Our B.F.A. in Performing Arts ÐÓ°ÉרÇø” Dance concentration immerses you from day one in a vibrant, collaborative studio environment where creativity and discipline go hand in hand.
YouÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ll train intensively in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, pointe, choreography, and dance pedagogyÐÓ°ÉרÇø”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, youÐÓ°ÉרÇø™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 Every Semester
- Auditions are a built-in part of the curriculum. YouÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ll perform in FallÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s State of LA Danse (faculty and guest works) and SpringÐÓ°ÉרÇø™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: youÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ll meet each semester to track progress, set goals, and personalize your path. The program emphasizes accountabilityÐÓ°ÉרÇø”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).
Always consult the current for official degree requirements and policies.