Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

The B.A. degree offers comprehensive education and training in dance technique, performance, choreography, and pedagogy. The B.A. allows students to tailor their study of dance to fit their interests and is designed to prepare students for various dance-related careers after college. With opportunities for scholarly and creative research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the degree is constructed for students wishing to double-major in dance and another discipline. Technique classes in contemporary and classical forms aim to help students achieve a high level of performance and artistry. Students apply theoretical knowledge in tangible ways, such as performance of repertoire, supervised teaching opportunities, concert direction, independent projects, and choreography for concerts.

Program-Level Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate technical and artistic competence in classical or contemporary dance performance, choreography, and teaching.
• Create solo, group, and/or site-specific choreography utilizing established and inventive devices and movement vocabulary.
• Develop best practices in the field and connect dance with other fields through research, writing, and/or performance.
• Interpret and express the development and significance of dance forms across cultures.
• Explore the multitude of ways in which community engagement is embedded in dance, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
• Experience facets of dance production and collaborate with colleagues in technical theatre to navigate the many moving parts that contribute to dance production.

Focus Areas

• Technique, Performance, and Repertoire
• Choreography and Improvisation
• Pedagogy and Teaching Methodologies
• History and Theory
• Technical Production and Design
• Guest Artists and Masterclasses

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is comprised of esteemed faculty and administrative and production staff, all dedicated to supporting student education in the arts.