Dance at Case
The dance program at Case Western Reserve University in the Department of Theater and Dance serves
undergraduate and graduate students, the University at large, the Cleveland community, and dance worldwide.
Classes, workshops and performance opportunities are offered to all students and interdepartmental
collaborations are encouraged. Additionally, the dance program reaches outside the University's boundaries
to partner with other cultural and educational institutions to bring outstanding teachers, performers and
special events to the campus.
Mather Dance Center continues as one of the oldest dance institutions in Ohio and has a distinguished
dance history.
Many noted artists have taught here since its early years as a dance center. These include Doris Humphrey,
Erick Hawkins, Louis Falco, Murray Louis, Carla Maxwell, Clay Taliaferro, Mary Anthony, Clyde Morgan, June Dunbar,
Dick Gains, Bella Lewitsky, Ethel Winter, Dick Hutch, Chester Welinsky, and James Truitt to name a few.
Recent guest artists have included Joyce Herring, Trisha Brown, Susan McGuire, Sean Curran and the Paul Taylor II company.
Mather Dance Center continues to host various
guest artists
to enrich dancer training and performance opportunities.
Why Case?
There are many reasons to consider pursuing dance studies and training here.
Student Experience
Both Graduate and Undergraduate students (even those who are not dance majors) have many opportunities
to work together and collaborate.
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Case Video
In the fall of 2004, Case Western Reserve University produced a video project to be used by the
university for promotional purposes. Given that the Vice Presidential Debates were to take place on the
campus, it is was a perfect time to highlight the strengths and offerings of the university.
Video>>
Technique Style
What approach to dance training is embodied? The faculty draws upon their own professional backgrounds
to address the particular needs of each student. Perfection of a particular, identifiable technical style
is not the goal in class presentation however, comprehension and execution of fundamentals is mandatory.
Advanced technical skills are promoted and expected for those students whose technical capacities can support
such demands.
The technical backgrounds of the faculty are diverse. Program Director,
Karen Potter, enjoyed a 15 year tenure with
the Erick Hawkins Company and went on to train and dance with numerous companies as a guest artist. Additionally,
she was a senior teacher for the Jose Limon Institute for 7 years.
Gary Galbraith,
a principal dancer
with the Martha Graham Dance Company, was also a member of the Jose Limon Company and was a guest artist with
the Erick Hawkins Company. He utilizes the strengths of these techniques to present, emphasize and enhance the
strong fundamentals indigenous to this program.
The faculty present and promote a range of stylistic and technical background to provide the student with
marketable skills and expertise upon completion of the program. But, at the same time too much variety at the
graduate level is avoided. Eclecticism in too many forms runs the risk of diluting the strengths of the education
process and content.
Even though the technical backgrounds are more aligned in what may be perceived as "classical modern" techniques,
guest teachers augment this base. Development of choreographic statements and kinetic explorations that may utilize
many different movement modalities is encouraged and supported.
Admissions
Get more information regarding dance program
admissions
here.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available at both the undergraduate and graduate level through scholarship and tuition assistance.
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Academic Programs
Undergraduate Studies
Graduate Studies
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