<p>I probably want to enroll in medical school after my undergraduate studies, but I want to major in something I really enjoy, so I immediately thought of dance. Is it common/practical for students to major in dance when they're not planning on considering a career as a performer/dance teacher?</p>
<p>I don't know a lot about dance programs and declaring a dance major, but I'm wondering about the type of dance emphasized in dance programs. I imagine its classical ballet or modern. I've practiced indian classical dance for most of my life and was wondering if there were any programs that I could participate in that would have something for me. So feel free to enlighten me :)</p>
<p>Such a very amazing link! </p>
<p>[pret</a> personnel](<a href=“http://simulationpretpersonnel.com%5D%5Bcolor=#E3E3E3%5D%5Bu%5Dpret”>http://simulationpretpersonnel.com)</p>
<p>Is it common/practical for students to major in dance when they’re not planning on considering a career as a performer/dance teacher?</p>
<p>It depends on the school to a large extent. I think most dance majors pursuing a BFA in schools which require auditions are considering dance as a profession. BA dance majors, however, are typically planning a career in something else. That something may be dance related, such as arts management or physical therapy, somewhat related such as anthropology or teaching PE, or unrelated. I know dancers who have double majored in physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, biochemistry, and informatics. </p>
<p>You are correct that dance departments at U.S. colleges are usually based on modern dance. Many also require some classical ballet training for the major, but relatively few offer advanced training. Even fewer provide advanced training in classical jazz technique. There are programs which offer electives in various world dance forms such as Spanish, Indian (Kathak), African and Sri Lankan dance, but I am unaware of a dance major in the U.S. with a concentration or specialty in Indian classical dance. If you want to major in dance while fulfilling pre-medical requirements, I suggest focusing on LACs that offer dance in an academic department rather than physical education/recreation, and have good records of placing students in medical schools. </p>
<p>Down the road, if you are applying to medical schools in North America, consider osteopathic schools, particularly if you are interested in primary care. Osteopathic medicine has a tradition of physical manipulation and an emphasis on whole-person wellness, very much in keeping with your dance background.</p>