Dance/Performance at RWU
The Dance/Performance Program is offered by the Performing Arts Area to combine professional dance training within a framework of the liberal arts. The Dance/Performance Studies major is directed toward perfecting the professional abilities of its students within the structure of an academic program. The faculty endeavors to develop a high technical level as well as an appreciation of what the performing arts world expects of its practitioners.
The curriculum offers a wide range of techniques from Elementary to Advanced levels in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Mime, Movement Theatre, Ethnic and Social forms. Other courses include Choreography, Dance History, Pedagogy, Movement Analysis, Kinesiology, Performance Techniques, and other Special Topic courses to keep students on the forefront of emerging topics of the field. The program stresses the development of strong technical and creative work from each student. The faculty, all working professionals in the field, works as a team to offer a diverse set of experiences and perspectives to each student. They also work to hone each student’s individuality so that the students will be able to distinguish themselves professionally.
The dance faculty also guides students towards partnering the Dance/Performance Studies major with another major/minor for a broad range of career options in addition to performance and choreography; examples include Dance/Psychology towards Dance and Movement Therapy, Dance/Secondary Ed for a Teaching Certification, Dance/Biology for Occupational or Physical Therapy, Dance/Public Relations for work in the Communication field and Dance/Arts Management for non-profit or studio management.
Each semester the program welcomes to campus notable artists for teaching and choreographic residencies and performance collaborations. Artists have included Jean Abreu, Jason Aryeh, Jorge Crecis, Seán Curran, Hilary Easton, Doug Elkins, Molissa Fenley, Carl Fink, K.J. Holmes, TJ Lowe, Tiffany Mills, Meredith Monk, Neta Pulvermarcher, Christina Robson, Billy Siegenfeld, Takehiro Ueyama, and Kate Weare. The program’s regular influx of visiting guest artists offers students additional styles, forms, and viewpoints through first-hand residencies and repertory work.
In addition to offering one on one work with an eclectic range of dance artists, the program offers live accompaniment for each technique class and opportunities for students to collaborate with our staff composer. This facilitates interdisciplinary collaborative skills often crucial in professional environments.
Through the program’s technical, theoretical, and creative opportunities, students broaden their backgrounds in the related arts, foster perceptive appreciation and develop artistic discrimination.
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About Dance/Performance at RWU
The department of Dance/Performance Studies has long had a philosophy to develop highly trained, creatively active, and professionally oriented students.
In the early ‘70s, dance classes were developed to acquaint students with the art of dance, which also provided physical work on a campus that had, at that time, no athletic outlets for the student body. Classes drew large numbers and a broad range of men and women who found the dance experience challenging and exciting.
In 1978 a dance minor was offered, followed by an individualized major option. The Dance/Performance Studies major was open to students in 1988 by audition and the London Dance Component became an adjunct to the London Theatre Program the next year.
The program has participated in various regional and national festivals sponsored by the American College Dance Festival Association. At these festivals, dance departments from various areas across the country showcase works choreographed by students, guest artists, and faculty, adjudicated by a panel of noted professionals in the field. In 1982, the department participated in its first American College Dance Festival. The next year, Roger Williams was selected to perform at the prestigious National Festival Gala Concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. From across the country, there were only 9 works chosen from hundreds adjudicated and Roger Williams was one of the 9, an extraordinary accomplishment for a small program. The program has continued to be recognized with invitations to perform at the Regional and National Galas; students have received several scholarships and a Dance Magazine choreography nomination.
The Dance/Performance Studies area has distinguished itself regionally and nationally as a small, high-quality, unique program that challenges a student both artistically and intellectually with a curriculum having not only rich content but breadth and depth.
The program is different from the mainstream "generalist" approach of some university dance programs and has a strong, professionally based curriculum. A sound liberal arts environment strengthens the degree. The department offers a BA in Dance/Performance Studies, a Dance Minor, and a Core Dance Minor. The program offers the only Movement Theatre training within the context of a professional Dance curriculum.
Questions Most Often Asked by Potential Students and Parents
Isn’t being a Dance/Performance Studies Major impractical?
No, it is not!
The skills and degree acquired by our Dance/Performance Studies majors offer many opportunities in the work force both in and out of the field. In terms of paid positions for performers and choreographers, there can be no doubt that dance is a highly competitive field. For each position in a major Ballet or Modern dance company, there are hundreds of dancers auditioning. We feel our program prepares students well for these highly competitive positions. However, other opportunities for majors are both plentiful and varied.
What can I do with this Major besides Dancing, Performing and Choreographing professionally?
Dance Education
Private Studio, Public Schools, and University Instruction
There are successful studios, classes, and programs in thousands of locations throughout the country. A degree from our program offers a studio instructor significant credibility and increased chances in attracting and keeping students. Additionally, more and more public and private school systems are mandating Dance Education as part of their curriculum noting the extraordinary benefits for their students. Our majors may elect to acquire the PK-12 Dance Teacher Certification.
Health and Fitness Therapy
Health and fitness is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Opportunities exist for fitness instructors, supervisors, and teachers in a variety of public and private settings. For example, our majors can function as personal trainers, a highly lucrative field. Majors can apply their knowledge, talent, and skills to any number of other businesses and positions in the health and fitness fields.
Dance/Performance Studies majors with a few additional electives can prepare for advanced degrees in Physical, Occupational, and Dance Therapy. These fields generally require advanced degrees. Many of the prerequisites for admission into these graduate programs are already fulfilled by the Dance/Performance Studies and University Core curriculum. Majoring in dance is perceived by university therapy departments as excellent preparation for entry into these graduate programs.
Arts Management, Arts Programming,
Corporate Presentations, The Entertainment Industry
Dance/Performance Studies Majors are able to apply themselves to various positions in the arts community. Arts management positions require the kind of discipline, skills, and aesthetic awareness that our majors possess. These positions are available on community, civic, university and professional levels.
Retail establishments, industries, and corporations hire skilled and talented college graduates to organize and present trade shows and corporate functions.
The Entertainment industry including film, stage and television hire individuals who have knowledge of performance to work on productions in various capacities.
Opportunities in other professional fields
Dance/Performance Studies majors are successful seeking advanced degrees in major fields outside of dance including Law and Business. Acceptance into these graduate programs is not restricted to any particular undergraduate major. Individuals with degrees in Business, History, Philosophy, English or any other major have no additional advantage when seeking acceptance into these professional graduate programs. Dance/Performance Studies majors are on an equal footing. We are told by Law School Administrators that Dance/Performance Studies majors are perceived as disciplined and highly motivated individuals and are considered favorably in the selection process.
Our majors are having very successful careers in the business world of sales, advertising, and marketing. Their discipline and organization is highly desired in these areas.
There are many opportunities in the "real world" for Dance/Performance Studies majors. Though there are no History, English, Philosophy, nor Sociology "stores" in most towns, there are dance studios in almost every neighborhood. Around each one of these corners, there are many real possibilities and opportunities for the graduating Dance/Performance Studies major.
Auditions
Students selecting dance as a major who want consideration for a Talent Scholarship in addition to a merit scholarship are required to submit a video audition and supplemental materials. Required items must be submitted through the RWU Applicant Portal. Here are the virtual audition guidelines:
Videos
You must provide a link to your videos using YouTube or Vimeo. Please include:
- A 2–3-minute video of yourself training in a studio and/or performing in a concert setting. Please select material that highlights your technical skills in the following elements:
- Stability and Balance
- Mobility and Locomotion
- Gestural Clarity of Limbs and Spine
- Multiple Direction and Level Changes
- Variations in Energy and Timing Dynamics
- Anatomically Sound Alignment Throughout
- 2–3-minute solo:
- Your solo must be performed by you; however, the choreography may be your own, someone else’s, or a collaboration.
- Consider your solo a vehicle to share not only your technique, but also what you love to do!
Supplemental Materials
- Dance Resume and Photo
- A Brief Cover Letter:
- This can take the form of an informal introduction letter. The purpose is to help us understand your interests as a dancer, scholar, and future professional.
Questions? Please contact:
- Dance & Performance Studies Professor: Cathy Nicoli at cnicoli@rwu.edu
- Admissions Representative: Jess Thibeault at jthibeault@rwu.edu
Dance Theatre is the repertory company of RWU’s Dance & Performance Studies Program.
All RWU students are welcome to audition! Though required of all Dance Majors, many Minors and Core Concentrators also love being a part of this dynamic dance-making community.
Dance Theatre members develop their resumes and professional networks by working in a company setting with guest artists, faculty, and peer choreographers. Each semester the company performs a series of events that are open to the public. Our week-long concert series at the end of each semester is a notorious friend and family favorite.
Audition Dates and Times
Sept. 4, 2024: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jan. 29, 2025: 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center Dance Studio
Contact Professor Cathy Nicoli at cnicoli@rwu.edu with any questions!
Events
RWU DANCE THEATRE COMPANY FALL 2024 CONCERT
December 5 – 7, 7:30pm / December 8, 2pm
RWU Performing Arts Center
www.booktix.com
General $15 / Senior $10 / Student $5
A diverse collection of student, faculty, and guest artist works!
ALIVE! ARTS DANCE CONCERT
Residency TBA
JUNIOR / SENIOR DANCE SHOW
March 5 – 6, 7:30pm
RWU Performing Arts Center
www.booktix.com
General $10 / Senior $5 / Student $5
Our Junior and Senior choreographers – in a collection of their own solos, duets, and trios!
RWU DANCE THEATRE COMPANY SPRING 2025 CONCERT
May 1 – 3, 7:30pm / May 4, 2pm
RWU Performing Arts Center
www.booktix.com
General $15 / Senior $10 / Student $5
A diverse collection of student, faculty, and guest artist works – including a premier from our Dancing in London repertory process from Fall 2024!
Attend an open dance studio Q&A in the Performing Arts Center.
Sunday, September 22, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Sunday, November 3, 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Please contact Cathy Nicoli at cnicoli@rwu.edu for questions regarding a Dance Program visit!
Alumni
We would love to hear from our dance alumni to honor your past and current successes.
Erica Misilo '17
DeAnna Pelleccia '99
Giovani Pinto '17
Cayley Dorr '17
Seán Curran
Choreographer - Broadway, Opera, and the Seán Curran Company, NYC
"STOMP" - Original Cast NYC
Former Principal Dancer/Rehearsal Director - Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, NYC, Winner - New York Dance & Performance "Bessie" Award for Best Performer, www.SeanCurranCompany.com
Jacqui Squatriglia
Choreographer - "COYOTE UGLY", Country Music Television
Dancer/Actress/Personal Trainer, NYC
Jenny Rocha
Dancer/Choreographer - Rocha Dance Theatre, NYC
Dancer - Sean Curran Dance Co., Heidi Latsky Dance, NYC
www.JennyRocha.com
DeAnna Pellecchia
Choreographer/Dancer - Kinodance Company, Bennett Dance, Boston, Paula Josa Jones Works, Boston/NYC
www.DeannaPellecchia.com
Brandon Glasgow
Principal Dancer - PHILADANCO; Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Co.
Cathy Nicoli
Current, Associate Professor of Dance and Performance Studies, Roger Williams University.
Former Dance Faculty at Hampshire College and the Five College Dance Department, MA
Former Dance Faculty at Keene State College, NH.
Former Co-Director, Groundwerx Dance Theatre, RI
Heather Ahern
Dance Chair, West Virginia University
Choreographer/Actor/Dancer
Former Co-Director, Groundwerx Dance Theatre, RI
Christine Poland
Dancer, Managing Director, Production Assistant - Rocha Dance Theater, NYC
Dancer - Heidi Latsky, Monica Bill Barnes, Mary Fulham, Works/Laura Glenn
Keith Michael Johnson
Director/Performer Movement Theatre, Educational Programs & Family Comedy Variety Shows, touring New England
Kendra Jackson
Dancer, NYC
Dance Teacher in NYC public schools
Cristin Fagone
Dancer, Prometheus Dance, Boston
Film - Disney’s Underdog and The Education of Charlie Banks
Power Pilates Certified Instructor
Member, Screen Actors Guild
Shevaun Smythe Hiler
Dancer - Rocha Dance Theater, NYC
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Andrea Blesso
Dancer - Snappy Dance, Bennett Dance Company, Boston
Dancer - Turnpike Project, The Moving Laboratory, Falling Flight Project, EgoArt
Tara O’Con
Dancer - Stephen Koplowitz, and others, NYC
Manager/Internship Coordinator, Dance Theatre Workshop, NYC
Danielle DiVito
Dancer - Snappy Dance, Boston; Ellis Wood Dance, NYC
Fernando Maneca
Choreographer/Performance Artist, NYC
Theresa Scoggins McKeon
Founder, Principal and Vice President, TAGteach International system
Coaches teams of nationally competitive gymnasts
Beth Wheeler
Founder, Principal and Vice President, TAGteach International system
Owner and Director, A Dancer’s Dream, Inc., MA
Nadia Faramarzpour
Dancer, Massage Therapist, Boston
Della Grigsby
Stress Management Business ,TX - National workshops and Seminars
Peter Bramante
Executive Director, The Arts & Business Council of Rhode Island
Former Co-Director, Groundwerx Dance Theatre, RI
Sherie Seff
Casting Director, NYC
Bridgette Suner
Dancer/Choreographer/Teacher, FL
Jen Eakin
Dancer, NYC
Jill Jackson
Dancer/Public Relations, Boston, New England
Jim L’Ecuyer
Senior Producer at the Fox News Channel
Broadway Casts of "A View From The Bridge", "Shenandoah" (revival)
Bo Crowell
Director/Choreographer/Videographer - Los Angeles
Donna Meierdiercks
Arts Management and Development, London
Former Co-Director, Groundwerx Dance Theatre/Arts Management, RI
Clark Smith
Actor - New England
Teacher, High School, MA
Frank Raziano
Teacher, NYC
Former Dancer - Eleo Pomare Dance Co., Carol Conway Dance Co., NYC
