help us find strong communications/arts schools?

frazzled1
Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:51:17 +0000

Thanks again, everyone, for the helpful insights and suggestions. alwaysamom, your point about strong arts departments often limiting non-major participation is exactly what I was thinking, too. NYU is a prime example. Others we’ve come across, specific to dance, are U-M, Fordham (fantastic major but extremely limited options for non-majors), IU, etc. Throw music into the mix and it’s even harder to find possible schools.

At first it seemed to me that a LAC might be the perfect place for access to arts and communications classes across the disciplines, but dance, especially ballet, is often not a strong department at a smaller school. And the strongest communications departments seem to be in their own departments at universities.

I’ve spoken to the student in question, who clarified that she is thinking about concentrating on communications (esp. journalism), but wants challenging ballet classes several times a week. She’d prefer a good-sized campus (5K-up), and would love to be in/near a city. And finances are going to be a major factor - as they are for almost everyone, I guess. This girl’s mom thinks she’ll regret not pursuing dance more avidly - and she really is very good - but I don’t think anyone can go full-bore after ballet and her other areas of interest.

I think an academic/financial safety would be SUNY Buffalo, where classes in communication, dance and music seem to be open to non-majors, and there is good off-campus ballet instruction available. I’m putting together a list for her of the other schools that have been mentioned in this thread. And thanks again for taking the time to share!