Hattiesburg
Welcome to Dance at William Carey!
We are excited that you have decided to browse our program! The Dance Curriculum at WCU blends faith and learning with living to make educated dance form that are relatable and accessible to the public. Students learn how to create and market the art form so it can be used, not only as self- expression, but also as a catalyst for leadership, a fulfillment of service, and the continuing development of faith in art, all of which follow the mission of the University. Graduates will have the skills and confidence to pursue a Dance career or seek additional degrees.
Contact us at dance@wmcarey.edu with any questions, and keep scrolling for more information. We hope to hear from you soon!
Katie Ginn, MFA
Assistant Professor of Dance
Dance Program Coordinator
Now Accepting Auditions for Fall 2022!
Click here to learn how to audition.
Mission
Biblically, dance is a form of praise and worship (Psalm 149:3). The Mission of the Bachelor of Science in Dance program is to provide dancers with the skills needed to excel in all dance fieldwork, produce meaningful artistic contributions to society, and to do so with a mindfulness on community and service.
Bachelor of Science in Dance
The B.S. in Dance degree offers the ability to take dance coursework specific to the individual dance goals of the student, and performance opportunities are offered beginning first term freshman year. Students may pursue a minor, or add approximately 20 additional hours to complete a double-major in certain fields within a four-year period.
| General Core | 44 credit hours |
| Dance Technique | 25 credit hours |
| Dance Theory | 13 credit hours |
| Choreography | 7 credit hours |
| Performance and Production | 4 credit hours |
| Free Elective | 17 credit hours*
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* These hours may be used towards a minor or second major
What fields do Dance Degree holders enter?
Graduates of dance programs have the potential to enter many fields in the workforce or pursue a higher degree in the following areas:
- Professional Dance & Choreography
- Dance Education in K-12
- Dance Studio Ownership
- Dance Company Ownership
- Dance or Movement Therapy
- Somatic Practices
A degree in dance also prepares the graduate to enter the following fields:
- Non-Profit Sector
- Arts Administration
- Liturgical and Church Worship
- Public Relations
- and many more!
Dance Minor
| Dance Technique | 12 credit hours |
| Dance Theory & Immersion | 6 credit hours |
| Performance and Production | 2 credit hours |
Dance Related Ensembles
At WCU, Dance Majors are encouraged and supported not only to pursue a double-major or minor in another field, but to broaden their performance experiences by collaborating with other fields and departments. Performance ensembles and opportunities include:
Dance Company
Carey Opera and Music Theatre Productions
William Carey Theatre productions
Music Ensembles
Faculty Led Dance Collaborative Projects
Student Led Dance Collaborative Projects
Auditions
Prospective students wishing to pursue a degree in dance at WCU must complete an application to the University and meet all audition requirements. Every student who auditions for the dance degree program is guaranteed a scholarship offer upon completing application to the university. Students wishing to pursue a minor in dance need not audition unless the student wants to enroll in the Dance Company Ensemble. Please download the following document for full audition requirements.
WCU Dance Admission Requirements
Online Dance Auditions
Faculty
Katie Ginn, MFA, CYT
Assistant Professor of Dance
Dance Program Coordinator
Katie Ginn is Assistant Professor and Director of Dance at William Carey University. She holds a MFA in Dance: Creative Practice with a special certificate in lighting design from Saint Mary’s College of CA (2019), a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Southern Mississippi (2011), and is Yoga Teacher Certified (2021). Most recently Ginn served as Commencement Speaker for the Mississippi School of the Arts 2022 Graduation and was presented with the Alumni Hall of Fame Award. She is a member of the advisory board for Dance in K-12 Education with the Mississippi Department of Education. Ginn has appeared in and worked on internationally recognized dance films and produced and performed in creative work across south Mississippi, San Francisco, the California Bay Area, and New Orleans. She has developed original programming, curriculum, and creative work for both private and non-profit dance and arts initiatives. Her areas of focus for creative work include collaboration between multi-arts disciplines, somatic body work in dance, movement and choreographic theory, and Christian spirituality and liturgical dance. For WCU, she provides instruction in dance technique, choreography, production, and theory, and she contributes original lighting design, choreography, and direction for dance productions and Carey Opera and Music Theatre. Recent Production/Direction credits include the WCU Spring Dance Concert (2022, Director/Choreography/Lighting Design/Performance), Side by Side by Sondheim (2020, Co-Director), and The Light in the Piazza (2019, Director). Ginn wrote the curriculum for the dance program and began working as a full time instructor at WCU in 2017. In spring of 2020, the program was fully approved. Prior to working at WCU, Ginn taught adjunct at the University from 2012-2017 while working as a freelance Dance and Teaching Artist, Choreographer, Director, and community arts program developer. Ginn is a member of the Chancel Choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a 2021 Jaycee Rookie of the Year, and a 2018 Best Niche Artist Nominee for the Best of the Pine Belt Awards.
