Major in Dance, B.A.

The B.A. allows students to tailor their study of dance to fit their interests and is designed to prepare students for a variety of dance-related careers after college. With opportunities for scholarly and creative research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the degree is constructed for students wishing to major in dance and major or minor in another discipline. Technique classes in contemporary and classical forms aim to help students achieve a high level of performance and artistry. Students apply theoretical knowledge in tangible ways, such as performance of repertoire, supervised teaching opportunities, concert direction, independent projects, and choreography for 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.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate technical and artistic competence in classical or contemporary dance performance, choreography, and teaching. 
2. Create solo, group, and/or site-specific choreography utilizing established and inventive devices and movement vocabulary. 
3. Develop best practices in the field and connect dance with other fields through research, writing, and/or performance.  
4. Interpret and express the development and significance of dance forms across cultures. 
5. Explore the multitude of ways in which community engagement is embedded in dance, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership. 
6. Experience facets of dance production and collaborate with colleagues in technical theatre to navigate the many moving parts that contribute to dance production.

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

¹

Students are required to audition for both modern and ballet dance technique courses and will be placed in the appropriate levels of technique courses. Dance technique courses require written consent of the instructor, and may be repeated for credit.

²

Students who plan to take D 471 in Senior year are required to take D 326. Students who do not plan to take D 471 in Senior year may select any upper-division (300-400 level) Dance course.

³

Select any 300-400 level Dance course.

⁴

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).