Associate Professor of Dance Jayme Host

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University has received approval to offer a minor in dance. According to Dr. Mahlon O. Grass, associate professor of music and chair of the Department of Performing Arts, the university received the notice of approval from the office of Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

Upon receiving the news, Dr. Grass commented, “We are delighted that we have a qualified and enthusiastic dance instructor, Associate Professor Jayme Host, to lead the way for this new and rewarding opportunity for our students.”

The LHU dance minor encompasses dance as a fine art as well as one of the humanities. The program develops students physically, creatively, scholastically, and professionally. Technique classes in modern and ballet have a strong base in anatomy and are complemented with courses in dance history, composition, and dance education.

Host commented on the benefits of the new minor to students in all disciplines. “Participation in the dance minor promotes physical wellness and exposure to the basic elements of the performing arts. It is innately a program that values diversity and enriches students’ ability to market themselves for careers beyond college. The career and life skills that students discover, explore, and develop include collaboration and teamwork, leadership, and commitment.” She added, “Creative thinkers, committed and professional in demeanor, students in the dance minor hone essential life skills that are applicable in any field they wish to pursue. They learn to build and maintain relationships with agents, employers, and peers in their field and to market themselves effectively.”

Host explained that the LHU dance minor encompasses dance as a fine art as well as one of the humanities. “The program develops students physically, creatively, scholastically, and professionally,” she said. Technique classes in modern and ballet have a strong base in anatomy and are complemented with courses in dance history, composition, and dance education.

Due to the great interest of the LHU administration and students, dance has thrived since the development of the dance curriculum in 2002. Classes are typically full to capacity with approximately 100 students enrolling in dance classes each semester and 100 more participating in dance clubs sponsored by the Student Cooperative Council.

The LHU dance program offers two main-stage performances annually in the Sloan Fine Arts Theatre, serving as a showcase for over 100 dancers each semester performing faculty, student, and guest artist choreography. Host observed, “These performances culturally enrich the climate on campus for students and faculty, as well as for the surrounding community.” Over 3,000 local elementary school students have attended the matinee performances part of the program’s community outreach.

The dance minor requires 18 semester hours, with courses in ballet technique, modern technique, dance history, and either dance composition or dance integration for elementary education.

Further information about the dance minor is available from Associate professor Jayme Host at jhost@lhup.edu or 570-484-2935.