Friends University to offer additional ballet degree and concentrations
Apr 4, 2017
In addition to its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet, Friends University will also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Ballet degree program starting this fall. The new program offers the choice of three unique concentrations: studio operations, music and theatre, and sacred dance.
“I feel the return of these specialized areas will strengthen the students’ career pathways, meeting the needs and desires of students for this day and age,” said Sharon Rogers, associate professor of dance.
A nurturing and supportive environment, combined with professional ballet training, enables dancers to reach their full potential as their passion for arts education thrives, Rogers noted. Friends University also helps with long-term planning and lifelong learning as students transition from performance to new careers.
“One of the advantages with a small university is that we work so well together,” Rogers said. “The comradery between both students and professors is truly spectacular.”
These new concentrations give prospective students more options in the professional world today. Professions may include a variety of occupations, some in the health sciences, such as registered nurses, physical therapists, EMTs, massage therapists and more. Additionally, more than half of Friends University’s BFA ballet alumni have been, or currently are, teaching ballet/dance.
“We hope not only to increase our student population, but also offer more educational and liberal arts opportunities to our campus,” Rogers said.
Each ballet degree can be uniquely designed for individual students depending on interest, ability and goals.
“The program is so interdisciplinary,” Rogers said. “Students can easily complete a minor or major in more than one of these concentrations at the same time.”
For more information about the program, please contact the Office of Admissions at 316-295-5100.
Friends University, a Christian university of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.