Years attended: 2001 - 2005

Course of study: Ballet Performance

Degree earned: Other

Comments: I received a BSOF from IU...Bachelor of Science in Ballet Performance with an Outside Field in Applied Health Science. A perfect school for the dancer who craves high level ballet training (with the likes of Balanchine ballerina Violette Verdy) combined with the normalcy of a university experience. In a typical year, the ballet majors perform an original classical or contemporary work created by a guest or faculty artist, a Balanchine ballet (which yes, means bringing in a member of the Balanchine Trust), the Nutcracker, and acts of a full length classical ballet. Every performance includes live music, usually led by a guest conductor, and occasionally an original score is composed to accompany new choreography. Majors are required to choreograph one piece and to teach two semesters of elective ballet before graduation. Chances to perform dancing roles in operas and musicals, under the direction of guest conductors, directors, and choreographers, are also abundant. The Jacobs School of Music is extremely well funded, which is why all these opportunities exist, but I never felt the ballet department recieved enough money for scholarships. The ballet department is performance based, so there was not much in the way of dance history or injury prevention when I was there. This may have changed. The demands of this program are great, but well worth it. Feel free to send me questions!