WVU School of Medicine adding Dance Science emphasis to Exercise Physiology major

The West Virginia University School of Medicine is diversifying program options for students majoring in Exercise Physiology by creating a new emphasis area of study. The dance science program will give students unique knowledge to keep professional dancers and performance artists in top form.

Led by Jill Descoteaux, Ph.D., the dance science program will let students gain experience to enhance performance, increase recovery and prevent injuries that are associated with the rigors of the performing arts.

Descoteaux was an athletic trainer for Cirque Du Soleil and she’s combining that professional experience with her educational background to craft a curriculum to establish a successful program that’s based on growing research and science in the field.

“I’ve seen the particular experiences that these performers have with their bodies, and there’s a growing demand for well-educated clinicians,” she said. “The collaborative expertise of the Exercise Physiology program here at WVU is incredible and we’re building a solid foundation to step up and address the needs of performers while diversifying options for students.”

As curriculum is developed, Descoteaux anticipates that the program will be up for faculty senate review in the summer of 2022, and pending approval, could see the first students join the following fall semester.

Classes such as Intro to Dance Science, Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention are part of the proposed 15-hour emphasis.

Students interested in learning more about the program can reach out to Descoteaux at jillian.descoteaux@hsc.wvu.edu.