Within the context of
Manhattanville’s liberal arts tradition, the Department of Dance and
Theatre offers an integrated program, which combines theory and
practice, traditional academic studies with hands on studio
exploration. Our program is situated at the collaborative frontiers
where dance and theatre meet. We posit that the joy of creative work
is best discovered through rigorous discipline and commitment, paths
to greater awareness of oneself, one’s craft, and the world at
large.
Beginning with DTH.1000 Creative Process, all majors are required to
complete a comprehensive Core Study plus a specific concentration in
Dance or Theatre or Theatre Education or Dance Therapy of Drama
Therapy. The four-year program culminates in a guided Senior Thesis
Project, which reflects the initiative, interests and skills of the
individual student.
Dance and Theatre Majors are encouraged to integrate their interest
in the performing arts with other liberal arts disciplines. The
program challenges students to develop skills and talents in concert
with their study of literature and writing, the arts, history and
the social sciences.
The spine of the Dance curriculum is a study of Modern Dance
traditions and techniques, employing a variety of styles and
methods, with an emphasis on developing creative process and
repertory. This basic study is enriched by a rotating selection of
dance forms including ballet, jazz, tap, Afro-Caribbean, Flamenco
and others. Each semester guest choreographers teach advanced
technique and choreograph a piece for performance. Taking advantage
of our proximity to NYC recent Guest Choreographers have included:
Guest choreographers have included Marlies Yerby, choreographer of
Rent and award-winning established and emerging artists including
Peter Pucci, Neta Pulvermacher, Earl Mosley, Claire Porter, Keith
Saunders, Gabri Christa, Doug Elkins, Darrah Carr, Walli Wolfgruber
and Marta Renzi.
Theatre training includes fundamental study of acting styles,
dramatic literature, history, performance theory, as well as
directing, design and production. Acting training integrates both
traditional and experimental modes, with emphasis on the physical
and vocal life of the actor. Viewpoints, improvisation and ensemble
techniques are blended with Stanislavsky-based scene study and work
with Shakespearean texts. Each spring the Department produces a
Shakespeare play in Reid Castle.
Ample opportunities to perform are available through a full schedule
of plays, dance concerts and performance events, work with guest
directors and choreographers and senior thesis projects. In
addition, students are encouraged to take an active role in
extra-curricular projects generated by the student-run Dance
Ensemble and Players Guild.
The VISIONS Guest Artist Series brings dance and theatre
professionals to the campus for workshops, lectures and performance
events. Recent guests have included the Living Theatre, Playback
Theatre and the Irondale Ensemble, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Ralph
Lee of The Metawee River Theatre Company, and Mary Overlie, creator
of Viewpoints.
The Department’s primary performance space, The Little Theatre, is
an intimate 125-seat facility with excellent sight lines and
acoustics. In addition, the New Student Center contains a 145 seat
performance space. The Kennedy Dance Studio offers a bright,
spacious environment for classes and rehearsals. The EXperimental
Theatre, a black box studio, is located in Founders Hall. Proximity
to the artistic resources of New York City provides a strong support
for the Dance and Theatre program. A new student center will provide
a new dance studio and a fully equipped, state of the art
performance space.
