Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures
3640 Colonel Glen Highway
Dayton, OH 45435-0001

Contact Information

Phone: 937/775-3792; Fax: 937/775-3787
Website: www.wright.edu/tdmp

Program Head and Contact Person: Gina Gardner-Walther
E-mail: gina.walther@wright.edu 

Faculty

Gina Walther, Head of Dance, Professor – modern, jazz, choreography, 

Ashley Walton Pabst Lecturer of Dance – jazz, musical theatre dance, choreography, contemporary ballet

Erin Robbins, Adjunct Ballet – Ballet

Gregory Robinson, Adjunct Ballet – Ballet

Carol Fisher, PT Advisor

Kevin Anderson, Accompanist

Rosanne Brown, Accompanist

Michelle Goodman, Faculty Associate – Ballet, dance history, pedagogy, kinesiology, pointe

Program Philosophy

The BFA degree program in dance enables serious dance students to hone their skills and deepen their technical ability in order to become strong, versatile dancers. With a faculty that is rich in professional experience, the dance program offers the opportunity to study and perform in all three major dance genres of ballet, modern and jazz. WSU’s dance program is integrated with the acting and musical theatre programs, giving our dance students unique opportunities to grow and explore multiple disciplines. The underpinning of the dance curriculum is the daily ballet class in technique, with specialized training in modern and jazz/theatre dance. Training is completed with studies in dance history, dance pedagogy, improvisation, choreography, pointe, men’s class, pas de deux, tap, acting and voice. Additional training and performance opportunities for exceptional majors are available through an exchange program with Dayton Ballet II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II.

Degrees Offered: BFA

Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours, 82 in dance, 4 in acting, 3 in private voice, 5 in music, 7 elective; 38 general education hours

Faculty: 3 FT, 3 PT

Academic Facilities: 4 studios

Production Facilities: 100-seat studio theatre, 375-seat mainstage, Pilates studio

Productions: 2-3

Institution Type: Public

Location: SW Ohio

Enrollment: Approximately 17,775; In department: 40 dance majors

Annual Tuition: 8,730 resident, $17,350 nonresident

Annual Room and Board: averages $9,436

Department Financial Aid: Scholarships for majors accepted into Dayton Ballet II or Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II

Other Financial Aid: Merit scholarships, work study

Student Company: Wright State University Dance Ensemble