The opportunity to minor in dance within the division of fine arts speaks to the success of the College's new department of dance, which came into being last year and offered classes in beginning-level ballet, tap, jazz and dance for musical theatre. In addition to these courses, this year's expanded program will offer instruction in the succeeding levels of ballet, tap and jazz as well as a special topics course in modern dance.

The dance program is made up of three basic components: dance technique, applied dance and production work. In the applied dance study, "through observations of themseves and others, students research their own thoughts and feelings, then discover their own unique form of communication through dance," said Instructor of Dance Ashley Hyers. Hyers teaches tap and musical theatre classes; her colleague Cherie Bower instructs students in ballet, jazz and choreography.

In all of the dance courses, Hyers and Bower emphasize the power and beauty of individual expression.

"You learn the techniques as a Greensboro College dance student, but we put lots of emphasis on personal interpretation. We are just as interested in your own style of doing the dance as we are in your getting the technical steps right," Hyers said.

The new minor is popular among students - enrollment in dance classes has been high, and two classes have waiting lists.

Mandatory classes to receive the dance minor include ballet, tap, jazz, dance history and choreography. The department, which plans to create a dance ensemble performance group, will host a Spring Dance Concert next semester and hopes to feature student choreography in the production. Future plans also include inviting a variety of area dancers to teach future special topics courses.

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