| ASSOCIATE
GROUP DANCE ENSEMBLE
The Associate Group meets for a modern
techniques class and repertory rehearsal once a week of each
semester and members receive credit and a grade. The Associate Group
performs in the student concerts each semester. The ensemble hosts
one guest artist per year. In addition to performing, Associate
members will have hands-on experience in technical theatre and other
production duties. All members of Associate are required to be
registered for a modern, ballet, or jazz technique class.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE ENSEMBLE
 The Contemporary Dance
Ensemble is comprised primarily of dance majors. The company
provides members the opportunity to perform and choreograph for
showcases, student concerts and main-stage concerts. The Ensemble
hosts two professional guest choreographers per year. In addition,
members work with faculty choreographers. The company meets as a
whole once a week. However, rehearsals take place throughout the
week. Members receive credit and a grade for their participation in
the company. The Ensemble performs occasionally for elementary
schools, high schools, conventions and festivals. Admittance into
the company is by audition. This ensemble is a cornerstone for the
dance major experience and produces the spring, main-stage concert.
VIRGINIA REPERTORY DANCE COMPANY
This pre-professional performing company is
made up of selected dance majors who have a strong commitment to
pursuing opportunities as performers, teachers and choreographers
after graduation. Company members are selected through audition, and
rehearse a minimum of 10 hours each week. The company performs the
work of nationally known guest and faculty choreographers in one
main-stage concert each year. It tours throughout Virginia and the
region in a variety of performance arenas in the Spring. Only
serious dance majors are asked to audition because of the depth of
experience and commitment needed to participate in the Virginia
Repertory Dance Company.
OTHER PERFORMANCE
OPPORTUNITIES
Each dance student at JMU can submit a work
for audition into the Fall or Spring Student Concerts. Occasionally
the Dance Program will bring guest choreographers to do special
projects that will involve all majors. Many freshman and sophomore
majors and minors find opportunities to dance in advanced major’s
works. Finally, faculty will choreograph other pieces to be
performed in the annual Dance Day concert in the studio theatre.
TECHNICAL AND PRODUCTION CREWS
There are three main-stage productions, four
studio theatre concerts, and two studio showcase performances that
require stage managers, light and sound technicians, and other
production crew members. No experience is necessary. This is an
excellent way to get involved with the Dance Program and to learn
all aspects of producing a dance concert.
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