Dance
Why Study Dance at W&L?
Students of the dance program at Washington and Lee become a community of leaders and form a fellowship of integrity grounded in the respect for lifelong learning and creativity. Graduates are expressive individuals who contribute to the world with a unique and individual voice grounded in compassion and forged in mutual respect.
Through the study of the practice and history of theater and dance, students develop aesthetic appreciation for art and culture, learn flexible problem-solving methods, acquire diverse communication skills and employ creative collaborative processes. These academic and artistic tools and experiences will lead students to contribute their unique talent and training to the betterment of society and the arts.
Opportunities for Students
The award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company is hailed as a company of outstanding artistic excellence by the American College Dance Association. The company performs two fully produced concerts annually on the Keller Theatre stage, as well as a Spring Term ariel concert. Featuring internationally acclaimed faculty and guest artists’ choreography, the company provides students with the opportunity to expand and diversify their dance experience by working directly with professionals in the field.
W&L Dancers Create is an annual fall concert that fully integrates students’ choreography, performance and design work featuring pieces in classical and contemporary ballet, modern, aerial dance, jazz and theater dance, as well as native dance forms such as classical Indian and Chinese dance.
Company trips to perform at arts festivals and concerts have included New York City; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Williamsburg, Virginia; Wilmington, North Carolina; Galway, Ireland; and the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The American College Dance Festival is a four-day conference of performances, workshops, master classes and panels taught by instructors from around the country. Choreography and performances are adjudicated by nationally recognized dance professionals to support and promote dance within universities.
Sample Courses
Aerial Dance Techniques
This course examines a unique array of techniques from across the aerial arts and a diversity of experimental approaches to movement in the air. The history of the form as well as lineage of style and current techniques are expressed through lecture, studio work, required readings and videos, masterclasses, performances and written responses.
Dance Europe
Students travel to the four centers of contemporary modern dance in Europe: Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels. We explore contemporary aesthetics of particular regions, how culture influences movement choices, and the new ways in which European audiences are adapting to new forms of expression.
Dance Composition
A studio course exploring the craft and art of creating dance performances in a variety of styles and contexts. Images, text, music, improvisation and the elements of time, space and energy are examined as sources for dance material leading to group choreography. This course focuses on creating a finished performance piece for presentation.
Musical-Theater Dance Technique
A studio exploration of choreography in musical theater from the 1940s to the present. Composition, theme and form are discussed in concert with practical work in restaging historically significant musical dance numbers.
Ballet Technique
This studio course is devoted to the practice of classical ballet technique and to the exploration of classical and contemporary ballet in performance. The course culminates in a performance presentation.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
