Department of Theater and Dance at High Point University

Find your VOICE

Dance is an art that you live and breathe. You can't imagine a life without it, and neither can I. Our program embraces each student as an individual artist – with a unique voice, passions, and interests. Life is extraordinarily enriched by dance and artistic expression, teaching us how to be empathetic, collaborative, and creative humans, along with a hefty list of valuable life skills that employers seek, making our students powerful and dynamic graduates.

I want your college experience to be focused on what is important to you. The courses and experiential opportunities outside of the classroom will give you plenty of flexibility to find your artistic voice and forge a career path ripe with options.

The faculty, staff, and students in our company are here to walk with you, and help you achieve things you didn't know you could do. Not only will you be performing and working on technique in the studio, but also choreographing your own work and collaborating with costume and lighting designers, working backstage for theater productions, and learning how to build sets, work wardrobe, or hang lights. You will find your professional path through internships, career exploration, workshops, and by attending national dance conferences.

Please email me and let's set up a time to talk about what you're looking for and whether our program is a good fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!

BA DANCE

HPU's dance program offers active, thought-provoking courses and abundant performance and choreography opportunities. Students receive a strong foundation in diverse dance areas, guided by supportive faculty. You'll enjoy small classes, personal attention, guest artist masterclasses and workshops, and a busy production schedule for skill refinement. The curriculum delves into dance as art, cultural expression, and a reflection of the human condition.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

At High Point University, dance students immerse themselves in intensive technique training through classes, practice, performances, masterclasses, and conferences. Graduates explore diverse career paths, including teaching, dance company administration, arts advocacy, and applying their confidence, broad knowledge, work ethic, collaboration, and artistic skills to any profession.

DOUBLE MAJORING & MINORING

We encourage all of our majors to consider the addition of a second major or a minor. Explore these suggested pairings or inquire about your specific interests.

SUGGESTED

DOUBLE MAJORS

BA Health & Wellness

BS Exercise Science

BS Psychology

BA Sociology and Anthropology

BA Media Production & Entrepreneurship

BA Pop Culture & Media Production

MINORS (CAREER-PATH FOCUSED)

Education Studies (dance education)

Theater (costume, lighting, or scenic design)

Psychology/Data Analytics /Statistics (research)

Psychology (dance therapy)

Photography (dance photography)

English/Creative Writing (dance criticism)

MINORS FOR ARTS ADMIN/ STUDIO OWNERSHIP FOCUS

Entrepreneurship

Business Administration

Event Management

Social Media Marketing

THE HEART OF OUR PROGRAM

Leading from the heart – our faculty aren't just educators but mentors, supporters, and challengers. We balance pushing, pulling, and independent growth while upholding five core values that make up the heart of our program.

HHANDS ON EXPERIENCE

Students receive experiential hands-on learning in a wide variety of areas.

Performing | Choreographing | Working in the scene shop | Working in the costume shop | Working front of house | Internships and off-campus experiences

EEMPATHETIC SERVICE

We value service to our community so that our students will become more empathetic and understanding human beings, which makes them better artists.

Fundraising for organizations in our community | Volunteer work | Performance

A ARTISTIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Students will have many opportunities for artistic and personal growth, both on and off campus.

Choreographic research and performance with faculty and guest artists | Choreography | Guest artists movement workshops and career panel discussions | Conference attendance (ACDA, Dance Medicine, NDEO, NCDEO, SETC, and more) | Student run organizations

RRELATIONSHIPS WITH SUPPORTIVE MENTORS

Through faculty and student mentorship and peer-to-peer relationships, we strive to create a supportive environment on many levels.

Small class sizes | Individual support and attention

T TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT

Collaboration is an essential skill in today's market, and we foster many experiences to help students practice it.

Student Concert Production | Thesis Concert | HPU Dance Company

CULTIVATING LIFE SKILLS

High Point University's BA in dance cultivates skills sought after by arts organizations, corporations, and foundations: innovative thinking, dedicated teamwork, adaptability, ensemble commitment, resilience in the face of challenges, and product development aligned with the company's vision. These abilities are honed through hands-on production and experiential learning, preparing students for diverse professional opportunities. Our Company Philosophy treats our department as a theater and dance company. All members participate in various productions, honing skills and exploring new technical abilities. Our aim is to graduate versatile and marketable artists with a diverse skill set.

We've designed a comprehensive 4-year career plan for dance majors, encompassing headshots, movement shots, reel/portfolio creation, internship search support, resume and cover letter crafting. Plus, we maintain a strong connection with an arts liaison in the Career and Professional Development Office, adept at guiding performing artists through the job market.

CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWSHIP

Dance majors can join the Creative Arts Fellows Program, a four-year collaborative academic journey with peers who share their passion. Guided by a dedicated director, students receive personalized mentorship, engage in networking trips, and gain insights from arts experts. This program emphasizes value-added learning, fostering a growth mindset, and building strong connections with faculty, peers, and professionals. It comprises three main components: community building, experiential learning, and leadership development, resulting in a well-rounded, empowered graduate.

Scholarship amount: $3,000 per year

Students may apply for this scholarship through their Panther Portal after applying for admission.

Priority deadline to apply for this fellowship is February 1.

STUDENT profiles

MELANIE FITTS

Class of 2024

Dance & Psychology Major

“I chose to major in dance at HPU because it allowed me to pursue my passion with the arts without sacrificing my goals of working in the mental health counseling field. Lindsey has always been so supportive of my double major and my aspirations of combining dance and psychology.”

MARY GOMEZ

Class of 2025

Dance & Psychology Major

“One thing that I love about the department is that students get to produce their own work. Getting to work with my cast and seeing my work on stage was so rewarding and allowed me to grow not just as a performer but as an artist! ”

CAROLINE CUBAS

Class of 2026

Dance Major Business Administration & Entrepreneurship Minor

“Being in rehearsals, classes, and performing with the same groups of people has given me an incredible support system from day one.”

GRACE ANN LETZINGER

Business Administration and Dance Major, '21

Regional Director for Little People’s Creative Workshop and Company Manager for RPM Dance Suffolk, VA

“The opportunities to take charge and make my vision a reality were incredible. From student choreography performances to teaching classes for the dance company, I grew a lot during my time there.”

successful ALUMNI

ALEX GRISWOLD

Dance Major, '22

Creative Arts Director for Salvation Army of TX Dallas, TX

“So many leadership opportunities are available to students. I grew into a stronger leader and found where I felt most confident. I gained so many skills I’m now using in my current role.”

ELIZABETH SCHROEDER

Sport Management and Dance Major, '23

Inside Sales Consultant at Charlotte Hornets Charlotte, NC

“What I like the most about our department is the one-on-one relationships with the professors. I was really able to get to know them which made me more confident in the studio.”

SPRING 2024 PERFORMANCES

Perseverance, Spring Dance Concert

Featuring new works choreographed by HPU students March 21-23 at 7:30pm in the Pauline Theatre

Conflictions, Senior Dance Capstones

Capstone works by dance majors Melanie Fitts and Blaire Edwards April 11-13 at 7:30pm in the Empty Space Theatre

Email us at the address below to reserve your free tickets and schedule a backstage tour before the show

www.highpoint.edu/dance instagram: @hputheaterdance Email: theaterdance@highpoint.edu