Best dance major in college?

Question:

Best dance major in college?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: As I said in my other reply, no one can determine what aspects of a dance program make it the best. Only you can do that.

Here is a list of factors that my daughter used in choosing a dance program that was right for her. Your list of factors might be a bit different and, of course, no one program will be able to offer everything on your list. It's a matter of prioritizing what is most important to you.

1. Styles of dance offered and whether advanced levels were offered in each style and enough times per week. What is the emphasis of the program and (in my daughter's case) is a triple emphasis possible without specifying a concentration?
2. Quality of the ballet component of the program; whether it achieves professional standards.
3. Quality of instruction in choreography; artistic focus or emphasis on stylistic mastery.
4. Reputation of the faculty and alumni.
5. Quality of facilities and performance venues.
6. Performance opportunities and politics of castings. (Who actually has access to those performance opportunities?) Ratio of faculty- and guest artist-choreographed pieces and shows to student-choreographed pieces.
7. Access to guest artists.
8. Access to faculty; whether they are full-time or adjunct.
9. Location and campus setting: full-service, self-contained campus or a collection of buildings in an urban setting. Access to off-campus professional performances.
10. Nature of the student body - both within the dance program and the college as a whole. (Caliber of the dancers? Diverse? Cliquish? Party school? Social opportunities? Competitive? Cross-year mingling? Cross-program mingling? etc.)
11. Size of dance classes and availability of personal corrections.
12. Access to other subjects of study of personal interest.
13. Nature of housing and other lifestyle considerations (transportation, shopping, social venues).
14. Access to physical therapy. Attendance policies regarding injuries. Access to conditioning facilities.
15. Access to good summer training and/or access to auditions.
16. Assistance with audition preparations or making audition videos.