Kennesaw State’s Department of Dance has been approved for membership in the National Association of Schools of Dance, a nationally accredited organization.
KSU’s dance program was founded in 2005 by Ivan Pulinkala, Interim Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Dance. Now, the KSU Department of Dance has the honor of being nationally accredited as well as being the largest collegiate dance program in Georgia, according to their website.
The accreditation review process for the department began in 2020, according to a KSU press release. It was a comprehensive evaluation consisting of multiple phases, including a self-study that must be conducted by the institution. After the self-study, a member of the NASD’S evaluator team did an on-site visit in April 2021.
“National accreditation is a major milestone because it recognizes our significant contributions to the field of study,” Interim Dean of the College of the Arts Harrison Long said in a KSU press release. “The KSU College of Arts is fortunate to have achieved this high honor in all arts disciplines.”
The KSU Dance Company has many distinctions making them one of the leading programs in the southeast. According to their website, the department received five invitations to perform at the National College Dance Festival gala concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2021, KSU Dance was selected to present its work at ACDA’s Screendance Festival National Gala Concert.
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with concentrations in ballet and contemporary modern dance with 120 currently enrolled students.
The National Association of Schools of Dance was founded in 1981 after representatives from educational dance programs decided to establish a specialized association for training programs in dance. Now, it is an organization of over 83 accredited colleges, universities, conservatories and schools. Those chosen to be members of the organization are provided with assistance for all dance-related endeavors.
To maintain accreditation, the institution must continuously follow the NASD’s standards, complete required responsibilities, and participate in annual reports.
Marsha Barsky is the Chair of the Department of Dance and an associate professor at KSU. She received her bachelor’s degree in dance from Arizona State University, and her master’s degree in Performance, Choreography and Somatics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Now, she uses her years of experience to implement creative thinking and holistic wellness within KSU’s dance department.
The Department of Dance at KSU is a home for those looking for a rigorous curriculum and a supportive, personalized environment. Students accepted into the program are given the opportunity to develop their technique and dance style, take masterclasses, study abroad, participate in dance research, gain professional experience and work with renowned artists.
For every academic year, the department of dance has a season of performances that take place in their distinguished dance theater located on the Marietta campus. Those interested in attending one of their upcoming events can visit their webpage.