Our B.F.A. in Performing Arts — Dance concentration immerses you from day one in a vibrant, collaborative studio environment where creativity and discipline go hand in hand.
You’ll train intensively in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, pointe, choreography, and dance pedagogy—building a versatile foundation alongside hands-on experience in performance, composition, history, science, and rhythmic analysis.
Explore the Dance Degree Listing
Key Features
- Begin your conservatory-level training from your very first semester with Modern I and Ballet I, advancing steadily to rigorous Modern IV and Ballet IV classes by senior year.
- From the start, you’ll have choreographic opportunities, beginning in your first year with improvisation and solo choreography, and developing over four years to culminate in advanced group choreography.
- Engage in dance theory, pedagogy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, culminating in a Senior Capstone project that prepares you for a professional dance career.
Perform on Stage 69´«Ã½69´«Ã½ Semester
- Auditions are a built-in part of the curriculum. You’ll perform in Fall’s State of LA Danse (faculty and guest works) and Spring’s An Evening of Dance (student choreographers take the lead).
- Plus, look forward to exciting collaborations across campus with Opera, Music, Theater, and Visual Art programs, and masterclasses led by renowned national and international guest artists. These guest classes build on a rich tradition of past artists from Alvin Ailey, Parsons Dance, Urban Bush Women, Houston Metropolitan Opera, Bruce Wood, and more.
A Supportive, Professional Training Community
Your instructors are your mentors: you’ll meet each semester to track progress, set goals, and personalize your path. The program emphasizes accountability—rehearsals and classes on evenings and weekends follow professional standards of conduct, attire, and etiquette.
Curriculum Snapshot
| Year | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 1 | Modern I, Ballet I, Rhythmic Analysis, Conditioning, Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Intro to Theatre, Improvisation |
| 2 | Modern II, Ballet I, Composition I, Dance History, Music for Dance, Costume Technology, Anatomy, Dance Electives, Science & Social Sciences |
| 3 | Modern III, Ballet III, Group Choreography, Lighting, Performance Electives |
| 4 | Modern IV, Ballet IV, Pedagogy, Acting I, Internship, Capstone, Dance for Camera, West African, Electives, Performance |
Plus 40 credits in general education (English, math, science, history, social sciences, electives).
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