DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGE SOLIDIFIES DANCE STUDIES’ EMERGING ROLE

What’s in a name? Well, if you’re talking about Columbus State’s Department of Theatre and Dance—its new name emphasizes the role the growing Dance Minor Program plays in departmental programming and its consistent enrollment growth in recent years.

Established in 2016, the Dance Minor Program has become one of Columbus State’s fastest-growing programs. Beginning with 13 minors and 35 students in Fall 2016, enrollment has soared to 56 minors and 96 students in just six years— an increase of over 330% in the number of dance minors since its inception.

All CSU students can minor in dance, regardless of their chosen major. It is a 15 -credit-hour program that includes courses in dance technique, dance history, dance choreography/composition, and performance. Dance technique classes include various levels of ballet and modern dance.

“Not only does the dance program—with a dedicated faculty member in that role— benefit our production program, but it has had a positive impact on the training of theatre students,” said Department Chair Dr. Larry Dooley. “Beyond that, it has attracted students from across the university and, we believe, increases student engagement—a key factor in recruitment and retention.”

Incorporating dance into the department’s official title also affirms that the program is expected to grow in enrollment, integration and prominence.

“Community patrons and supporters have given generously to this program, which has enabled us to offer dance minor scholarships,” Dooley said. “Their generosity has funded student and faculty travel to regional dance conferences, and have helped us hire qualified part-time instructors to round out our dance course offerings.”

The scholarships Dooley mentioned are the result of robust, year-round fundraising through two signature Dance Minor Program events: Spring Swing in the spring and the Broadway Ball in the fall. Together, they fund around $10,000 in scholarships that support as many as 15 CSU students annually. This year’s recipients included domestic and international students majoring in biology, business, communication, kinesiology, marketing, music education, nursing, political science—and, of course, theatre.

“Our alumni, the community and the Dance Minor Advisory Board have been so supportive of our students,” said Amy Mutarelli, assistant professor of dance and director of CSU’s Dance Minor Program. “There is a bright future ahead for dance at Columbus State thanks to their invaluable contributions of time, talent and resources to our program.”