Unveiling the Arts of Dance and Theatre at SUNY Niagara

By Jenna Higbie

At SUNY Niagara we offer a variety of programs to fit your interests! Dance is associated with the Art and Theatre Program. The Dance program offers beginning modern, jazz, ballet, and tap during the fall and spring semester. There are also 4 dance workshops that come together into a dance performance at the end of the semester that students and parents can attend in our very own main stage theatre. 

Dance is the most powerful form of self expression, and can help tell a meaningful story through the movements of the body. It is important to branch out of your comfort zone to create something powerful and beautiful. 

Each semester dancers have the opportunity to participate in the production of a dance concert, students will perform dances choreographed by the workshop director (Phil Wackerfuss), guest choreographers and workshop members who will also be responsible for aspects such as lighting, costumes, staging etc. 

Brooke Sahr,  a student and member of the program, shared her insight on the course and her experience. ‘’ I think it’s a fun course to take that allows you to step out of your comfort zone in a fun way.’’  Coming  from a competition background, this course was a very big change for her that she wasn’t super fond of. 

If you are interested in just Modern Dance, there is a course just for that genre. This course explores technical, improvisational, and compositional aspects of modern dance. Some concepts include rhythmic, movement, and historical background as well. 

Each dance course is worth 2 credits and meets the SUNY general education requirements for the arts.  

In order to enroll in the dance course you must have some experience in dance. Prerequisites include a satisfactory placement audition at the first meeting of the semester. 

On the other hand for the  theatre arts program at SUNY Niagara the classroom will take place behind the stage and on stage in our theatre, audio recording labs, and a scene shop. You will be taught by faculty who are professional performers and technicians in theatre companies around the region. Students will study a wide range of topics from history to stage management and more!  The Theatre arts program prepares students for performance and technical theatre which also offers the students the opportunity to develop potential through a combination of challenging coursework and training in a liberal arts environment. Students work on productions in our 600 seat main stage theatre, as well as the intimate black box theatre. This type of major is designed for a transfer into a 4 year institution. 

The Art and Dance programs have been proven to be a vibrant component of the schools offerings. The commitment to excellence and the supportive environment make both the  dance and theatre program an outstanding choice for aspiring dancers and actors, it promises to be a cornerstone of artistic education within the school while inspiring many of students to achieve their fullest potential.