Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University
Monmouth Ave.
N. Monmouth, OR 97361
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 503-838-8243
Website: wou.edu/dance
Audition Information: click here
Social Media: woudance_dep, woudanceinfo
Department Contact: Timothy Cowart
Campus Setting: Rural
Dept Founded: 1900
Dept Accreditations: n/a
Cost of Room & Board: $21,072
Undergraduate Tuition per year (in state/out of state): $10,269/$14,499
Graduate Tuition per year (in state/out of state): n/a
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 95%
Scholarships Available for Incoming Students: Yes
Are Need-based Scholarships Offered: Yes
Are Merit-based Scholarships Offered: Yes
Go to School Website
Description of Program: The Dance program at WOU fosters the development of the individual artist and empowers students to use the medium of dance to speak with clarity and integrity. Dance students have opportunities to perform in several productions each year, including faculty, student and guest artist choreographed works, as well as plays, and musicals. Our dance curriculum is both theoretical and practical in its approach to developing a well-rounded and informed artist.
All dance majors take hip hop, jazz, ballet, modern dance, and partnering classes. Students also take a series of dancer wellness, dance composition, dance production, dance history, and dance teaching methods courses. There are optional concentrations in Performance & Choreography; Dance Film and Technology; and Dance Education and Studio Management. Our dance curriculum is complemented by diverse weekly workshops with professional dance artists and choreographers from New York and beyond. Our students are learning how to collaborate, how to find creative solutions to problems, and how to organize and communicate their ideas.
At WOU our students expand their artistry while building their resumes. We have a long-standing partnership with Rainbow Dance Theatre (RDT), our resident professional touring dance company. Our students have the opportunity to take company class every week, have an inside view to the workings of a professional dance company, and some of our students are doing internships with RDT, touring and performing with the company. These students are earning a degree in dance while gaining professional experience. They are touring, performing, and being paid as professional dance artists.
Alumni Connections and Careers
We have a lot of support for our alumni. Many move into professional dance careers with Rainbow Dance Theatre or on to other dance companies. They may start their own dance studio, move into choreography, or go on to graduate school for dance, arts administration, or physical therapy.
All Photos by Jingzi Zhao:
All school information has been provided by the school and has not been verified by Role Call.
