Five College Consortium
•Member of Five College Dance, a nationally recognized model for excellence in dance education
•Cross-register at Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and UMass Amherst
•Faculty operates as a consortium coordinating curricula, performances and services
•Fare-free bus system connects all five campuses
Training
•Courses in contemporary modern, ballet, jazz, West African dance, composition and dance history
•Most technique classes taught with live music
•No mandatory core curriculum; interdisciplinary studies encouraged
•Senior thesis includes choreographic or research project
Guest Artists & Performance
•Regular master classes from national touring companies
•Past visitors include Mark Morris, Alvin Ailey, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
•Student-run dance company Celebrations (founded 1983)
Facilities
•Four dance studios in Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
•Two dedicated theaters and one informal theater
•Fully staffed costume and scene shop
•Werner Josten Performing Arts Library with outstanding dance collection
