Frequently Asked Questions
Do prospective students need to audition in order to participate in Swarthmore's Dance Department?
How can prospective students take a tour of Swarthmore College?
Can prospective students observe or participate in a dance class?
How big are the dance classes?
How are the studio practice levels determined?
Is there live accompaniment for dance classes?
How many dance studios are there?
What styles of Ballet and Modern are taught?
How many dance courses can I take per semester?
Can I major in two departments?
Are there performance opportunities?
What do Dance majors do when they graduate?
Do prospective students need to audition to participate in Swarthmore's Dance Department?
No. Admission to Swarthmore College is based on a student’s academic standing. Admitted students can take any dance course that is appropriate for their level.
Dance courses are open to all students and may be taken for academic or PE credit.
How can prospective students take a tour of Swarthmore College?
Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid
Can prospective students observe or participate in a dance class?
Yes. Once you have scheduled your campus visit please contact Susan Grossi (sgrossi1@swarthmore.edu) to confirm course details and to agree to an at-risk disclosure.
How big are the dance classes?
Class sizes vary from 5 to 30 students, with lower level studio practice courses tending to have the biggest population. Academic courses range from 5 to 15 students and performance classes from 5 to 25 students.
How are the studio practice levels determined?
Studio practice courses in the Dance Department are open to all students regardless of prior experience. African I, Ballet I, Contemporary Modern I, Hip Hop I, Kathak, Taiko, Tap, Tabla, and Yoga are open enrollment classes.
If you have prior experience in Ballet, Hip Hop, or Contemporary Modern Dance, you should attend placement class during orientation. If you are an upperclassman and missed placement but are interested in enrolling in an upper-level studio practice course, please email Olivia Sabee (osabee1@swarthmore.edu) to be placed during one of our regularly scheduled classes.
Is there live accompaniment for dance classes?
Most studio classes have a live accompanist. Hip Hop and Tap classes use recorded music.
How many dance studios are there?
There are two dance studios, the Troy Dance Lab and Boyer Dance Studio.
What styles of Ballet and Modern are taught?
Our Ballet and Modern classes do not adhere to any single style. Our Ballet curriculum combines elements of the French, Italian, and Russian techniques, combining them with athleticism and contemporary vocabulary to challenge our students and prepare them to experience both classical and contemporary repertory. Our Modern classes are taught in a variety of styles depending on the semester and instructor and recently have ranged from Cunningham to release technique to Gaga.
How many dance courses can I take per semester?
You can take as many classes that fit into your schedule.
Can I major in two departments?
Yes, most Dance majors are double or special majors.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! There is a Dance Concert at the end of each semester for our repertory/ensemble students, composition students, senior projects and guest artists. Other opportunities are also available in collaboration with the Music Department and Theater Department. The College has several dance clubs on campus who also have performances each semester.
What do Dance majors do when they graduate?
Dance major and minor graduates become professional dancers, choreographers, teachers, doctors, dance studies scholars, professors, physical therapists, and just about anything else you can imagine. Please visit our Alumni page to see what our former students are up to now.
Visit Student Health and Wellness in the Worth Health Center. If necessary, once you receive a prescription for physical therapy, you may seek treatment through the Athletic Trainers at the Swarthmore College Sports Medicine Department.
