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Dance at Texas A&M Our Program
The technical focus of the Dance program at Texas A&M University is ballet and modern dance. Our program integrates lecture classes, technique classes, choreography, performance, and dancer wellness to provide our students with a fully developed understanding of the body and how it moves. In addition to our dance majors and minor, dance classes can be used to fulfill core physical education requirements.
Our Mission
Since 2010, the mission of the dance program at Texas A&M University is to educate students in the art and science of dance. We offer a personalized approach to dance training through hands-on, field-based experiences including technical production, dance science research and Pilates. In addition to the students seeking a degree in dance, the program also serves approximately 2,000 students through physical education and core curriculum classes open to all students at the university. Performance Studies at Texas A&M emphasizes collaborative research and creative activity in music and theatre, including devised performance, performance technology, ethnomusicology, and performance theory. At the graduate and undergraduate levels, we strive to cultivate the analytical, interpretive, and creative skills that will prepare students for diverse careers in and beyond the arts.
FAQs
Is there a dress code for classes?
Attire for Ballet Classes:
- The body must be clearly visible in order for the instructor to make evaluations and give feedback.
- Female Identified – leotard, pink, or skin-tone footed tights which must be worn under your leotard and inside your ballet shoes; pink/skin-tone ballet shoes with sewn elastic and drawstrings cut and tucked inside the shoe.
- Male Identified – black footed tights worn inside your ballet shoes, solid-colored tight-fitting t-shirt or leotard, dance belt; black ballet shoes
- Non-binary Identified – choice of either selection above or a combination of any of the above
- Long hair must be pulled back and attached to your head securely so you do not need to adjust it during class. Short hair should be pulled back with a headband and/or clips to clear the neck and face.
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights
- No ballet skirts or other clothing to be worn over leotards without approval. Warm-up clothing must be fitted to the body.
- No dangling jewelry, hats, or chewing gum in class.
Attire for Modern, Pilates/Wellness and Improvisation classes:
- Bare feet – no lyrical or other dance shoes, black footless tights, leotard or solid colored tight-fitting t-shirt/tank top, hair secured back
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights
- No dangling jewelry, hats, or chewing gum in class.
Outside of classes, what is the time commitment?
In addition to classes, students have the opportunity to participate in faculty, student, and guest rehearsals. These are great for getting more experience and for performance opportunities. Shows such as the Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival, Senior Concerts, Perpetual Motion, and Student Choreography Shows are all extra time commitments but very rewarding experiences to participate in. Additionally, students will be responsible for completing portfolio hours in dance research, production, and Pilates. Each type of hour must be completed outside of the class time.
How many performances happen each year?
There are typically 5 annual concert series presented by the dance program. In addition to these annual shows, for many years the program presents other concerts to provide our students with the most opportunity to perform and experience as well as bring art to the Brazos Valley.
Do you have a guest artist program?
Yes. The TAMU Dance Program is lucky enough to receive grants from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts to be able to bring in guests in many areas of dance. In the past, we have brought in dance therapists, dance scientists, choreographers, company owners, physical therapists, dance injury specialists, and many more.
The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts also has a new Artist in Residency program that will bring in visiting artists to our school. Our students will benefit from this program through masterclasses and performance viewing opportunities.
Do you have any affiliations with student organizations?
The dance program does has an affiliation with the Delta Eta Pi Dance Honor Society. Delta Eta Pi is also open to students outside of the dance program. Many students within the program choose to become a part of other dance student organizations on top of their curriculum and rehearsal schedule with the dance program.
These organizations include: Aggie Dance Team, Dance Arts Society, Fade to Black, Aggie Ballet Company etc.