Major in Dance, B.F.A. < Colorado State University

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 Foundations
Performance 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. 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.

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 2022

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.

Freshman
		AUCC	Credits
CO 150	College Composition (GT-CO2)	1A	3
D 126	Dance Improvisation		2
D 186	Production Practicum		1
D 192	Dance First Year Seminar		1
D 220A	Dance Techniques III: Modern		2
D 220B	Dance Techniques III: Ballet		3
D 221A	Dance Techniques IV: Modern		2
D 221B	Dance Techniques IV: Ballet		3
Select one course from the following:¹			2
D 224	Music for Dance
D 292	Seminar - The Dancing Body
TH 264²	Lighting Design I		3
Biological and Physical Sciences		3A	3
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion		1C	3
Quantitative Reasoning		1B	3
	Total Credits		31
Sophomore

D 220A	Dance Techniques III: Modern		2
D 220B	Dance Techniques III: Ballet		3
D 221A	Dance Techniques IV: Modern		2
D 221B	Dance Techniques IV: Ballet		3
D 226	Dance Choreography I		2
D 286	Performance Practicum		1
D 324	Teaching Creative Movement for Children		2
D 330	Dance Repertory Ensemble		2
D 340	Dance Repertory Engagement		2
Select one course from the following:¹			2
D 224	Music for Dance
D 292	Seminar - The Dancing Body
Select one course from the following:		4A	3
D 427³	History of Non-Western Dance Forms	4A
D 428	History of Western Dance Forms	4A
Advanced Writing		2	3
Biological and Physical Sciences		3A	4
	Total Credits		31
Junior

D 320A	Dance Techniques V: Modern		3
D 320B	Dance Techniques V: Ballet		4
D 321A	Dance Techniques VI: Modern		3
D 321B	Dance Techniques VI: Ballet		4
D 326	Dance Choreography II		3
D 330	Dance Repertory Ensemble		2
D 340	Dance Repertory Engagement		2
D 392	Dance Seminar		1
Select one course from the following:³		4A	3
D 427	History of Non-Western Dance Forms	4A
D 428	History of Western Dance Forms	4A
Arts and Humanities		3B	3
Social and Behavioral Sciences		3C	3
	Total Credits		31
Senior

D 420A	Dance Techniques VII: Modern		2
D 420B	Dance Techniques VII: Ballet		2
D 421A	Dance Techniques VIII: Modern		2
D 421B	Dance Techniques VIII: Ballet		2
D 424	Ballet Technique Pedagogy		3
D 434	Modern Technique Pedagogy		3
D 471	Dance Capstone Concert	4B,4C	3
D 487	Dance Internship		1
Arts and Humanities		3B	3
Historical Perspectives		3D	3
Electives			3
	Total Credits		27
	Program Total Credits:		120

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.

*Freshman*
Fall		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 126	Dance Improvisation	X			2
D 186	Production Practicum	X			1
D 192	Dance First Year Seminar	X			1
D 220A	Dance Techniques III: Modern	X			2
D 220B	Dance Techniques III: Ballet	X			3
Arts and Humanities		X		3A	3
Biological and Physical Sciences		X		3B	3
	Total Credits				15
Spring		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
CO 150	College Composition (GT-CO2)	X		1A	3
D 221A	Dance Techniques IV: Modern	X			2
D 221B	Dance Techniques IV: Ballet	X			3
D 224 or 292	Music for Dance Seminar - The Dancing Body	X			2
TH 264	Lighting Design I	X			3
Mathematics		X		1B	3
	Total Credits				16
*Sophomore*
Fall		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 220A	Dance Techniques III: Modern	X			2
D 220B	Dance Techniques III: Ballet	X			3
D 286	Performance Practicum	X			1
D 330	Dance Repertory Ensemble	X			2
Advanced Writing		X		2	3
Biological and Physical Sciences		X		3A	4
	Total Credits				15
Spring		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 221A	Dance Techniques IV: Modern	X			2
D 221B	Dance Techniques IV: Ballet	X			3
D 224 or 292	Music for Dance Seminar - The Dancing Body				2
D 226	Dance Choreography I				2
D 324	Teaching Creative Movement for Children	X			2
D 340	Dance Repertory Engagement				2
D 427 or 428	History of Non-Western Dance Forms History of Western Dance Forms	X		4A	3
	Total Credits				16
*Junior*
Fall		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 320A	Dance Techniques V: Modern	X			3
D 320B	Dance Techniques V: Ballet	X			4
D 326	Dance Choreography II	X			3
D 330	Dance Repertory Ensemble	X			2
Arts and Humanities				3B	3
	Total Credits				15
Spring		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 321A	Dance Techniques VI: Modern	X			3
D 321B	Dance Techniques VI: Ballet	X			4
D 340	Dance Repertory Engagement	X			2
D 392	Dance Seminar	X			1
D 427 or 428	History of Non-Western Dance Forms History of Western Dance Forms			4A	3
Social and Behavioral Sciences		X		3C	3
	Total Credits				16
*Senior*
Fall		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 420A	Dance Techniques VII: Modern	X			2
D 420B	Dance Techniques VII: Ballet	X			2
D 434	Modern Technique Pedagogy	X			3
D 471	Dance Capstone Concert			4B,4C	3
Historical Perspectives		X		3D	3
	Total Credits				13
Spring		Critical	Recommended	AUCC	Credits
D 421A	Dance Techniques VIII: Modern	X			2
D 421B	Dance Techniques VIII: Ballet	X			2
D 424	Ballet Technique Pedagogy	X			3
D 487	Dance Internship				1
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion				1C	3
Electives			X		3
	Total Credits				14
	Program Total Credits:				120