Major in Dance, B.F.A.

Colorado State University offers a rigorous classical and contemporary dance program culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. The degree requires a strong physical and mental commitment and an eagerness to learn and improve.

The B.F.A. in Dance consists of 120 total credits, including:

• Performance, Technique, and Repertoire
• Choreography and Improvisation
• Pedagogy and Teaching Methodologies
• History and Theory
• Technical Production and Design
• Guest Artists and Masterclasses

Our B.F.A. degree is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for careers in dance. Students explore the many possibilities for movement expression, along with creative and scholarly examination, in a challenging and supportive environment. The curriculum is focused on classical and contemporary dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. This holistic approach also includes anatomy and kinesiology, music, production design, and career development. Technique classes in classical and contemporary forms are aimed at achieving an advanced level of performance and artistry. Students have multiple opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible ways, such as performance of repertoire, supervised teaching, supervised concert direction, and choreography for concerts. Beginning freshman year, students are eligible to perform in our five 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.

Program-level Learning Objectives

• 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 successful audition with CSU Dance faculty is required for entrance into both the B.F.A. and the B.A. Visit Dance Audition Information for more information.

Effective Fall 2023

A successful audition is required prior to entrance into the B.F.A. in Dance. 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

Students will need to obtain a registration override from the instructor to take this course.

³

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.

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.