DIS-TANZ DIARY #7

A DIRECTORY OF UNIVERSITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Feb 10, 2021 in DIS-TANZ-SOLO

Dance science is the scientific study of dance and dancers, and the practical application of scientific principles to dance. Its goals are to enhance performance, reduce injury, and improve well-being and health. Dance medicine and science as a field of study developed out of the field of sports medicine in the 1970s and 80s.

Typically, the subject areas within dance studies are similar to those in sports studies, though of course with a focus on dance and its associated characteristics. These include: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, and Nutrition. Unlike sports science, however, dance science sometimes explores related topics such as creativity and somatic techniques, including the practices of Pilates, yoga, Gyrontonic/Gyrokinesis, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, and more.

Quite a few universities have incorporated elements of dance studies into their general dance curriculum, but there are not many programs that focus specifically on a degree in dance studies. I have tried to compile a list of universities that do.

The list includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, it does not claim to be exhaustive, but I hope it can still be useful.