The Dance Department invites students to investigate embodied knowledge through a broad, interdisciplinary approach that reflects multiple facets of the field of dance. Our curriculum includes the physical and cognitive study of movement practices and techniques, critical inquiry, histories, cultural context, creative exploration, musicality and performance. Dance technique courses include ballet, modern, African dance and music forms. Students also have the opportunity to participate in artist residencies, workshops, concerts, talks with world renowned guest artists and scholars in multiple dance and theater disciplines. The practice of choreography is supported in composition classes and ensembles in collaboration with faculty.
We offer a range of levels, genres and topics that are open to all Williams students seeking dance as a way to expand their studies. Designated courses are offered for full or partial academic credit and in some instances, PE credit; see the Physical Education department for dance classes offered for PE credit. Students seeking to anchor academic and creative study in dance may pursue the Contract Major option.
The department curriculum offers complementary study in the disciplines of Theater, Visual Art, Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian -American Studies, Global Studies, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Music and Performance Studies.
Our performing companies include Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CoDa), whose members train in modern dance, ballet and perform original works and repertoire. The repertoire of Kusika includes traditional and contemporary dance and music from Ghana, Guinea, Zimbabwe and the African Diaspora. Members are accepted as dancers, musicians and storytellers. Sankofa, the college’s step team trains and creates using movement and practices originating in the experiences of African American collegiate organizations, world percussive dance form and Hip Hop. The Zambezi Marimba Band studies and performs music from Zimbabwe, the African Diaspora and the world.