They're more confident in their creativity, and that's a really important thing. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the School of Dance boasts a reputation as one of the nation's premier dance programs, consistently ranked among the top 10 undergraduate schools in the country by Dance Teacher Now magazine. Student choreography has been recognized 19 of the past 20 years at American College Dance Festivals. This spring, senior Chia Chi Chiang will become the first Ohio University student in six years to have her work performed at a national dance festival. Madeleine Scott advises junior Sinead Kimbrell, who spent the winter performing with the Trinity Irish Dance Company.
Graduates spread the school's name worldwide as successful performers, teachers and choreographers.
And the school just learned it will receive two years of university funding to create a dance touring company made up of faculty and students. The qualities that make the school so reputable also require faculty to wield a heavy hand when it comes to admissions. Of the 80 applicants who audition for entry each year, only 30 are accepted - because professors want quality students, studio space is limited and, most of all, faculty want to maintain the intimate atmosphere that prevails in their Putnam Hall home. You need to deal with individuals. Anonymity doesn't work here.