Western Kentucky University’s dance program has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Dance.

WKU has the only accredited dance program in Kentucky and is one of only 30 schools in the nation that has all four arts programs accredited, according to Dr. David Young, head of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

WKU added a bachelor’s degree in dance in 2007 and enrollment has grown to 44 majors, up from 30 in 2010.

“I am very proud of the dance faculty who have achieved accreditation for the program in such a relatively short time,” said Dr. David Lee, dean of Potter College of Arts & Letters. “I am delighted that we are one of only 30 schools to have our dance, music, art and theatre programs accredited. That really speaks to the strength of the arts at WKU and is a great tribute to our talented faculty and talented students.”

Having all four programs accredited “puts WKU in some pretty good company,” Dr. Young said of a group that includes Ball State, Florida State, California Institute of the Arts, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth and Southern Methodist.

“The NASD accreditation is a sign of our growing accomplishments in becoming an internationally recognized dance program,” said Clifton Brown, dance program coordinator.

The accrediting agencies establish national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. Institutional membership is gained only through the peer review process of accreditation.

The music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, which has approximately 641 members.

The art program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, which has approximately 315 members.

The theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, which has approximately 173 members.

The National Association of Schools of Dance has approximately 75 institutional members.

“National accreditation sends a strong message to prospective students and the community as a whole that we are serious about the arts at WKU,” Dr. Lee said. “When you see our students perform or see student work displayed, you know you are seeing some of the best prepared young artists in the country.”

WinterDance coming up Dec. 2-4

            The WKU Dance Company will present WinterDance: A Holiday Extravaganza!, its first Mainstage performance of the year, Dec. 2-4 at Van Meter Hall. Show times are 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4. The show features dance students performing faculty choreography to music of the holiday season. Tickets are $10 each and are available by contacting the WKU Ticket Office at 1-800-5BIGRED.