your schedule, but she was able to change into the classes she wanted. She was in the same boat initially - very bored and unchallenged. She is VERY pleased with the instruction she is receiving. Their dance program is very well thought of, so I cannot imagine you would not be happy with it. Good luck!</p>