The Dance Program at Cornell

Cornell University has a strong dance program in the context of an excellent liberal arts and Ivy League education. Academic classes in dance history and human anatomy complement studio courses in modern dance, ballet, Asian dance, African dance, improvisation, and composition. The faculty members are dancers with a sense of discipline, choreographers with aesthetic visions, and educators who encourage both cognitive and creative talents.

The curriculum is enhanced by guest teachers and by master classes featuring visiting dance companies. Innovation flourishes within the program and instructors continue to push the limits of traditional dance. The variety and energy of the classes create a learning and teaching environment in which dancers can develop, strive, and venture beyond the expected. All courses are open to both majors and non-majors.

Each year, opportunities to choreograph and perform include one mainstage concert, two informal concerts, and periodic studio showings featuring works by students and faculty. The department sends an annual contingent to the regional American College Dance Festival.

New Summer 2009 Course! Making Dances: Beginning Dance Composition (DANCE 2500 VISST 2511)
MWF 2:30-4:30 pm, Instructor Janice Kovar, Open to summer college participants

This course will introduce students to modern dance, an art form that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and continues to evolve today. Through composition assignments, improvisations, video viewing, and live performances, students will look at dance, talk about dance, and explore the creative process of making dance. Informal showing at end of semester. An introductory level course for students with varied levels of training, including those with no experience.

Email the dance program at danceprogram@cornell.edu