Dance

Dance at Oberlin integrates academic learning with personal experience, leading students to become creative problem solvers and to connect abstract concepts to the physical reality of their bodies. The department focuses on four areas of study: creation and performance, critical inquiry, physical techniques, and somatic studies. We also offer classes in arts management, design, and production. Our faculty are renowned artists and scholars working at the interdisciplinary forefront of dance studies. The department’s curricular pathways include courses in West African, samba, contact improvisation, hip hop, and various approaches to contemporary technique. Combining rigorous dance training with a broad liberal arts education, our program prepares students to dance not just in the studio, but in the world.

A Thriving, Supportive Dance Community

Dance happens all over Oberlin’s campus, as a part of everyday life, in site-specific work, and in faculty-choreographed productions and student-run performances. Dance students have a variety of opportunities to choreograph, dance in each other’s shows, work with professional guest artists, perform in our fall and spring showcases or in the many student clubs. Dance classes are open to all. Come to Oberlin to take a beginner technique class, hone your choreographic voice, or conduct original research in a close-knit community of artists and thinkers. Whether you want to pursue a career in dance or just have fun, Dance at Oberlin will move you through college and beyond.