Major in Dance, B.F.A., Dance Education Concentration

Our unique B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in dance education prepares students to teach in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and the community at large, with field experience in all three areas. Each of the classes in dance education involves supervised teaching and field experience, giving students extensive professional experience while in the program. Students have multiple opportunities to apply practical and theoretical knowledge in tangible ways. The degree equips students to apply for dance teaching licensure (grades P-12) in the state of Colorado in conjunction with CSU’s Center for Educator Preparation. Dance students receive in-depth training in pedagogy, classical, contemporary, and urban dance techniques and performance, and choreography. This holistic approach also includes anatomy and kinesiology, music for dance, production design, and career development. The program strives to center equitable teaching practices and philosophies that reflect best teaching practices. Beginning freshman year, students are eligible to perform in our four, annually produced dance concerts. 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.

Focus areas

• Technique, Performance, and Repertoire
• Choreography and Improvisation
• Pedagogy and Teaching Methodologies (PK-12, private sector, community)
• History and Theory
• Technical Production and Design
• Guest Artists and Masterclasses

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Apply research, assessment, critical thinking, and advocacy skills to develop best pedagogical practices as a dance teacher in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and the community at large.
• Assess the backgrounds, abilities, developmental levels, and individual identities of students and plan curriculum that considers their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Explore the multitude of ways in which community engagement is embedded in dance, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
• Demonstrate technical and artistic achievement in the areas of classical, contemporary, and urban dance performance, teaching, and choreography.
• Create solo, group, and site-specific choreography utilizing established and inventive devices and movement vocabulary.
• Interpret and perform original and historic repertoire with confidence and discuss the development and significance of dance forms across cultures.

Dance Audition

In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a dance audition is required for entrance into the B.F.A. and B.A. dance degrees. Admission to the dance major is competitive, and therefore it is important to apply early. Visit Dance Audition Information for details.

Effective Fall 2023

A successful audition is required prior to entrance into the Dance Education Concentration. A minimum grade of C is required in all dance courses required for this major.

¹

D 224 is offered in Spring of odd years. D 292 is offered in Spring of even years. Both courses are required to complete the major, but students may take them in any order.

²

D 427 is offered in Spring of even years. D 428 is offered in Spring of odd years. Both courses are required to complete the major, but students may take them in any order.

³

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

To Declare this Major: A successful audition is required prior to entrance into the B.F.A. in Dance.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program: A minimum grade of C is required in all dance courses required for this major.