BFA in Dance

Students performing

Academics

SFA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance and choreography program prepares students to enter the professional dance field with training in performance, choreography and production. Students learn through consistent practice, rehearsals, concert work and collaborative projects with faculty members, guest artists and student peers.

Students in the dance performance and choreography program have opportunities in:

Performance

  • Audition for dance performances
  • Perform in concerts produced by faculty members, guest artists and students 

Choreography

  • Create choreography through coursework
  • Present an original choreographic project during your final year

Production and technical experience

  • Work on production crews
  • Contribute to areas such as lighting, sound, costumes, stage management and concert preparation

Collaboration

  • Work with guest artists
  • Participate in interdisciplinary projects with theatre, musical theatre and music
  • Collaborate with other student artists

Additional opportunities

  • Opportunities for study abroad programs
  • Apply for scholarships
  • Take part in SFA’s School of Honors
  • Attend and participate in masterclasses

For more information about course requirements and detailed curriculum structure, visit the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance and choreography page in the SFA Course Catalog.

Student experience

Students train in state-of-the-art dance facilities designed with spaces that support technique work, choreography and production needs. The curriculum incorporates current practices in dance creation and performance, and students work with faculty members who bring experience in performance, choreography, dance film and related fields. The program places emphasis on learning through doing — performing, creating, producing, rehearsing and collaborating across many types of projects.

Students participate in a guided thesis project in their final year, which includes creating a choreographic work and managing the production elements connected to that work.

The environment supports collaboration, steady growth and shared project work among students and faculty.

Career paths

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance and choreography program may pursue roles such as:

  • Professional company dancer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance film artist
  • Dance critic
  • Higher education professor
  • Somatic instructor
  • Other dance-related and performance-based careers

Auditions

Auditions are required. Students may complete their audition at Pliés in the Pines or at an approved recruitment event.