Dance

Explore the physical disciplines, cultural traditions and expressive possibilities of dance

The Dance Department invites students to investigate embodied knowledge through a broad, interdisciplinary approach that reflects multiple facets of the field of dance. Our curriculum includes the physical and cognitive study of movement practices and techniques, critical inquiry, histories, cultural context, creative exploration, musicality and performance. Dance technique courses include ballet, modern, African dance and music forms. Students also have the opportunity to participate in artist residencies, workshops, concerts, and talks with world renowned guest artists and scholars in multiple dance and theater disciplines. The practice of choreography is supported in composition classes and ensembles in collaboration with faculty.

The department curriculum offers complementary study in the disciplines of Theater, Visual Art, Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian-American Studies, Global Studies, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Music and Performance Studies.

We offer a range of levels, genres and topics that are open to all Williams students seeking dance as a way to expand their studies. Designated courses are offered for full or partial academic credit and in some instances, PE credit; see the Physical Education department for dance classes offered for PE credit. Students seeking to anchor academic and creative study in dance may pursue the Contract Major option.