« School of Dance

Dance Education PK–12

Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education

School of Dance and School of Education

Nationally-Ranked Conservatory Program Offers Direct Path to Dance Education

Point Park University's nationally-ranked School of Dance and innovative School of Education offer a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education PK–12 program, which can lead to certification in Dance Education.

The B.A. program creates a direct path for dance students who wish to continue high-level dance training and become certified dance educators. B.A. students are eligible to audition for School of Dance performance opportunities and they are students of the Conservatory of Performing Arts and School of Education.

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.

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Pictured is Kiki Lucas leading a warmup in the George Rowland White Performance Center. Photo | Ethan Stoner — Assistant Professor Kiki Lucas teaches a Jazz class in the GRW Performance Center.

Requirements

Admittance into the B.A. in dance education requires a dance audition and academic admission into Point Park University. Students must be academically admitted into Point Park 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., director of dance education

“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.”

Faculty Bio Page

Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., interim dean, School of Education

"I am passionate about teaching and learning. I look forward to teaching each and every course and getting to know my students."

Faculty Bio Page

Susan Stowe, B.F.A., chair, Department of Concert Dance

"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."

Faculty Bio Page

Kamryn York, Ed.D., chair, School 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."

Faculty Bio Page

Jae Man Joo, B.F.A.

"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."

Faculty Bio Page

Arleen Wheat, Ed.D.

"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."

Faculty Bio Page

Marc Spaulding, M.F.A.

"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."

Faculty Bio Page

Kristen Misutka, Ph.D.

"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."

Faculty Bio Page

Dance and Education Success Stories

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."