Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Community Dance at Ohio University is a unique program that focuses on community-engaged research, practice, and advocacy. Graduates will be prepared to apply their knowledge in practical community settings, conduct original research, and lead dance experiences that foster community and enhance civic responsibility. The program's faculty is nationally known for their emphasis on dance composition and the creative process, and students will have many opportunities to interact and collaborate with community partners.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Community Dance is the first of its kind in the United States. This degree focuses on community-engaged research, practice, and dance advocacy, as well as the role of the dance artist in community settings. The program emphasizes the creative process in dance as a form of research and collaboration, and the use of dance as an adaptable, inclusive, and socially relevant practice.
Teaching:
The program's faculty is nationally known for their emphasis on dance composition and the creative process. Ohio University is located in a vibrant college town within a rural Appalachian area, where the arts play an integral role in the community. Students will have many opportunities to interact and collaborate with community partners through the 30 Mile Studio project, Ohio Valley Center for Collaborative Arts, Factory Street Studio, and other organizations.
Careers:
Community Dance is a rapidly growing field. Graduates will find or create employment in a variety of settings, including community arts centers, dance companies, museums, pre-K-12 private and public schools, and other organizations. Other potential career paths include teaching artist in outreach programs such as those with Parkinson’s Disease and community action programs such as those focusing on domestic abuse shelters, director of a dance school or studio, community-engaged dance artist/choreographer, arts administrator, community youth group leader, director of dance/movement program for senior center, community engagement director for dance companies and non-profit dance organizations, and dance integration specialist.
