Performing Opportunities
Dance Concerts & Performances
There are many opportunities to perform at Bates, both through the Bates Dance program and through a variety of co-curricular and student run initiatives.
New Student Orientation
As part of the welcome activities for the new students the Dance program often creates an out of doors concert in the week before the semester begins. Included are pieces from the previous semester, new student works and a new work by a guest choreographer. The semester with an intensive week of dance before all of the other things begin.
Parents & Families Weekend
Performed in the Schaeffer Theater, this is a full concert is produced for visiting parents and families of Bates Students. It highlights the breadth of the program and the spirit of the Bates College Dance Company with works by guests, faculty and students.
Fall Concert of Professional Choreography
A main stage performance by the students in the Bates College Modern Dance Company, celebrating the completion of the Fall Semester’s projects by faculty and guest artists.
Spring Concert of Student Choreography
The main focus of this concert is the presentation of final choreographic projects by the Winter Semester’s Dance Composition classes, which are performed by students in the Dance Program. However, additional works by guest choreographers and independent studies in choreography are also presented.
Short Term Variety Show
Hosted by the Tour Teach Perform Short Term class and the Dance Club, this is the opportunity to perform any style of Dance you have to offer.
Bates Dance Festival combines performance events featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary dance artists with an intensive three-week program including professional dance/movement training, creative process development classes, performances, lectures, and interactions with established and emerging dance artists who are in residence throughout the Festival. This Festival is available to a limited number of students each year for short term credit and is available at a discount for students who participate outside of the academic credit. Festival courses are taught by leading scholars, artists, and practitioners in their field. Students have many opportunities to perform, from class showings to professional works.
Tour Teach Perform begins with an intensive on-campus development period to create a performance piece which is presented to more than a dozen nearby elementary schools during the course of the term.
American College Dance Festival
Every year a group of dancers attends the American College Dance Festival, where they perform their works, take master classes and network with other college dance students and professionals.