Nationally-Ranked Conservatory Program Offers Direct Path to Dance Education Certification
Beginning fall 2024, Point Park University's nationally-ranked dance program and innovative School of Education will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education Certification Pre-K through 12 program.
The B.A. program creates a direct path for dance students who are not interested in a B.F.A. performance track but want to become a certified dance educator.
With this in-depth, relevant and content-specific certification, students will learn additional dance methodologies, paired with core education courses, that will strengthen their understanding of child development, diverse learning styles, assessment, communication and differentiated learning practices.
Assistant Professor Kiki Lucas teaches a Jazz class in the GRW Performance Center.
Requirements
Admittance into the B.A. in dance education requires sufficient knowledge of dance as demonstrated in a dance audition OR artistic portfolio review.
Artistic Portfolio Eligibility
Documentation of five or more years of professional dance teaching, choreography or dance performance experience is required.
An interview with the dance department faculty is required for those who are being considered based on their artistic portfolio submission.
Applicants lacking professional dance experience must audition for consideration of admittance to the B.A. in dance education program.
Students must be academically admitted into Point Park University and artistically admitted into Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts.
The Dance Student Experience
Video by Dylan Letorney, founder and creative director of Hybrid Media Productions
Courses & Topics
Courses in the 120-credit B.A. dance education program include:
Classical Ballet
Music Fundamentals for Dancers
Dance Composition
Jazz Dance
Modern Dance
Intro to Teaching Profession
Methods of Teaching Dance
Assessment and Adaptation
Working with English Language Learners
Content Area Literacy or Different Reading for Child Development
Student Teaching Seminar
Student Teaching Practicum
Meet Our Faculty
Colleen Hooper, Ph.D., dance historian
“We offer a conservatory dance education in a liberal arts university, and our students are uniquely prepared for a range of opportunities following graduation. Our approach to training builds versatility and encourages students to refine their individual performance styles.”
"The most important message I would tell my students is to work hard, never give up and believe in yourself. If you can do that, you will be successful."
Kamryn York, Ed.D., assistant professor of education
"The faculty in the School of Education are consistently devoted to our own learning and development in the field of education. We are passionate and excited to work with our students to help them become prepared individuals for the workforce."
"Keep dreaming big and setting new goals for yourself every day. Never doubt yourself or your abilities. Always be present, focused and work hard. Let your passion lead you and guide you."
"I give my students opportunities to be in classrooms through observations and field experiences. They create lesson and unit plans and have opportunities to interact with other students and professionals through discussions."
"Students that take my class should come into the space with an open mind. They should be prepared to explore, move and create. I love moving with the dancers in my class."
"Flexibility in all areas of teaching and learning is so important. I had a plan and I always wanted to stick to it, but I have learned over the course of my career that being flexible often produces the best learning opportunities and outcomes."
Alumna Jocelyn Hrzic is Director of Dance at Grier School
"Point Park truly changed my life and that’s why I’m one of their biggest advocates. I was taught technique not just properly, but explained why it was to be a certain way. They also introduced us to guest artists and contacts to have after graduation."
School of Education Alumna Jade Steele-Stripsky is a 4th-Grade Teacher for Springfield Public Schools
"If a student wants to gain real-world experience in urban education and first-hand knowledge from professors who have dedicated their lives to education and preparing future teachers, Point Park's School of Education is where they want to be."
Jazz Alumnus Nick Fearon is a Company Dancer with Parsons Dance
"To be a dance major at Point Park means that you will work harder than you ever have before, but you will also be rewarded with incredible memories and friends that will be so unique to your experience. The dance program pushes your limits and sets you up for a successful career."
Secondary Education Alumna Shyanne Rippole is a 7th-12th Grade English Teacher
"All of Point Park's School of Education professors – and I mean all of them – will help you map out the way. They are so knowledgeable and know so many different people in the field to help you make connections. The School of Education is its own family."
Versatility of Point Park's Jazz Program Prepares Ahmad Simmons for Broadway and Beyond
"I am so lucky to have had the foundation of Point Park's dance training. It has allowed me to thrive in so many areas of the arts industry as a performer from state to screen — and now on the other side of the table."
School of Education Alumnus Kevin Squires is a Chemistry and Biology Teacher and School Board Vice-President
"The opportunities for learning outside of a traditional, lecture-based, brick-and-mortar setting were incredibly valuable. Field observations, class trips and meeting with teachers and principals were additional elements that made the content connect with the real world."
