In addition, it offers a valuable adjunct to the Reed student's knowledge of Western humanities. Our classes combine several activities that are mutually reinforcing. Through technique, choreography, writing, viewing, reading, and discussion, students accrue a variety of tools for understanding how dances are made. Students are encouraged to draw connections between choreography and analogous processes in other disciplines such as writing, music composition, and the creation of visual art and theater. Our goal is to give students a broad base of knowledge to apply to the specific area of interest they eventually pursue.
All classes are open to majors and non-majors.
The department offers students at all levels of experience and interest opportunities to choreograph, to perform, to participate in residencies with visiting artists, and to interact closely with faculty members. Independent study projects are frequently undertaken by students whose particular area of interest is not covered in the regular curriculum. The program allows students to combine pursuits by tailoring interdisciplinary programs of study for each person. In the established interdisciplinary major in dance-theater, students typically work on a creative thesis project. Theses for these students have most often been research oriented.