Shenandoah University

• Shenandoah University's conservatory, one of the university's six schools, features programs in the performing arts and a faculty of more than 100 professionals. The conservatory has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1 and offers facilities such as two large dance studios. Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, offers several undergraduate paths for students who choose to major in dance. The bachelor of fine arts in dance program focuses on performance and choreography in styles such as ballet, tap and modern, while the bachelor of arts in dance program includes liberal art studies such as music and literature. The bachelor of fine arts in dance education program emphasizes choreography and performance while providing the courses necessary for a teaching license.
  
  

Randolph College

• Randolph College in Lynchburg was established more than a century ago. This institution's dance department offers training in styles such as jazz, classical ballet and modern dance while offering students many performance opportunities. The curriculum focuses on the elements of technique and composition in dance, and students are able to learn from leading individuals in the field through the Helen McGehee Visiting Arts Program. Students who wish to major in dance can choose to earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of fine arts degree in dance. Students can also earn a minor in dance while focusing on another concentration.
  
  

Sweet Briar College

• Sweet Briar College, situated in the city of the same name, is a liberal arts college for women. This college features several performance arts programs, such as theater, musical theater and dance. The dance program focuses heavily on choreography, with senior dance majors responsible for creating major projects such as full concerts of their own choreography. The courses offered include anatomy, dance history, aesthetics and teaching. Students majoring in dance at Sweet Briar College can pursue a bachelor of arts degree in dance, a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance alongside a minor in another fine art field or a bachelor of arts degree in dance with a teaching certification.
  
  

Hollins University

• Located in Roanoke, Hollins University is a women's college with co-ed graduate programs. Rated as among the top 100 American colleges in Forbes magazine's 2009 list, Hollins University offers dance as one of its many academic programs. The dance curriculum includes technique classes, performance opportunities, a roster of visiting artists and a focus on trans-disciplinary study. Students majoring in dance can pursue a variety of degrees. The combination bachelor of arts and fine arts degree program is four years in length and includes credits in dance and general education skills. The master of fine arts degree program in dance includes six weeks spent with the American Dance Festival, while the post baccalaureate certification program in dance helps to prepare students for a professional career in dance.