Dance Program

The Dance Program is part of the Theatre and Dance Program currently housed in the Communication Arts Department. A Gonzaga University minor in dance exposes students to various styles of dance, the thrill of performance and the dynamics of teaching dance in an elementary after-school program.

Dance and Gonzaga History

As early as the 15^th century, the great Renaissance educator who revolutionized educational practice in this day was also the educator of the Gonzaga family, Vittorino da Feltre, promoted the use of physical education as part of the humanistic educational tradition he was developing. In physical education, he used athletic games to build strength and teach his students the elements of warfare. Alongside those competitive games, however, he taught dance in order to teach his students physical grace and an appreciation of beauty.

Dance at Gonzaga University History

Gonzaga University has always offered a number of dance classes, primarily through the Theatre Arts Program. By the year 2000 the number of dance courses increased from 2 to 6 as did the student interest in these courses. In 2002 the Theatre Arts Program produced the first Spring Dance Concert to enthusiastic audiences. In 2005, the Academic Council approved the new addition of a dance minor to the Theatre Arts Program. In 2007 we moved into our beautiful new studios. The program continues to grow to respond to student demand.

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