Dance

History of Our Program

Curricular dance at Tufts developed under the leadership of dance visionary, Griselda White, from 1970-1974. In 1983 the Trustees of the University approved a new Department of Drama and Dance, appointing Associate Professor Alice Trexler to the directorship of the dance program.

From 1983-2012, Trexler developed the dance program into a full program of experientially-based studio and academic courses that serve the liberal arts educational mission at Tufts and offer students direct experience with the art form.

In 1997, Senior Lecturer and Head of Dance Performance, Daniel McCusker joined the program faculty. As an accomplished dancer and choreographer, McCusker's extensive background and professional experience enhanced the quality of studio dance, composition and performance studies, and increased the program's contact with Boston's professional dance community.

In 2012, Trexler retired as an Emerita Associate Professor and Renata Celichowska became the new Director of the Dance Program. Celichowska, in partnership with McCusker and a committed group of faculty and visiting artists, continues to develop a rigorous program of study in dance and dance education at Tufts University.

The Program currently includes a combination of six (6) full and part-time faculty who offer a wide range of Western and non-Western studies in dance. Students have an option to pursue the dance minor, to fulfill various Tufts requirements, and to receive elective credit. The program includes six full and part-time faculty. Students have an option to pursue the dance minor, to fulfill various Tufts requirements, and to receive elective credit.

In 2018, the department changed its name to the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.