Studying Dance at German Universities: Research vs. Practice

Being interested in studying dance in Germany at a university inevitably leads to a department of sport science. Thus, dance (often coupled with rhythmic gymnastics to fuse into one subject) is obligatory within the studies of sport science. Taking a closer look at the practical dance seminars, one can easily identify inconsistencies in the conceptually intended interlinking of theory, research, and practice. However, the subject of dance at German universities is factually constrained with the enforced aim of exercising students in dance techniques and skills, and therefore it disregards the scientific claims of a predominant amount of theoretical and scientific theory and reflection.