Dance levels??

We are trying to narrow down my D’s list of choices. She’s a strong dancer and would like a program that’s levelled or known for being strong. We know that a lot of the top tier programs have great dance but we are wondering about the rest. We are having trouble figuring that out even when we look at each school’s website. We thought maybe we could tell by who holds a dance audition but are not sure if that’s the case. We see people mentioning that everyone has to take the same dance class regardless of level at some schools so think that might help us cut some from our list. Can anyone tell me if they know which programs are levelled and which require everyone to take the same basic classes? Do you have any other suggestions on how to research dance level at the lesser known schools? We are new to this so any help is greatly appreciated!

Definitely something to ask about. My daughter had been dancing extensively since age 4 and did not want to be with beginners. Having leveled classes was important to her. Montclair (where she ended up) has strong dance and MANY levels.

Thank you @Calliene - Marking Montclair as a keeper! It was already way up on our list and looks amazing. Good to hear it worked our for your daughter.

Western Michigan levels incoming MT’s in dance. Many/most MT’s end up minoring in dance since 20 hours are required for the MT curriculum. You are leveled during your audition if you are called back for the dance call (only some auditioners make it to the dance call).

@ourturn2, don’t assume that because a program is “top tier” that it has leveled dance. We were surprised to discover that some highly regarded programs did not have separate leveled dance classes. If this is a deal-breaker for your daughter and you can’t figure it out from the web site or from asking here, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or email the department head and ask.

@EmsDad - thanks for your help. WMU is being marked a keeper too! We were starting at the top of your big list and working our way down the alphabet crossing off schools that were not a fit based on her “must haves”. We were only about halfway through when we realized that the list was pretty large so decided that maybe we need more criteria. Hoping that the dance will help with that, but we may just end up with a lot of programs out there that match her needs (which is a good thing). Then we’ll have to go back and look at not just what she must have, but what she would really like. @Calliene - Thank you for the heads up. We’ll check each out individually because honestly I think that would not be a good fit for her, even if everything else was top notch. We’ve heard of kids taking classes at outside studios on their own time but that seems like it would be really difficult since all the schools keep them so busy. I know that kids can make anything work if they want it badly enough but I’m hoping to avoid that situation if we can.

Oklahoma City University has an incredible dance program. Look up the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Arts Management. They’ve produced over 30 Rockettes and numerous Broadway and regional performers. All classes are leveled. And there are many different levels. This is where MT majors take dance alongside the dance majors. MTs are required to take 12 credits of dance (most dance classes are 1 credit each).

You may also want to look into OCU’s dance performance degree as an alternative to the music theatre degree. Some dancers actually prefer it there as they don’t have to do all of the music theory, etc… required of the MT majors. Yet they still get some voice and acting in addition to dance. They have many, many successful grads. You can audition for both the MT and dance programs - but they would be entirely separate auditions.

Oops - I meant to say also that OCU levels for dance every semester and you level for each different type of dance so you may be in a different level for ballet than tap or musical theatre or jazz etc… That also means if you aren’t pleased with your level one semester, you can always move up the next if you so choose.

James Madison levels dance. MTs are in dance classes with dance majors, and can pursue a dance minor.

Elon also levels dance, and classes are with the dance majors.

Wright State levels its MT dance classes beginning in freshman year. Starting in sophomore year, advanced dancers are able to take class (ballet, Men’s, partnering - perhaps pointe, but I have a S, so not sure. Rarely jazz.) with dance majors. This past year some MT freshmen were able to take tap (also leveled) - usually begun in sophomore year for MTs.