Old Dominion University Dance Program

Thank you for your interest in the Old Dominion University Dance Program!

The Dance Program at Old Dominion University engages students in dynamic and transformative processes of dance training, multidisciplinary collaboration, scholarly research, and pedagogical studies. We are distinguished by our commitment to equity and justice that permeates every aspect of our program: from a curriculum that honors a diversity of dance forms to our investment in each student as a distinct and valuable part of our community. Students who major in dance take courses in hip hop, jazz, modern dance, ballet, Pilates, anatomy/kinesiology, improvisation, composition, dance history, teaching principles, acting, and filmmaking. Our shared values highlight the interdependence of thinking and moving, and we define dancing as a form of creative expression, critical inquiry, and knowledge production. Our program offers students a BA in Theater and Dance with the option to major in dance or dance education. A dance minor is also available.

The Dance Program is part of the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, which offers courses in theatre, film, media studies, and communication studies. Dance students have multiple opportunities to perform, choreograph, and collaborate with classmates in other programs. University Dance Theatre, composed of students, faculty, and guest artists, presents two fully mounted concerts per year. These concerts feature a variety of dance forms showcasing choreography by students, faculty, and guest artists. Recent guest choreographers have included Jennifer Archibald, Tiffanie Carson, Janessa Clark, Mike Esperanza, and Cameron McKinney. In addition to these performance opportunities, students can join the ODU Dance Association. This is a student-led organization that presents workshops, master classes, and Student Choreography Showcases every year.

The Dance Program has three full-time and 10 part-time faculty members, and dancers are attracted to our classes because each student feels honored, respected, and part of a community. Students at ODU represent a wide variety of nationalities and identities, from all 50 states and over 100 different countries. Total enrollment is about 20,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students. On-campus housing is available. Our proximity to Richmond, VA and Washington, DC make it possible to host classes with visiting artists as well as to attend performances in these cities. The dance facilities include four studios and a fully equipped Pilates studio with six reformers. Auditions are held annually; please check the website or contact the program director for dates and more information. Scholarships are available through the dance department and the office of financial aid.

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To be considered for a scholarship you must audition (either in person or online) and submit an application through Acceptd by March 3, 2025.

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS
In-person auditions will take place on February 15, 2025 from 9AM-12PM. All applicants who attend the in-person audition will be considered for a scholarship. For more information, please contact us at the DanceProgram@odu.edu. (An ODU Dance faculty member will also attend the group audition at the National High School Dance Festival hosted by Point Park University in Pittsburgh on February 26, 2025. If your high school is attending and you are planning on auditioning, please indicate this on your Acceptd application and list Old Dominion University as one of your top choices on the NHSDF registration form. For more information about this festival, please visit the festival website.)

ONLINE AUDITIONS
To be considered for a scholarship, online auditions must be submitted by March 3, 2025. After that, we accept online submissions on a rolling basis. 

To complete your application, click on the Program button to the left for "Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance: Dance Major".  Upload media from there.

For technical questions please check out the Applicant Support Help Desk for frequently asked questions.