I don't usually write in defense of my previous posts (either one accepts my opinions or not), but I feel compelled to defend CSU Fullerton in this case.
I am sure that the tap class you attended was a general education class, one that exposes the general college student to a variety of dance styles, and NOT a majors' class. The reason being? Our tap classes are large, but certainly not 50 students! Also, my colleague who teaches the majors' tap class is truly a STICKLER when it comes to being prepared, including timely attendance, and being dressed properly for the activity. Not having your tap shoes equates to an immediate absence, as you are not permitted to participate in that class (though you may stay in the room and observe, if you wish to stay on top of the new moves and combinations). The only possible exception would be if the floor were newly waxed, and students were instructed to tap in tennis shoes for safety reasons (slips are very likely on slick floors in taps, as you can imagine) - but this hasn't occurred since I have been here.
On the Dance Concert, yes - these are students, and primarily our DANCE BA students. Musical Theatre majors are in the main stage musical or drama/comedy productions, and will not (or sooooo very rarely, as with a 5th year senior who is asked to dance in a piece) be seen in a dance concert. The dance concerts here ARE primarily focused on modern, as are the majority of the programs in the nation. It is a major trend in dance education (easier on old, tired dancer bodies, believe me - this is a bonus for aging teachers, too), and this is the predominantly represented genre at dance festivals such as the Kennedy Center American College Dance Festival. However, our THEATRE dance students (BFA and BDA wannabees) don't take modern in their curriculum (because they will so rarely use it professionally): just tap, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre dance.
As to the state school not having enough money for landscaping?!? We are opening a brand new arts complex (we start moving in this fall semester, and have our official "gala" opening in January 2006) - doubling the size of our existing teaching facilities, rehearsal and performance spaces, shops, storage and offices. THIS AREA IS STILL CONSIDERED A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Hence, the dirt mounds. (I can't understand how one could mistake state-of-the-art construction for neglect.) As we speak, there is re-landscaping work happening at the north end of the building (where there already was existing foliage: trees and bushes and grass), and at the main entrance to the new annex (that will greet visitors parking in our new parking garage). The new building plans have always included for "re-architecture of the landscaping," one of the final phases in the construction process. To view the current conditions of the building (and the complex itself, if you are interested) you can visit:
http://www.fullerton.edu/campuscams/PerfArts.asp
Also, while online, check out our new Student Health Center addition, Student Recreation Center (construction just begun - open fall 2008), the newest parking garage (just begun and due for completion by July 2006), and the recently completed kinesiology and health science (gym).
http://d-c.fullerton.edu/
I'll cover the housing and meal plans in a second post