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Introduction
The Wichita State University School of Performing Arts Dance Program offers a unique approach to pre- professional training culminating in a BFA or a BA in Performing Arts – Dance. The B.F.A prepares dancers for the diverse demands of professional careers with a degree program emphasizing modern, ballet, jazz, and choreography. Other dance curriculum includes kinesiology, dance history, teaching methods and mime theatre. The BA offers dancers the option to enhance dance studies with varied complimentary fields of study. Wichita State is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance for the BFA in Performing Arts - Dance.
Performances during the year include two Main Stage dance concerts, a student choreography showcase, senior concerts, informal showings, lecture-demonstrations, ACDA and involvement with Opera and Musical Theatre productions. Students also have opportunities to perform with companies and arts organizations such as Ballet Wichita. The Dance Program organizes tours for the Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre (WCDT), the program’s resident touring company, and for the Alithea Mime Theatre, a professional company in residence at Wichita State University.
In addition, the program annually sponsors performances and master classes by professional touring companies. Previous guests have included: Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Doug Varone & Dancers, Hubbard Street Dance Company, Parsons Dance Company, Ballet Folklorico, Marcel Marceau and Paco Peña Flamenco Company.
This balance between professional faculty and nationally recognized guest artists stresses strong technical training, regular performances, choreographic opportunities, and course work in an effort to develop both an educated and artistic performer. The Dance Program’s faculty trains students in the craft of dance as a performing art in order to establish careers as performers, choreographers, and educators.
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Mission Statement
Students pursuing a BFA and BA in Performing Arts – Dance will develop knowledge, techniques and collaborative skills conducive to a lifetime of independent learning and creativity. Through classroom study and production/performance experiences, students will be prepared to work in the academic or professional arena, study further in graduate programs, and/or pursue careers in teaching, business and fitness. Faculty and students will engage in the discovery and development of new information to enhance knowledge through original, creative, experimental, and scholarly work. The program enriches the campus community, the Greater Wichita area, and the surrounding thirteen counties through numerous performances and community interaction each year.
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Objectives
The primary goal of the Dance Program is to prepare dance performers and choreographers for a professional career with the emphasis on diversity of training, performance styles, choreography and interdisciplinary projects. This is achieved by:
Maintaining a consistent influx of guest artist choreography and teaching residencies.
Promoting professional performance opportunities through Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre (WCDT).
Faculty engagement in ongoing faculty development, creative work, and scholarship that support student achievement.
Advocate for and provides a shaping influence in the cultural enrichment of Wichita and the state of Kansas.
