Case Western Reserve University

About the Program

As one of the oldest MFA dance institutions in the United States, Case Western Reserve University's Department of Dance offers high-quality education in a conservatory-like environment. Founded in 1975 and based at the Mather Dance Center in Cleveland, OH, the department focuses on modern and contemporary dance and offers a BA, a Minor, an MA, and a terminal MFA in Contemporary Dance, with partnerships including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Institute of Art, and DanceCleveland.

Degrees Offered

Concentrations

Coursework

BA in Dance requires 41 credit hours including Modern/Contemporary Technique, Ballet Technique, Dance History, and Production (crew), with remaining credits from Dance Science/Wellness, Dance in Culture, Production Resources, Pedagogy, and Choreography. MFA is a 60-credit-hour, three-year program covering technique, choreography, production and theater crafts, music, pedagogy, kinesiology, and dance history; requires an MFA Thesis concert. MA is 30 credit hours with a non-performance scholarly thesis. All entering graduate students begin in the MA track with potential advancement to the MFA in the third semester.

Notable Faculty

• Gary Galbraith
• Karen Potter
• Yidi Lin
• Richard Oaxaca
• Kathryn Karipides

Facilities

Mather Dance Center, 11040 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106, serves as the primary dance facility.

Performance Opportunities

Department dance concerts (e.g., spring concert) and MFA Thesis concerts; guest artist programs.

Rankings & Alumni