The Sarah Lawrence Dance program presents undergraduate students with an inclusive curriculum that exposes them to vital aspects of dance through physical, creative, and analytical practices. Students are encouraged to study broadly, widen their definitions of dance and performance, and engage in explorations of form and function.

Basic principles of functional anatomy are at the heart of the program that offers classes in modern and postmodern contemporary styles, classical ballet, Yoga, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, African dance, and world dance forms. Labanotation, dance history, movement and music, teaching conference, lighting design/stagecraft, dance technology/media, and workshops with visiting artists round out the program, which aims to develop the sensibility necessary for students to realize, as fully as possible, their own ideas and to internalize information.

Each student creates an individual program and meets regularly with advisers to discuss overall objectives and progress. Students enroll in a yearlong series of coordinated component courses that make a Dance Third. A typical Dance Third consists of twelve to fifteen hours of in-class time, including a daily required practice class. In addition, all students taking a Dance Third will participate in movement training sessions to address their individual needs at least once each semester. These sessions will provide opportunities to address strength, flexibility, alignment, and coordination, as well as setting short- and long-term training goals.

A variety of performing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are available in both informal and formal settings. Although projects with guest choreographers are frequent, it is the students’ own creative work that is the culmination of their dance experience at the College. In order to support the performance aspect of the program, all students are expected to participate in the production of concerts. Technical credit is required.

We encourage the interplay between theatre, music, visual arts, and dance. Music and Theatre Thirds may take dance components with the permission of the appropriate faculty.

In the interests of protecting the wellbeing of our students, the Dance program reserves the right to require any student to be evaluated by Health Services at our discretion.

Prospective and admitted students may only observe classes.