Nestled in the heart of Athens, Ohio, the Grover Center for New American Dance at Ohio University serves as a hub for innovative and interdisciplinary dance education and performance. Established in 2013, this groundbreaking program combines traditional dance forms with contemporary techniques and cultural influences, fostering a new generation of artists who are pushing the boundaries of what dance can be.
At the core of the Grover Center's mission is the belief in the transformative power of dance. Through rigorous training, collaborative exploration, and interdisciplinary learning, students are encouraged to explore their own artistic voices and cultivate a deep appreciation for the diverse histories and global contexts that shape contemporary dance.
Academic Programs
The Grover Center offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, and a minor in Dance. Each program is designed to cater to students' unique career goals, whether they aspire to become professional dancers, choreographers, dance educators, or to pursue further academic study in the field.
With a focus on both technical skill development and critical thinking, the curriculum combines dance technique classes with theory and history courses, as well as interdisciplinary electives. Students have the opportunity to work with a diverse faculty of dance professionals, including award-winning choreographers, accomplished performers, and scholars of dance history and culture.
Dance Technique Classes
Dance technique classes lie at the heart of the Grover Center's academic programs. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of dance styles, including contemporary, modern, jazz, ballet, and world dance forms. These classes foster technical proficiency, discipline, and a commitment to artistic exploration.
Through a balanced approach to dance training that emphasizes both strength and versatility, students develop the physical and mental skills necessary to succeed as professional dancers. Moreover, these technique classes provide a foundation for the creative and critical thinking that underlies the entire program.
Theory and History Courses
The Grover Center's academic programs also encompass a strong focus on dance theory and history. Courses such as Dance History, Dance and Culture, and Dance Composition challenge students to think critically about the art form, its historical and cultural contexts, and its relevance in the broader world.
By equations dance with other disciplines, these courses encourage students to consider dance as a medium for exploring complex ideas and expressing diverse perspectives. They also provide a solid theoretical foundation for those students who wish to pursue further academic study in the field of dance.
Performance Opportunities
Performance plays a pivotal role in the Grover Center's academic programs, offering students numerous opportunities to showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience on stage. Each year, the program presents a variety of performances, including the annual Spring Dance Concert, which features new work by faculty and guest choreographers.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the New Dances concert, a showcase of original work created and performed by student choreographers. Additionally, the program hosts regular workshops and masterclasses with leading professionals from the dance world, providing students with further opportunities to learn, grow, and perform.
Student Choreography
The Grover Center strongly encourages students to explore their own choreographic voices, providing them with numerous opportunities to create and present their own work. The New Dances concert, for example, serves as a showcase for the best of student choreography, offering students the chance to work with professional dancers, lighting designers, and costume designers to bring their visions to life.
Through these and other performance opportunities, students not only develop their technical skills but also cultivate their artistic voices and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. These experiences are invaluable for those who wish to pursue careers as choreographers, dance educators, or in other aspects of the professional dance world.
As the Grover Center for New American Dance at Ohio University continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering artistic innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and a passion for dance that extends beyond the studio and onto the world stage. By cultivating a new generation of dancers who are as thoughtful as they are skilled, the Grover Center ensures that dance remains a vibrant, relevant, and vital art form in the 21st century.