About the Dance Program
The Dance Program at William and Mary emphasizes the creative process within a liberal arts setting. Students with previous dance experience are able to enter classes at a variety of levels through the Dance Placement Evaluation offered during Fall Orientation.
Dance training provides preparation for graduate work and future careers in dance and movement studies. In addition, our dancers declare majors in every department on campus and pursue an equally wide variety of careers.
The faculty are active dance professionals, dedicated to providing the best possible learning experience for students at William and Mary. Guest artists come to campus each year to perform or teach master classes, giving students the opportunity to become acquainted with a variety of aesthetic approaches to technique and choreography.
There are two companies associated with the Dance Program:
- Orchesis provides an opportunity for students to develop their performing skills, participate in the choreographic process, and contribute to concert production and company leadership. Students earn credit for participation in Orchesis through Danc 321 and 322 (Performance Ensemble).
- Gravity Optional is the professional arm of the Dance Program. It is one of the ways faculty present their choreographic research in professional dance venues and selected students are invited to perform.
