COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance is a 120-unit professional degree designed to train students as advanced performers, choreographers, and dance scholars through an intensive blend of studio practice, performance experience, and academic study. The curriculum is structured to develop technical excellence and creative depth, beginning with foundational coursework in improvisation, rhythm, dance in world cultures, music appreciation, and communication skills, which support both artistic and academic growth. Students then enter a highly demanding technique sequence where they train at advanced levels in multiple styles such as contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap, and other forms, with daily technique classes forming the core of their training. This rigorous physical practice is complemented by structured performance requirements, where students participate in ensemble work, repertory activities, and staged productions, often accumulating significant stage experience throughout their studies.Choreography is a major focus of the program, with a sequence of courses guiding students from introductory composition to advanced creative work, enabling them to develop original movement ideas and artistic identity. In addition, students complete a senior seminar and engage in production coursework that introduces them to technical aspects of stage performance and dance presentation. The program also emphasizes theoretical and scientific understanding through courses in dance history, kinesiology, and pedagogy, helping students connect their physical practice to broader cultural, historical, and anatomical frameworks. This balance of practice and theory ensures that graduates understand dance as both an art form and an academic discipline.Students also gain flexibility through limited university electives, allowing them to explore additional interests or deepen specific areas of dance training. Overall, the BFA in Dance provides rigorous conservatory-style preparation within a university setting, preparing graduates for professional careers in performance, choreography, teaching, and dance production while fostering discipline, creativity, and a comprehensive understanding of movement as an artistic and cultural practice.