Read below to see how Muse Scholars have engaged in dance both on and off campus through partnerships with New York dance institutions, attendance at special events, and more.

Partnerships

Hunter's Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program

Director Kathleen Isaac (left) and graduate students in the program work with Muse Scholars on special coursework, workshops, and events.

During classes led by Isaac and/or graduate students, Muse Scholars learn how to appreciate and critique dance using professional analytical skills. Students also hit the dance floor, learning new  techniques during special workshops, which have been held both on and off campus.

Elizabeth Portnoy, an Arnhold graduate student, has led ballet at Ballet Hispanico, a Manhattan organization that celebrates Latino cultures through dance; Arnhold graduate students Sharmita Saha and Prashant Sitaram instructed Muses in Bollywood Fusion Kathakl. And Danielle Harris (photo, right) gave lessons in jazz dance, complementing a Muse outing to see Wynton Marsalis's jazz oratorio Blood on the Fields at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Isaac and graduate students also join the Muse Scholars at dance talks and performances, including at New York City Center's Fall for Dance Festival, an annual event featuring some of the most groundbreaking dance in the world today, with 20 companies performing everything from hula to ballet, flamenco to tap.

Events

Talks and Performances, Fall for Dance

Muse Scholars have attended performances and panel discussions at New York City Center's Fall for Dance Festival. Performers and panel participants have hailed from  the Moiseyev Dance Company, Ballet West, Tu Dance and Nan Jombang.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has also hosted Muse Scholar Program events, with the Muse Class of '15 invited to observe an Ailey II rehearsal and to chat afterward with the dancers, Ailey II Artistic Director Sylvia Waters, and Cory Greenberg, director of operations & special projects at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Muse in the News - Dance

Jennifer Fernandez (Class of '16) is choreographing a workshop for for Hip HopOlogy, a Hunter student organization with a mission to educate students about the culture of hip-hop dance that began in New York City.

Fernandez, a dance education major, also interns with MOBA Dance Academy, where she has worked since 2011 and has choreographed a ballet recital for a class of seven- and eight-year olds.

"I have been officially dancing for three years, studying jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and lyrical. What I love about dance is that it is a time to let your troubles go and just rely on the music and your body," she said. "I am looking forward to trying new things dance-wise and hopefully finding a career in teaching kids dance."

Co-Curricular Activities

Clubs and groups

Join one or more of Hunter's many dance organizations focusing on hip-hop, breakdancing, jazz, modern and other styles. Hunter's Student Group Management System (SGMS) is a great place to find groups that match your interests as well as get contact information for group leaders who can help you get involved.

Internships

Find out about upcoming auditions and dance internships by contacting the Hunter College Dance Program, Internship Coordinator Paula Wicklow 212-771-4850), or the office of Career Development Services.

Academic Study

The Hunter College Dance Program offers opportunities to pursue a B.A. degree in dance or dance education or a minor in dance. The program's modern-dance-based curriculum provides students with a vital foundation towards graduate study or professional careers in performance, choreography, teaching, arts administration, and production.

The curriculum is enriched by a Lecture/Demonstration community outreach performance program, repertory classes with New York based choreographers, international performance opportunities, internships at various venues, and New York State teaching certification. From a campus in the heart of New York City, the dance major or minor student is offered many opportunities to engage with professional dance companies, choreographers, and critics who live and work in New York.

The cultural diversity of the student population, the active, professional  faculty  and the wide range of program opportunities qualify the Hunter College Dance Program as the "hidden jewel" of New York City.