Building Foundations for Success: A Study on Aligning Expectations and Realities in College Dance Programs

The purpose of this research study was to take the information gathered from surveys and interviews with the participants and analyze the impact of the gaps between their expectations and realities, and the gap between the overall effectiveness and success of college dance programs in preparing students for their post-graduation goals. The goal of the researcher was to answer the following questions. Q1 What factors determine where dancers attend college? Q2 Are high schoolers making their college wish list based on prestige, faculty, performance opportunities, tuition cost, course requirements, career goals, or perhaps a combination of multiple factors? Q3 Are there specific components missing in some dance programs, including those in North Carolina, that make them less appealing to prospective students? The study focused on three key groups: prospective college dancers, current college dancers, and individuals who either completed or were previously enrolled in a college dance program. Through surveys and interviews, 24 participants shared insights on their dance goals, college selection processes, and their experiences within their chosen programs. The research aimed to answer critical questions such as what factors (prestige, faculty, performance opportunities, tuition costs, course requirements or career goals) influenced where dancers attended college and whether certain components were lacking in dance programs that made them less appealing, particularly in North Carolina. Findings revealed that some students experienced significant gaps between their expectations and realities, particularly in terms of career preparation, while others were satisfied with their decision and the opportunities provided by their chosen programs. This research offered strategies for addressing areas of misalignment and proposed recommendations for enhancing dance programs to better meet the diverse needs of students. With dance education programs facing cuts across North Carolina, these recommendations have the potential to strengthen the quality and relevance of college dance programs in the region and beyond.