Program Overview

Dance, B.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Grow as an artist in a rigorous dance classroom and studio environment while earning a broad undergraduate liberal arts education. Create and stage fully produced works under faculty guidance.

An emphasis in performance and choreography offers a diverse repertory for a sound foundation in ballet and contemporary dance. Our program nurtures dance students as athlete artists through a commitment to mental and physical health and well-being, and classes that challenge dancers to become stronger more diverse dancers and artists.

Program Highlights

• Accredited Program

  The USC Dance Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.

• Great Performances

  Five productions a year feature a wide-ranging repertory of works by world-renowned choreographers, faculty and students.

• Special Guests

  Receive real-world information about careers in dance from visiting professional choreographers and dancers.

• Expand Horizons

  Pursue a minor, cognate or additional major in another discipline outside of dance with our flexible curriculum.

What You’ll Study

Courses include ballet and contemporary technique, dance history, dance anatomy and kinesiology, performance, choreography, improvisation and a senior capstone project. Work with professional guest artists and practice in studios with sprung floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and natural light. Concentrate studies in performance and choreography or dance education K-12.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Performance

  Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

• Collaboration

  Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

• Advocacy

  Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education and policy change

• Attention to Detail

  Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project

• Innovation

  Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal

• Cultural Awareness

  Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Professional Dancer
• Choreographer
• Teacher
• Physical Therapist
• Communications Professional

Job Titles of Alumni

• Dance Instructor
• Performer
• Teaching Artist
• Ballet Instructor
• Character Performer

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $74,978

Workplace Settings

• Entertainment
• Education
• Wellness
• Public Relations

Employers of Alumni

• The Walt Disney Company
• Koger Center For The Arts
• Carolina Dance Collaborative
• Charlotte Ballet
• Indianapolis Ballet, Inc.
• Spoleto Festival USA

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's
  • Dance Studies, M.A. McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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