Program Description

The purpose of the Cottey dance department is to enhance physical, intellectual, emotional, and social aspects of students’ development.

The dance department at Cottey allows students to explore dance in a liberal arts and sciences setting, where the topics of biology or history overlap with topics in dance classes. The view is dance within the world, not dance as the world. It is important to the dance department faculty that students maintain a panoramic world view, one in which the field of dance is enhanced and, in turn, enhances their other coursework and activities. This view benefits students who take only one dance class at Cottey, as well as students who complete the minor or certificate in dance.

Students who take dance courses at Cottey will learn and demonstrate

• Anatomically- and kinesiologically-safe movement to promote physical wellness.
• Conscientious and reflective behaviors to promote intellectual and emotional wellness.
• Good working relationships with colleagues to promote social wellness.

Why Cottey’s dance minor is unique.

All classes open to all students: In many college dance departments, upper level technique classes and specialized classes are reserved for dance majors and minors only. We allow any Cottey student to participate in any dance course, providing pre-requisites are met. Classes are provided at no additional fee.

 Variety of opportunities for dancers of all levels: Classes are offered in ballet/modern/jazz, musical theater dance, traditional/social, improvisation, and yoga. Cottey-in-Motion is the College’s performance company.

 Small class size: As with all disciplines at Cottey, small class size gives each student the advantage of individualized attention. Because assessment in a movement class is based on visual observation and immediate feedback, fewer students in a class gives the instructor the opportunity to focus on each individual student. Hence, each student gets more feedback and more opportunities to apply that feedback and improve.