Dance Teacher Education
Overview
Illinois State University proudly houses the only Dance Teacher Education licensure program within the state of Illinois. We are uniquely positioned to fully prepare undergraduate students interested in teaching careers in the public schools, as well as in the private sector. We provide a challenging yet nurturing environment that prepares students for the diverse career options within the field of Dance Education, helping them achieve teacher licensure for grades 9–12.
Students in this sequence will develop a range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national and state dance standards while preparing them for a variety of diverse teaching experiences. The structure of the Dance Teacher Education sequence is based on our belief that technical, creative, theoretical, and kinesthetic work will merge to support one's total growth as a dancer and educator.
The program is supported by a diverse and ambitious nationally recognized faculty, bringing a wide variety of movement styles and teaching philosophies to the program. Dancers will develop their knowledge and skills through coursework that includes choreography and improvisation, dance history, multicultural perspectives, dance kinesiology, dance pedagogy, and professional development courses that focus on different teaching methods.
As a crowning achievement, students complete a Senior Seminar course alongside a semester of student teaching, helping them achieve the practical experience necessary for working in the profession. Additionally, students have opportunities to study abroad, work with a variety of guest teachers, and network with Illinois State alumni currently teaching in the field.
Students experience a variety of diverse performance opportunities alongside a strong and comprehensive curriculum, through the Illinois State Dance Theatre and the Dance Association. Students are also involved in theatrical productions within the College of Fine Arts, as well as touring productions of faculty and guest artists' work on a regional and national level.
Point of Pride
We're home to the only Dance Teacher Education licensure program in the state of Illinois, preparing undergraduate students to teach in both the public and private sectors.
Why study Dance Teacher Education?
The Dance Teacher Education sequence at Illinois State University is a rigorous program of study reflecting the standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Dance Accreditation for Teacher Preparation. Additionally, students in this sequence are expected to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national, state, and local dance standards.
Illinois State University, with its historic and enduring commitment to educating teachers, has the only teacher licensure program in Dance within the State of Illinois. We therefore are uniquely positioned to prepare those undergraduate Dance students who are interested in preparing for teaching careers in public schools as well as in the private sector. The Dance Teacher Education sequence provides training and professional education which is both broad and deep, demanding proficiency as performers and excellence as educators.
How to Apply
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Program Requirements
Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre and Dance begin by applying for admission to the University, using the regular admissions procedure. When you fill out your admission application form, you will also select a date for a Dance Program audition, portfolio review or interview. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the Head of the Dance Program, Sara Semonis, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu.
2018-2019 Audition Dates
- November 3, 2018: Illinois State University campus
- February 16, 2019: Illinois State University campus
- April 1, 2019: Illinois State University campus
Dance and Dance Teacher Education majors participate in the same audition.
Dance and Dance Teacher Education majors participate in the same audition.
Audition Schedule
- Audition Check-in: Center for Performing Arts Lobby
- Turn in photo and receive audition number - Photo in first arabesque
- Sign up for solo/interview time
- 90-minute technique class (ballet, modern & jazz components) – Centennial East 116
- Individual solo/interview with Illinois State Dance Program Faculty – Centennial East 116
Audition Preparation
All prospective Dance or Dance Teacher Education students should prepare a solo dance or variation in the genre of their choice.
- Solos: 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer.
- Dancers should bring a device if they wish to use musical accompaniment. Please have a CD as a backup recording.
- Each student should wear professional, fitted dance attire with footless tights or leggings.
- Students should bring ballet and jazz shoes and will also dance barefoot.
Electronic Audition
If you cannot attend one of the on campus auditions you may upload your audition electronically via Acceptd. A Skype or phone interview will also be required if uploading electronically. The submission must include the following:
- ballet barre
- Center pirouette combination
- a turning and leaping phrase across the floor
- a two to three minute solo
Electronic Submission Guidelines
Prospective students submitting electronic auditions must follow these guidelines:
- Dancers must wear the same dance attire throughout the video
- Dancers must record the audition material on the same day in the same space
- Send link to video with resume and photo in first arabesque in email attachment to:
- Sara Semonis, Head of the Dance Program, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu
- Video audition submissions must be received by March 1 for scholarship consideration
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Dance Teacher Education major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their audition or portfolio review.
School of Theatre and Dance scholarship awards are announced after March 1.