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Assistant Professor - Tenure-Eligible or Collateral
Dance and Choreography

Responsibilities: Teach two to four levels of modern dance technique in BFA program. Function as a positive collaborator with dance faculty in developing and achieving departmental goals and objectives. Teach two or more of the following courses: ballet, improvisation, composition/ choreography, repertory, music courses designed for dancers, contact improvisation, partnering, somatics, African dance, jazz dance, dance history, dance in world cultures, pedagogy. Direct informal and formal student concerts, advise student academics and creative work, serve on departmental and university committees, develop and sustain active artistic and/or research involvement.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to train, educate, motivate and inspire young dancers in a college dance program
• Demonstrated the ability to collaborate and communicate
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at college level
• MA/MFA in dance or equivalent professional experience
• Professional experience with recognized dance company or dance organization preferred
• Professional teaching experience in modern technique and two or more areas listed above
• Demonstrated interest in and passion for dance in higher education

Salary Range: Commensurate with credentials and experience

VCU Department of Dance and Choreography: www.vcu.edu/arts/dance/dept

VCU dance offers a professionally oriented program that culminates in a BFA in Dance and Choreography. The emphasis is on modern dance with a strong creative track and numerous opportunities for students to perform and present choreography. The department presents 8-10 productions each year in the Grace Street Theater which was specifically designed for dance, modeled after the Joyce Theater in New York. Productions include student and faculty concerts as well as touring dance companies.

Dance Department Curriculum includes modern technique, ballet, improvisation, composition, choreography, repertory, tap, jazz dance, music courses designed for dancers, dance history, dance in world cultures, African American presence in American dance, dance management, teaching methods for dance, teaching methods for dance, video/ choreography, contact improvisation, African/Caribbean dance, and hip hop. The program sustains an enrollment of 70-80 dance majors and attracts a culturally diverse and highly motivated group of young artists who function with a strong sense of community and professionalism. The department is one of 15 in the VCU School of the Arts which is ranked as the #1 public university school of arts and design in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2005). VCU Dance is currently staffed with six full-time faculty and 10 part-time faculty. Virginia Commonwealth University is a state-supported institution with enrollment of over 30,000 students. It is located in historic Richmond which is a thriving city with a large arts community.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin November 15, 2007 and continue until the position is filled.

Starting Date: August 16, 2008

Send resume, a brief and concise letter of intent and a list of at least three people who may be contacted as references to: Melanie Richards, Chair, Search Committee, VCU Department of Dance and Choreography, PO Box 843007, Richmond, VA 23284-3007, (804) 828-1171.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.