(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Before this semester, you probably wouldn't have found a pair of tap shoes at Missouri Western, but with a new minor in dance, students are learning about dance movement and its history.
The Black Box Theatre at Missouri Western has been transformed into a classroom for dancing.
"We had to purchase mirrors and a special flooring that allows the movers to not slip too much, but also have enough slippage to turn," said Professor if Dance, Suzanne Ryan Strati.
A new area of study in the music department gives students the opportunity to have a minor in dance, with three dance classes that introduce various styles of movement, including beginning dance.
"The focus is on giving introduction to concert dance movement, concert dance would be ballet, modern and jazz," said Strati.
An introductory combination that reaches students from all backgrounds.
"I actually do a lot of musical theater, so I thought doing these dance classes could help me a lot in that area," said Derek Thompson, Vocal Music major.
Thompson is taking advantage of the new classes to help further him in his area of study.
"I think the dance classes really help you move and be aware of your body, and that really helps you when you're on stage," said Thompson.
The dance program works hand in hand with the music department and will add support to Missouri Western's musical theatre productions.
Classes like beginning tap dance are giving students an educational experience like they've never had before.
"It's a rhythmic tap class, so we go back to the history of the hoofer days and talk about performances in the early theater," said Strati.
"I used to watch a lot of videos of Fred Astaire and people like that, I always thought it was really cool to see people tap like that," said Thompson.
Whether they're working toward their dream of performing on stage, or gaining exposure to the health benefits, learning the history of dance and artistic movement, has become an asset to many.
Before a dance minor became available, a beginning social dance class was offered.
The Black Box Theatre at Missouri Western has been transformed into a classroom for dancing.
"We had to purchase mirrors and a special flooring that allows the movers to not slip too much, but also have enough slippage to turn," said Professor if Dance, Suzanne Ryan Strati.
A new area of study in the music department gives students the opportunity to have a minor in dance, with three dance classes that introduce various styles of movement, including beginning dance.
"The focus is on giving introduction to concert dance movement, concert dance would be ballet, modern and jazz," said Strati.
An introductory combination that reaches students from all backgrounds.
"I actually do a lot of musical theater, so I thought doing these dance classes could help me a lot in that area," said Derek Thompson, Vocal Music major.
Thompson is taking advantage of the new classes to help further him in his area of study.
"I think the dance classes really help you move and be aware of your body, and that really helps you when you're on stage," said Thompson.
The dance program works hand in hand with the music department and will add support to Missouri Western's musical theatre productions.
Classes like beginning tap dance are giving students an educational experience like they've never had before.
"It's a rhythmic tap class, so we go back to the history of the hoofer days and talk about performances in the early theater," said Strati.
"I used to watch a lot of videos of Fred Astaire and people like that, I always thought it was really cool to see people tap like that," said Thompson.
Whether they're working toward their dream of performing on stage, or gaining exposure to the health benefits, learning the history of dance and artistic movement, has become an asset to many.
Before a dance minor became available, a beginning social dance class was offered.
