As students arrive for classes, the dance department has already begun preparation for a winter concert showcasing students’ skills in a diverse blend of dances. The concert is produced and choreographed by students, which has been made possible by a long history of dance education at the University.
“The Dance Department hasn’t always been offered by the School of Music,” department staff member Moser said. Physical education was first offered at the University in 1895, and by 1911, courses in aesthetic dancing were included in the department. In 1920, the University created the nation’s first School of Physical Education. Dance courses became a requirement of
P.E. majors.
Dr. M. Frances Dougherty became the first department head in dance in 1959, with intentions to expand dance education in Oregon. When Dougherty retired in 1975, more than 500 students were taking dance courses each term. The dance department became part of the School of Music in 1991.
This school year, the department is offering a wide range of courses
to students.
“Ballroom is a good class for new students to meet other students,” University senior Marco Davis said. African, hip hop and drumming dance courses are all relatively new to the department. Drumming classes, which have been offered since last spring, are becoming increasingly popular.
The department is increasing its selection of ballroom classes this year because of the growing popularity of the course and the growing enrollment numbers.
“Ballroom has five courses offered fall term. Three is the usual number offered at once,” Moser said.
The department’s increasing popularity could have something to do with the way instructors are assigned to courses.
Davis said that teachers are often switched from term to term. A student could take three ballroom classes and have a different teacher each time.
“You’re not just learning one specific style from one teacher,” he said. “So you get different perspectives, a wider plate of knowledge.”
Another way students can explore their interests in dance is by attending an open showing. On the last Thursday of every term, students in classes held during that term perform a showcase of what they learned. This provides not only a place for dance members to perform, but also an opportunity for other students to see what the classes have to offer.
The department also advocates various opportunities for students to perform in works by faculty members, guest artists, graduate students and undergraduates. Dance Oregon is a student organization partially funded by student fees. The program is open to any students interested in dance, and performances are produced throughout the year.
“You don’t have to be enrolled in the classes to audition (for performances),” Davis said.
The key student performance, though, is the Winter Student Dance Concert.
“The students do many different kinds of work, from modern to hip-hop. There is generally a wide range in the concert,” Assistant Professor Walter Kennedy said.
Auditions for the Winter Concert will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Gerlinger Annex, and the performances will take place Feb. 13 to 15. The winter concert is noteworthy because the performances are directed by students.
“There are probably 10 or 11 different dance students who choreograph the show,” Davis said. “It’s all students.”