Performance Ensembles
Salem Dance Ensemble
Salem Dance Ensemble (SDE), a faculty-run dance group, presents both formal concerts and informal showings consisting of faculty, guest artist, and student choreographic work. Students can receive academic credit for their involvement with SDE through various courses. To become involved in the production outside of coursework, student choreographers submit a proposal and student performers audition for student-choreographed work. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Associate Professor of dance Betsy Miller.
Hip Hop Dance Ensemble (HDE)
Hip Hop Dance Ensemble (HDE) is a community ensemble open to current students, alumni, and adult members of the Salem community. The ensemble rehearses weekly throughout the academic year and performs in both formal and informal events on and off campus. Participation by audition held in September and January. For more information, please contact visiting lecturer Joanne Caidor.
Repertory Dance Theater
Repertory Dance Theater (RDT), a student club recognized by the campus Student Government Association (SGA), holds a performance at the end of each semester of student-choreographed pieces in a range of dance styles, including but not limited to ballet, contemporary/modern, hip hop, jazz, and tap. The group is open to all Salem State students in good standing.
American College Dance Association
Each year a group of students travel with faculty to attend the American College Dance Association Conference, where students from other regional colleges and universities gather to perform, engage in dance classes, and discuss the current field of dance.
National Honors Society for Dance Arts
Exceptional students are initiated into this dance honors society run through the National Dance Education Organization. Students must achieve a 3.5 GPA in their dance courses and meet criteria in the categories of artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement.
Scholarships and Grants
A number of merit-based scholarships are available to students enrolled in the dance program. Dance majors can apply for the Meaghan Noel Scholarship for Dance, as well as the Center for the Creative and Performing Arts Presidential Arts Scholarship. Students in their junior or senior year can apply for a Student Artistic Development Grant to fund the completion of a creative project in their discipline.