OnStage's latest blog post lists the Dance Program as one of the top 30 College Dance Programs for 2019-2020.
A recent post by the renowned theater publication OnStage has the Performing Arts Department and the Dance Program leaping across the McCrary Theatre stage.
Elon University’s B.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography and B.S. in Dance Science programs appear on the charts with a raving review in the publication’s recent list of Top 30 College Dance Programs for 2019-20 posted Sept. 9. This list was curated by a group of performing arts professionals hired by OnStage that consisted of field professionals, performing arts educators, trained alumni, as well as aspiring dance students and their parents.
OnStage prides itself on not just encompassing the skill level of the dancers in their search, but the many university factors that contribute to an overall happy and healthy college dancer. The project to craft the perfect top 30 began in April with a specific list of criteria to evaluate for each program including facility quality, performance and showcase opportunities, postgraduate support for the performer, and more characteristics that focus on a well-rounded college performance experience.
Elon’s programs appeared next to incredible conservatories and programs, such as Julliard, NYU Tisch and USC Kauffman. The article’s authors state that Elon’s Dance Program is ideal for young movers because “The dance program produces two mainstage dance concerts each year featuring the Elon Dance Company, a student dance company. Dancing in the Black Box is held in the fall semester and features experimental faculty and student choreography. The spring dance concert centers around a specific theme chosen by the director and highlights faculty and guest artist choreography.”
Associate Professor of Dance Jen Guy Metcalf is ecstatic about the review, “I’m thrilled that we were listed by OnStage Blog as one of the Top 30 College Dance Programs for 2019-20 in the country,” Metcalf said. “It is really nice to receive the recognition and to be in the company of outstanding dance programs. My colleagues and I often reflect on what we are doing well and where we might improve so we can offer our students a meaningful experience.”
This is not the first time Elon has been recognized for excellence in training students with professionalism. In 2014, Dance Magazine listed the Dance Science Program as one of the top three options in the country.
The dance program continues to be on the rise kicking off their performance season with “Dancing in the Landscape” on Sept. 27 and 28.
“I always knew that the Elon Dance Program was outstanding because of the students, alumni, staff, faculty, performance season, research opportunities, curriculum, Global Engagement experiences and much more,” Metcalf said. “We celebrate this accomplishment and look forward to finding ways to deepen the Elon Dance Program experience in the future.”
Metcalf said Elon’s Dance Program strives to continue ascending in the collegiate world. To read the full rankings, please visit this link.