Dance
Department
The Faculty
Performing artists, actors, dancers, and directors in their own right, the members of the Theatre and Dance Department not only teach but also continue to practice their craft in a variety of ways. They are acclaimed producers and directors, choreographers, contemporary and Shakespearean actors, and stage and lighting designers. They share their real life experiences with students in the classroom. Their numerous honors and awards include two Kennedy Center bronze medallions, selection as one of only seven in the country to direct a production for the 1984 American Theatre Festival, invitations to choreograph musical productions in New York City and multiple (Shreveport) Times Drama Awards for acting, directing, lighting, and production.
About the Major
A degree in dance is designed for those who wish to pursue careers as teachers, performers, and/or choreographers. Dance majors take dance history, choreography, and composition, and at least 19 hours of technique courses in the disciplines of ballet, tap, modern, and jazz. Courses in theatre, music, voice, exercise science, and biology are also recommended/required. Each year a select group of students receives invitations to join Escaped Images, Centenary's dance company. Centenary students also participate in the annual American College Dance Festival. Several pieces choreographed by our faculty and students have been chosen as exhibition pieces on the festival's final evening.
Career Opportunities
A degree in theatre, dance, or performing arts can lead to rewarding careers in the fields of teaching, performance, design, radio and television, arts administration, public relations, and advertising. Centenary graduates have gone on to do successful graduate work at such prestigious schools as Yale, Juilliard, Emerson College, Sarah Lawrence, California State University-Fullerton, Virginia Commonwealth University, Southern Methodist University, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Many have also moved to New York and Los Angeles to work and continue study in their respective fields.
