Just wanted to start a thread for those of us whose dk’s are considering the Towson BFA.
My daughter visited the campus in October but was unable to observe classes as there was a conference going on and classes were cancelled for the day.
We met with Sidney Pink, who is adjunct faculty and an administrator to discuss the program. We found him very straightforward and knowledgeable. One of my dd’s concerns was the amount of technique class and felt good about how he handled questions about that. Students typically spend 15-20 hours/week in the studio, and he discussed that there is research showing that hours over 20 result in diminishing returns because of injury and dropouts, which we found interesting. So whether or not you feel like those numbers are a good fit for you, it does seem to be well thought-out.
Their whole philosophy is “dancing for life” so the program is oriented towards training healthy dancers within a sustainable program.
My dd liked the overall campus a lot.
Other plusses: a 3-semester dance science sequence; 5 semesters of choreography classes available; beautiful facilities; diverse faculty; aerial classes.
Minus: no African/diaspora classes
My dd was admitted via Dancewave so we don’t need to go for an audition, but we are planning on making a return trip where she can observe/take class.
Towson is in the top 3 of my DD college choices. I did attend the meeting last week and learned a lot. We did speak to Sidney and a few others plus 5 students. Some dancers were double majoring and one wasn’t. There are standard technique classes each day, BUT, you can add more dance to your schedule. There is company auditions, ballet rep, modern rep, certifications in graham, etc . aerial, and pilates certiifications. Seems like you get to audition and decide how much extra dance you want to do.
When we were originally looking into dance majors, my DD found Towson. I wasn’t happy with the out of state tuition, however, after visiting the performing arts meetings, I would be happy if she went there… (though still pulling for NY lol).
Also, DD enjoyed the ballet and loved the modern classes that were part of the audition. You should def go and have your DK take a class. There was a very warm vibe with the dancers.
@threegirlpileup Not sure if you have looked at Ball State but the African/Diaspora is even part of the audition there. Campus is fabulous and the dance department extremely supportive atmosphere. Dorms have dance floor in one where most dancers stay. Definitely worth looking at if that is important to your dancer!
They have African/Diaspora dance at Morgan State college, which isn’t too far from Towson. They also might have it for cross registration at Goucher, Loyola or another school in the areas.
Thanks for the suggestions, but we are at the point where we can’t add any more schools!! But most of the places we are looking do offer at least some African classes.
@elmom25 My dd auditioned on campus on Oct 19th and have not received any results. I could swear they told us in the parent meeting that the results would go out within 2 weeks. My dd said they told the dancers the same timeframe.
Thank you @Beanieluv. How many students are in her technique classes? Does she feel that the class size is small enough that she is able to connect and get to know her instructors?