Prospective Student Info
Thanks for your interest in American University’s Dance Program! Whether you are a current AU student looking to participate with the Dance program or a prospective AU student, we’d love to hear about you and your interest in Dance.
Book a Tour
To book a tour, please send an email to danceprogram@american.edu with the following information:
• Name
• Current year in school and where you are from
• Date of campus visit and time of your AU Tour (if you already have one scheduled)
• Current interests in dance
AU Prospective Dance Student Day
Are you a prospective AU student? Join us on February 17, 2018 for an all-day Dance program experience. You’ll have a chance to talk with current AU Dance students, take a level placement class, and meet with AU Dance faculty for advising. More info available here.
Dance Major
The Dance Major requires 43 credit hours, including at least 21 credit hours at or above the 300-level. Students will take courses in Embodied Knowledge, Creative Practice, Critical Inquiry, and a concentration in Advanced Studies. Learn more about the Dance Major here.
Dance Minor
The Dance Minor consists of 19 credit hours, with a minimum of 9 credit hours at or above the 300-level, and at least 12 credit hours unique to the minor. Students will take courses in Embodied Knowledge, Creative Practice, Critical Inquiry, and Advanced Studies. Learn more about the Dance Minor here.
Do I need to audition?
An audition is not required to become a Dance Major or a Dance Minor. If you’re interested in either program of study, please make an appointment with the Dance Program Director, Britta Peterson, to discuss how the Major or Minor could be a good fit for your interests and to map out your plan of study.
Students will need to participate in a Level Placement class, in order to register for a Level II or III Embodied Knowledge (technique) course. No placement or special permissions are needed for Level I courses. Level Placements occur in August, December, February (for new incoming students) and April.
Auditions for performance opportunities in AU Dance Program productions, such as CHOREOLAB and the Spring Dance Concert, happen in September and December each year.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! At AU you can perform every semester! Performance opportunities include:
- CHOREOLAB: a workshop for student choreographers.
- AU Dances: a twice-a-year performance of the work happening in our Embodied Knowledge classes.
- DANCEWORKS – Annual Spring Dance Concert: Mainstage performance featuring the American University Dance Company (AU/DC).
- American College Dance Association Conference: Each spring, some of the casts from AU/DC also travel to perform at the American College Dance Festival.
- Student Clubs: student-led dance clubs at AU that perform on and off campus including AU in Motion and the Ballroom club.
Performance opportunities are open to all students regardless of major or minor. The majority of performance opportunities require an audition, held throughout the year, or registration in a dance course.
Are there opportunities to work with Guest Artists?
Yes! AU’s Dance Program brings in new guest artists each year to teach master classes and/or to set choreographic work on the AU Dance Company (AU/DC). We’ve recently hosted or will soon welcome guest artists Charles O. Anderson, Tiffanie Carson, Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Michel Kouakou, Christopher Morgan, Juan “Coel” Rodriguez, Zoe Scofield, and B-boy Toyz aRe Us.
Can I study abroad?
Yes! The Dance Program at AU encourages students to consider studying abroad and will work with students to fit a semester or year abroad into their plans for the Dance Major or Dance Minor. Many Majors and Minors are able to take courses abroad that will work into their program of study.
What dance forms are offered?
AU Dance offers multiple levels of African Dance, Ballet, Contemporary, Improvisation, Jazz, Tap, and Urban Dance.
How many students are in each dance technique course?
Dance technique courses are capped at 18 students for safety purposes and to ensure that our classes are a great place to learn!
How many Dance courses can I take per semester?
There is no limit per semester — you’re limited only by what you can fit in your overall course schedule.
What are the dance studios like?
The primary dance studio, in the Katzen Arts Center, is equipped with a Harlequin fully sprung, marley-covered floor (installed 2016), portable barres, multifunction stereo, projection, and wireless internet connection. Classes and rehearsals may also occur in the Katzen Studio Theatre, a black box theater space. Performances are generally held at the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, and the Abrahamson Family Recital Hall.
What student dance clubs could I join?
There are several student-run dance clubs that students can participate in throughout the year, including AU in Motion, Ballroom Club, and Bhangra Dance Club.