Lamar University Dance is a growing program and we are actively seeking serious dance students.

Lamar University Dance offers beginner through advanced technique classes in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Other studio courses include tap, world dance, ballroom, improvisation, and performance. Our dance majors round out their academic pursuits with dance theory courses that include choreography, dance history, dance pedagogy, somatics, and dance for children. Recreational pursuits for dancers at Lamar include our Spirit Team, which performs at sports events, the Indian Dance Association, and Urban Rhythm, a student-led hip-hop group.

Interested students need to call (409) 880-7799 to reserve their place at auditions. These auditions are for technique placement purposes only and do not eliminate potential students from our program. Auditions coincide with our dance concert which is presented the evening following auditions. Students who audition are given complimentary tickets to attend the concert.

Audition classes begin with a brief ballet barre warm-up followed by center work that can be a mix of modern dance and ballet styles. Appropriate attire for auditions in the form of black dance pants no longer than the ankle and no shorter than the knee over a black leotard is required. Ballet slippers are required for the ballet portion of the class. Bare feet are required for the modern portion of the audition. Hair should be pulled back from the face, either in a pony tail or a bun. Jewelry may not be worn during the audition.

Prior to auditions, students complete a registration packet that includes information sheets and scholarship application forms. Applicants are informed about our programs of study and may receive fall or spring class course advising after the auditions so that they can schedule classes for the semester for which they are planning to enroll.

Auditions for new dance majors are held two times each year.

Departmental scholarships for full-time dance majors are available to entering freshmen and transfer students. These scholarships require a 2.5 GP A (3.0 in dance courses) and may be combined with other scholarships, grants and loans. Scholarship students are required to take both ballet and modern dance every semester, and perform in Lamar Dance Company. Scholarship students are expected to participate actively in majors activities, such as master classes and majors meetings.

For information or a scholarship application, call (409) 880-7799.