<p>Also, are you able to take more dance classes than are required?</p>
<p>I am not a fan of lists, but just to get you started…
Here are some (I’m sure others would add to the list) schools I am aware of that offer outstanding dance training for the MT major.
CCM, ELON, FSU, OCU, UM.</p>
<p>I think it is best for you to examine the BFA in MT curriculum at each school you are exploring and put these side by side. Also, inquire about dance placement if you care about that and are an advanced dancer. </p>
<p>For example, when my D attended NYU/Tisch, the curriculum had ballet, jazz, and tap every semester and there were six dance classes (two of each style) per week in the required curriculum sequence. There was dance placement every semester and there were four levels for every grade level for each style of dance (four different ones for freshmen, four different levels for sophs, etc.). You could not take extra classes, though six per week (I think that was 12 hours) were certainly enough in the schedule (I suppose you could go to a dance studio on weekends in the city if you wished).</p>
<p>But I have seen curricula for some programs whereby there is only one style of dance per semester (two dance classes per week) such as ballet one semester, jazz one semester and so on. There are also dance programs where all freshmen are in the same level (ie., Ballet I or Jazz I). </p>
<p>So, rather than ask about “best,” it would be more informative to research the curriculum at all schools and then ask specific questions.</p>
<p>PS, regarding OCU…someone please correct me if I am wrong, but while OCU may have a great dance department, the MT degree program is a BM, not a BFA ,and I think there is less required dance in the BM in MT degree program at OCU than in many BFA programs.</p>
<p>soozie, when we researched OCU, we had the same understanding – a great BM in MT program, a great dance major, but the two were quite separate. </p>
<p>One thing my d looked at in making her list was whether there was a dance major available on campus, and whether she could be placed in the upper level classes with the dance majors. She also inquired as to whether she could take additional classes or do a minor in dance. It was important to her that each audition she did had a dance component as part of it so she could get a taste of (hopefully…and usually) that school’s dance faculty and when on campus could check out the dance studios/floors.</p>
<p>It takes a lot of research/questions of the schools to come up with a good list of schools for YOUR auditions – and everyone will have different priorities/strengths/interests – good luck as you are figuring out the best places for you!</p>
<p>Yes, to clarify a bit. At some programs an advanced dancer might need to minor in dance to gain access to the courses other than those offered to MT majors, others it is simply a matter of taking courses available but not required, at others the course work is contained wholly in the MT major - research. Also, be aware that offering courses does not always equal great training or an accomplished final product - research. Another element to look for are dance courses specifically in the MT genre - some schools have none, some one or two, and others four - very helpful learning both style and specific audition combinations in the MT lexicon - research. Best of luck in your search!</p>
<p>Boston Conservatory has a strong dance program for MT majors (12 classes required in a school where dance is a big deal) and a rep for turning out MT dancers.</p>
<p>I can say with certainty that Elon has wonderful dance instruction within its MT program. My D went in as a strong dancer, and loved the dance instruction she received there. Agree with MTdog that caliber of instruction is important and Elon has it in all disciplines of dance, from ballet to jazz to tap to MT styles and more! MT majors are not required to take more than a couple of classes per semester, but can overload and take many more. My D always took three or four dance classes every semester.</p>
<p>Elon was my D’s toughest dance audition!</p>
<p>Boco and Pace were my D’s most “fun” auditions. She’s a dancer and appreciated the great workout at those auditions. OCU has a six hour dance placement class in August for new MT students - 2 hours each in ballet, jazz and tap. Whew. MT students can take more than is required and can dance with majors if that’s where they get placed. MT students can audition for and dance with the company, I forget its name, and the timing of rehearsals allows one to go from dance rehearsal in afternoon to MT rehearsal in the evening, if you’ve got the energy! 
So if in the past there was a wall between MT and Dance, it seems to have come down a bit at OCU. NYU/Tisch NSB/MT as of last year (they are evolving all the time there) had not nearly as many classes of dance or levels as apparently had been the case back in the Cap21 days. Sigh. Great dance teachers, just not very advanced. However, it is NY and one can find Fab dance classes at every level all over the city at very reasonable prices, if you can work it in your schedule. Point Park is a lovely place for dancers- gorgeous studios, bunheads everywhere. Pittsburgh Ballet is just a couple miles away. I think they have 3 levels of ballet available to MT’s at the 8 AM daily class, which I think is a great way to start the day! A dance minor is available. Make sure you ask these questions at all the schools you are looking at, because things do change and our memories could be faulty, having been through the process and all the stress which zaps our brains… Oh yes, don’t forget Syracuse is another very good place for MT folks who are not beginner dancers.</p>
<p>How about Julliard in NYC ?</p>
<p>Penn State has strong dance program</p>
<p>Point Park has a very strong dance program with majors in ballet, modern and jazz. MT majors can minor in dance and based on their placement level can be in classes with dance majors. It is also possible for MT majors to perform in dance performances if they are cast.</p>
<p>Julliard does not have a MT program</p>
<p>Syracuse has a very strong dance program in the MT department, and yes, you can take more dance classes than the requirements.</p>
<p>Can you take more dance classes than the requirements at all colleges? Also,Is there a difference between minoring in dance and just taking extra dance classes?</p>
<p>Otterbein has a strong program in dance. In fact, I believe it still offers a BFA in MT/minor in dance which provides even more dance for certain students.</p>
<p>Boco’s dance programs both BFA DANCE and BFA/MT dance are excellent. If you are really good, you can audition senior year for their MT dance “emphasis” program but it id highly selective.</p>