Dance Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to apply to Kent State University before I audition for the Dance program?

Q: Are scholarships available?

Q: Can incoming students audition for performances during their first semester?

Q: Can I major in both Dance Performance and Dance Education?

Q: Are there really jobs teaching dance in the public schools?

Q: How about combining a major in Dance with a major in another area?

Q: I would like to open my own dance studio, but would like to try performing first.  Which dance major would be best for me?

Q: My teacher owns and operates her own studio without a degree in Dance Education.   Why should I get one?

Q: How can I get additional information about the dance program?

Q: How can I register for the dance auditions?

Q: How can I arrange to visit the Dance Division and observe classes?

Q: Do I need to apply to Kent State University before I audition for the Dance program?

A:  No.  Applying to the University and auditioning for the Dance Division are two separate actions that can be accomplished simultaneously or in either order.  Acceptance in the Dance program is always contingent upon acceptance by the University.

Q: Are scholarships available?

A:  For incoming Freshmen with high scholastic achievement and talent in dance, a limited number of Creative Artists Awards (CAA) are available.  A grade point average of 3.3, and combined S.A.T. scores of 1100 or an A.C.T. score of 24 are necessary.  In addition to registering for an audition date with the Dance Division, application must also be made to the HONORS COLLEGE.  Auditioning in November or March is highly advised.

Other scholarships and financial aid information may be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid.

A limited number of financial awards and scholarships are given to continuing and deserving students in the School of Theatre and Dance each May.  Students who began attending Kent State during the spring semester would be eligible for consideration for these awards.

Q: Can incoming students audition for performances during their first semester?

A:  All dance majors and minors are encouraged to attend all auditions.  Cast members are chosen according to their abilities to fulfill the movement requirements of the individual choreographers.

To audition for the Kent Dance Ensemble, students must be at the II level in the year of membership.

Dancers cast in any concert MUST be currently enrolled in and passing any dance technique course in order to perform.

Q:  Can I major in both Dance Performance and Dance Education?

A:  Yes; however, at least one additional semester will be needed in order to complete the student teaching requirement of the Dance Education program.

Q:  Are there really jobs teaching dance in the public schools?

A:  Although it is still a battle to provide dance instruction in Pre-K through 12 schools in Ohio, there are opportunities for dance educators in both public and private schools.  States such as North Carolina and Michigan, for example, require the teaching of dance throughout the curriculum, so students who are willing to relocate have a much greater opportunity of finding a job than those who cannot move to a different state.

Q: How about combining a major in Dance with a major in another area?

A:  Yes, pursuing two majors is possible.  The amount of extra time it will take to complete the degree requirements in both majors depends upon the second major chosen.  Keep in mind that the dance majors require 129-130 credit hours each for the B.F.A. degree.

Q:  I would like to open my own dance studio, but would like to try performing first. Which dance major would be best for me?

A:  The Dance Performance major would probably be the best because it provides the most preparation for a performing career. Classes in education (Dance for Children and Methods and Materials of Dance) can be taken for elective credit towards your degree.

Q: My teacher owns and operates her own studio without a degree in Dance Education.  Why should I get one?

A: The Dance Education degree prepares the dancer for a career specifically in the public schools.  Dance Education majors study the history of education, theories and practice of educational approaches, and learn to develop lesson plans based on the National Standards for Education in the Arts and Ohio's Model for Competency Based Arts Education.

A license is required for teaching in the public schools; however, at this time, there is no license required for teaching dance in a private studio.

Q:  How can I get additional information about the dance programs?

A: Contact the DANCE DIVISION, 266 MACC Annex, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 or send your mailing address to the Dance Secretary at: dcarper@kent.edu

Q:  How can I register for the dance auditions?

A: Request a registration form from the DANCE DIVISION, 266 MACC Annex, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 or from the Dance Secretary at: dcarper@kent.edu or call (330) 672-2069.

Q: How can I arrange to visit the Dance Division and observe classes?

A: Contact either the Dance Coordinator, Andrea Shearer, at ashearer@kent.edu or (330) 672-0124; or the Dance Secretary, Denise Carper, at dcarper@kent.edu or (330) 672-2069.