Looks and MT

I don’t know if that article in question was about OCU since it does not directly mention the school. But I can clarify some points about OCU since it has been brought up:

First, be aware that at OCU, the MT, VP and Acting programs have a very diverse group of students in all colors, shapes and sizes. Your size does not determine acceptance and your size does not determine your success in the programs.

The MT and VP programs are part of the Bass School of Music.

The Acting program is in the School of Theatre.

Dancers are in the Ann Lacy School of Dance.

Each school has its own set of requirements.

Weight requirements are for dance performance majors at the Ann Lacy School of Dance only.

For MTs and Actors, although they take dance at Ann Lacy where they get fantastic training, they are not bound by the same weight requirements as dance performance majors.

I do understand not everyone will agree with the weigh-ins and guidelines for dance performance majors at the Ann Lacy School of Dance. It would not be a good choice of schools for you if you are an aspiring dance performance major and it is something you object to. However, It is a very strong and reputable dance program that is the right fit for many. And it is a place that has launched many successful careers. Ann Lacy continually produces successful performers each and every year. Currently dance school majors can be seen on Broadway in shows such as “Hamilton”, in national tours, as members of the Rockettes, on a wide range of cruise lines, in regional theaters and in other performing venues. The training is top-notch and for some it is the perfect place to go to school.

Be aware too that OCU differs from many schools in the extent of the degrees and classes it is able to offer its students through the dance school. They do not just offer a simple dance major or minor. In addition to a degree in dance performance, you can get degrees in dance management, entertainment business and even an American Dance Teacher degree with an emphasis on studio management. They offer 10 different levels of dance in each of the major disciplines of ballet, tap and jazz along with numerous electives in other various styles of dance. And a wide variety of other technical and business courses. If you are a serious dancer, this is a serious dance school.

I know weight monitoring is a very controversial subject. And I don’t want to start an argument. Just present another opinion.

As I understand it, at OCU and other schools who are like-minded, it is not just a matter of weight but the overall health of their dancers that they are concerned with. The intent is certainly not to shame or humiliate anyone. There is a clear list of expectations and consequences. The fact is, you cannot have a sustained dance career without being in great condition. I do believe the regulations in question are intended to be helpful, not hurtful. They certainly are not encouraging people to develop unhealthy habits. Dance performance majors are required to take classes in anatomy and physiology as well as health and nutrition for a dancer’s body. They do teach them how to live healthfully. OCU wants these students to be healthy and to truly understand how their bodies work.

If we are being realistic, we must acknowledge that college is a time when it is easy for students to put on weight without noticing. For some students who are serious about performing upon graduating, having some oversight on their health and fitness, including their weight, is helpful. Dancers know when they get into the professional world, they will encounter workplaces who also have guidelines on their weight and size. For better or worse, it is a factor in being a dancer. And if that is their chosen career, they know for many jobs, their weight and size will be part of how they are evaluated. To pretend that it doesn’t factor into the equation is not being realistic when it comes to a professional dance career.

Another point: monitoring weight and health can be helpful if somebody is vastly underweight as well which is an equally important issue. Body image and eating disorder issues are found in schools across the country - not just among performers but among the general population. If someone is monitoring these dancers’ weight and health, if they are unhealthy in any way, over or underweight, perhaps this system allows those things to be discovered earlier and to get help for those students.

Remember, these students want to be professional dancers. They want to be Rockettes and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the like when they graduate. These are not kids who just love to dance. We are not talking about “singers who move well”. These are hard core, serious, wanna be the most professional of professional dancers. Because they have such high career aspirations, you are not being realistic with them to let them graduate after 4 years in a physical condition you know is not employable for the jobs they want. You should help them be in the best shape they can be and teach them how to maintain that shape. It is similar to training an elite athlete. Professional athletes are assessed on their weight as well. Dancers are no different.

Yes you can be a beautiful dancer if you are overweight or out of shape. But if your true goal is to work as a professional dancer at places such as I’ve mentioned, your physical condition matters. That may not be the politically correct thing to say, or the way we wished the world worked. But it is the truth.

(I know there are always a few outliers who break the mold and are successful despite not being the stereotypical sized dancer – but they are the exception rather than the rule.)

ANOTHER OPINION (Continued from Post #120)

OCUs dance performance major is intense and not for the feint of heart. It is not for everyone. But I would encourage you not to be critical of others if they feel it is a good choice of schools for them. They may not mind these requirements or perhaps they may even be glad the policies are in place. The policies are very clearly stated from the start, so anyone choosing to be a dance performance major there should be well aware of the requirements before they start the program. It’s not something they hide from anyone. (See post #108 by @GuitarMamma for link to actual requirements that are clearly printed in the degree requirements and are readily available online). I would be more concerned about performance programs that do not have clearly outlined guidelines, yet you know the need to be in shape there exists too. In programs that don’t have a clear cut policy, that uncertainty causes even more concern because you do not know how and when you are being evaluated. At OCU, they are very clear about their expectations for their dance performance majors.

I applaud the author of the article for realizing the school she discussed was not the right place for her. But it also seems she did not evaluate her decision of where to go to school thoroughly before accepting their offer. As she admits herself, the school was very open and honest with her from the time of her acceptance about their concerns and the fact that they had policies about that. So there should have been no surprises. And although I was sad to read she saw some students exhibiting unhealthy behaviors in an effort to lose weight, this is not an issue that is exclusive to one school, one major or one gender. Body image and eating disorders can be found at all schools and in all majors.

The thought I’d like to leave you with:

OCU has been producing talented MTs, Actors and Dancers for many years now. It is a wonderful school that offers fantastic training in a very NURTURING environment. In fact, far from shaming and humiliating, it is one of the most POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING places I have ever seen.

I hope these concerns about dance performance major requirements do not detract you from considering the school overall. Because if it does, you are missing out on an incredible school. It offers incredible training and opportunities for its students whether you are pursuing MT, VP, acting, dance or perhaps even nursing, law, business or the many other fine programs they have to offer. . The students who are there are among the HAPPIEST we saw in our college decision journey. And they are finding great work after they graduate. I would encourage all to learn more about the school and all the programs it has to offer. It is a wonderful school.