Dance

Performance and choreographic opportunities include student choreography for both formal and informal productions, senior thesis projects, the WOU Dance Theatre’s repertory performing ensemble, and annual dance concerts.  As part of the Department of Theatre and Dance and the Division of Creative Arts, dance students have opportunities for choreography and performance in plays, musicals and faculty and student projects.  Students also have opportunities to learn and practice their art in collaboration with students and faculty from the other arts disciplines.

Informal Fall Dance Concert Each fall term the dance program presents an informal dance concert in Maple Hall.  This dance concert is produced and crewed by the Dance Production class, choreographed by the Group Choreography class, and performed in by students in the dance program.  This concert is the Friday of Dead Week.

Informal Spring Dance Concert Each spring term the dance students present an informal dance concert in Maple Hall.  This dance concert is produced and crewed by WOU students in the dance program who are interested in choreographing and performing by the Group Choreography class, and performed in by students in the dance program.  This “anything goes” dance concert typically the last Friday of May.

WOU Dance Theatre is the performing company of the Theatre/Dance Department. Guest artist, student and facultychoreographed works are presented in the annual spring dance concert.  Cast auditions take place in January.  All dance students are encouraged to participate.

In order to be eligible to choreograph for the annual Spring Dance Concert students must:

• be a dance major
• have senior class standing
• have A GPA of 2.5 or better
• have completed D 260 Improvisation, D 351 Composition I, D 352 Composition II, and be enrolled or have completed D 455 Group Choreography with a grade of B or better in each course
• have consent of dance faculty

Student works will go through the process of two previews.  After the second preview, pieces will be selected to be performed in either the main stage concert in Rice Auditorium or in the informal spring dance concert in Maple Hall.

In addition to the main stage production, WOU Dance Theatre participates in campus-wide events, sponsors workshops and master classes, and regularly participates in the American College Dance Association.  Members of the company may receive credit for performing and choreographing.  Membership is open to all Western students.

In addition to the main stage production, WOU Dance Theatre participates in campus-wide events, sponsors workshops and master classes, and regularly participates in the American College Dance Association.  Members of the company may receive credit for performing and choreographing.  Membership is open to all Western students.

WOU Repertory

Each year, the WOU dance program invites regionally and/or nationally renowned guest artists to set repertory works, historical works or create a new work on WOU dance students. Students have an opportunity to audition for the guest artist and to be cast in the work.  The piece will be performed in the annual dance concert at WOU and is often performed and adjudicated at the regional American College Dance Festival.  By audition only.

Rainbow Dance Theatre (RDT)
is a professional modern dance touring company associated with Western Oregon University.  Directed by Professor Darryl Thomas and Valerie Bergman, the Company tours internationally as well as regionally, presenting 10-15 concert performances and more than 40 in-the-schools performances each year.  RDT’s ensemble is comprised of both professional dancers and outstanding WOU dance students.  Company members train and rehearse 16 hours per week in addition to performances.  Annual auditions for RDT are held each fall to fill open Company positions and for apprenticeships.  Students with a minimum of one year of intermediate level or higher dance technique may register for Rainbow Dance Theatre for credit by arrangement with Professor Thomas.

The 2018-19 year marks Rainbow Dance Theatre’s nineteenth season as an affiliate of Western Oregon University. Directed by WOU Professor Darryl Thomas and his wife, Valerie Bergman, RDT performs locally and regionally, and has toured both nationally and internationally. International performances include those in Shanghai, China, Nagoya, Japan and Mexico City, D.F. Among the professional dancers performing with RDT are WOU faculty members and alumni. In addition to its roster of professional ensemble members, RDT selects student apprentices, by audition, from the WOU Dance Majors to train, rehearse and perform with the Company on selected tours. The RDT company class is held four days per week and is open to intermediate to advanced level dance majors and minors.

Rainbow Dance Theatre includes repertory featuring modern works with roots in the traditions of many world cultures. Performances include innovative aerial choreography, interactive sets, and the latest innovations in fiber optic and electro-luminescent technology.

Men’s Dance 
is a course that Professor Thomas offers for male dancers of all abilities and dance experience.  This course culminates in an all male dance work that is performed in the spring dance concert.

Student Concerts
Students interested in producing their own concert, should contact their faculty advisor to discuss the possibilities.