A Warm Welcome to the Class of 2024!
We look forward to knowing you.The Swarthmore College Dance program is a global place of discovery, creativity, intellectual, and artistic inquiry. In our theory/practice approach to dance, we do not require you to have prior dance experience to take one of our technique or dance studies classes. We welcome you to explore our website and see what we offer and are happy to discuss potential choices with you, whether you are looking to explore dance for the first time, to continue in a style in which you have prior experience, or to try something new to you in either the studio or the classroom. Our first year recommended courses will give a snapshot of the possibilities of studying Dance within the college curriculum.
The faculty and staff in the Dance Program stand in solidarity with our Black and BIPOC students, faculty, and staff to advance our mission of Dance and Dance Studies as a global cultural discourse on inclusion, diversity, and democracy. We stand allied with the Black Lives Matter Movement and its international vision of justice and collaboration. Covid-19 has disproportionately affected the Black community and the world of dance artists in general and we hope to deepen awareness of pervasive structures of inequalities through our pedagogy and action.
Spring 2020: Dancing during a pandemic
Coronavirus 2020With the support of the college and the hard work of our faculty and students, the Dance program quickly pivoted into online learning formats to teach our embodied techniques via Zoom, Facebook, and other digital sharing sites. We have also continued to instruct our academic classes and support the research of our faculty and students with Moodle and Zoom. In addition, we found ways to support our community by making links to other online dance opportunities available on social media and by hosting through online meetings and classes such as yoga, barre and Pilates.
We look forward to seeing all of you in the Fall either virtually or in person when we return to our studios and classrooms.
Dance Seniors
Class of 2020Dearest majors and minors of the Dance Program,
Warmest congratulations on your graduation! You choreographed innovative dance works and wrote thought-provoking papers, and remained engaged and committed even during these extraordinary times. Your resilience, hard work, and perseverance are inspiring. We are all cheering for your achievements from far, but hold the memories close to our hearts. You are heading into an unknown world, but we are certain you will be able to navigate the difficulties with care, diligence, and outstanding leadership.
Pallabi Chakravorty
Professor and Chair of Dance
Swarthmore College