<p>So part of the reason that I am transferring is that I really want a great dance program at my school. I don’t think that I want to be a major, but I want to take classes and have the opportunity to perform. Are there any Barnard dancers here that could speak to the dance program? Do the classes fill up quickly? Would they all be closed before I register in the fall? Are there opportunities to perform? Thanks for any feedback.</p>
<p>Check out Barnard's website for much pertinant info, but I can tell you some things. My daughter just finished her first year at Barnard and at this point plans to possibly minor in dance (she has an extensive dance background and is currently working as a dancer in a show for the first part of the summer. She got the job at an audition in NYC this spring). </p>
<p>Classes do not "close" before you register. There are 6 levels each of ballet and modern (plus classes in various other disciplines such as tap and jazz, etc...just not six levels of these) and you place yourself (according to your estimation of your own experience/expertise) during the first week or so of the "class shopping period". You are, technically, free to attend as many dance classes during this open period as you chose. The instructor will let you know if you are appropriately placed or not.</p>
<p>There are also performance opportunities which usually involve auditions at the start of the term. There is also a student dance organization (Orchesis) which holds a performance showcase in the spring that is widely supported by the University-wide student body (and a hoot to attend!).</p>
<p>My daughter really wanted a strong dance program with an equally challenging academic environment. She has found the perfect place in Barnard!!!</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>i'm a first year (rising sophomore) and i had never danced before i came to barnard, but this year i started with modern 1 and next year i will be taking several classes. so barnard is a great place for all levels, no matter how intensely you want to take it. some people did end up being closed out of my modern 1 class because they registered late in the shopping period and we weren't able to get a bigger studio, but it shouldn't be too hard to find a class to end up in, especially if you're determined. since there are so many dancers here it might be hard to be cast in the performances, but then again there are lots of opportunities so i'm not sure about that. regardless, barnard is an excellent place, because both the academics and dance program are really strong, and you can get your fill of dance in nyc as well.</p>