While all students get tired of sitting through class, for most it is a minor nuisance.

However, for a few it is a big deal.

“We always do laps around the building on break to pump ourselves up again,” said Amy Webb, a second-year student at the University of Winnipeg. “I couldn’t do university all day – I’d die.”

Thankfully for people like Webb there is a solution. Offered in co-operation with the Contemporary School of Dancers, a degree in dance offers intense physical training for those dedicated enough to get in.

On an average day, dancers begin with personal warm-ups and conditioning before classes start at 9:30 a.m.

Two technique classes focus on different general dance skills and last about three hours. The students may then get a break before beginning afternoon rehearsals.

“Sometimes I don’t get to eat lunch until about three in the afternoon,” said Webb. “I’m usually gone (from home) for about 14 hours a day. By five o’clock I pack everything up and then at six I start university class.”

Students usually take two classes a semester, and though they’re not limited to any specific academic area, they must satisfy the same requirements as all other majors.

The dance program has much less visibility than other programs offered by the U of W, mostly because the dance classes take place at the Contemporary School of Dance in the Exchange District.

“One time I went to see an academic advisor and they didn’t even know my program existed,” said Webb.

Sam Penner, also in her second year of dance, explained why she opted for the joint program rather than only dance courses.

“ One time I went to see an academic advisor and they didn’t even know my program existed.

Amy Webb, second-year dance student

“It’s great to just focus on dance and put everything into that, but that’s not what a normal life is like, and you’re never going to actually be able to sustain yourself on dancing alone.”

While this highlights the tragic reality for dancers, Penner sees the university portion of her education as an advantage to her dance career.

“Choreographers want people with open minds and with more knowledge. It’s a more interesting personality, more informed.”

Her teachers certainly agree.

Faye Thomson, who has co-directed the Contemporary School of Dance with Odette Heyn-Penner for about 30 years, believes her students get something from their university courses that dance alone cannot give them.

“A liberal arts education complements their development as artists. So it’s an important part of their development as dancers,” she said.

There is also a more pragmatic perspective. A university degree as a fallback plan in a career that is so highly dependent on physical fitness.

“A degree allows for career transition later on, after a performing career,” Thomson said.

Perhaps most importantly of all, those who stick with the program see it not as a burden, but a way to get a degree while pursuing a passion.
“It’s my favourite thing to do,” Webb said.

The contemporary dance students will be performing four shows at the Gas Station Theatre from Dec. 9 to 12 at 7:30 each night. For more information visit www.schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca.

Published in Volume 65, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 14, 2010)