Dance at Western Oregon University (1997-present)

In 1997, WOSC became WOU, and dance no longer shared Maple Hall with the ROTC. A sprung floor was installed in Maple Hall and the process of turning the studio into an informal performing space began. The dance major was approved for the 1999-2000 academic year.

Susan McFadden came to WOU in 1999 (retired 2011). Dr. Marita Cardinal (Wellness for Dancers, Conditioning for Dancers and Kinesiology) and Amy Rance McDonnell (Modern, Ballet and Dance Somatics) joined the dance faculty in the fall of 2008. Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner (Modern, Jazz, Tap, Composition) joined the faculty in 2010. Les Watanabe (Ballet and Modern) joined the faculty in the fall of 2014.

The much-needed new dance studio in the Health and Wellness Center opened in the spring of 2011.