Dance Pathways in the USA

If you wish to develop your practical and theoretical skills within dance, a degree will provide you with a nurturing environment in which you can achieve this. You will advance in your dance specific skills, but also in confidence and knowledge of the creative arts sector. Your degree will prepare you for a range of careers, from dancing professionally to teaching dance classes in schools and privately.

An undergraduate degree in dance will give you a foundation of knowledge in the subject area. You will have opportunities to develop your artistry, creating a unique and personal dance portfolio. You might study modules on dance forms, dance techniques, dance teaching and community dance teaching.

Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as dance studio sessions and technique classes. You will be able to develop your practice of a range of dances, and how they are used in different performing arts.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

• Professional Dance
• Contemporary Dance
• Dance and Technology
• Dance Teaching
• History of Dance
• Cultural Dance
• Choreography

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation or submit final major research project, this will give you the chance to further research a chosen area of dance. It will also allow you to add to your professional and personal portfolio.

The accreditation of a dance degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries have different accreditation systems. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or in some cases a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Depending on your career path after you have graduated, you may be presented with further opportunities to earn professional or academic certifications and qualifications.

Due to the creative nature of a dance degree, some universities might require you to submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. You might also be required to have taken dance exams prior to the start of your degree.

Graduates of a dance degree will find that there are a wide variety of careers available to them. You could choose to work in a role directly related to your degree. This could include teaching dance classes, setting up or working within a dance company, dance therapist, professional dancer, or a theatre director.

You will have gained a range of transferable and useful skills throughout your degree. These will be useful in the dance and creative arts sectors, as well as being applicable in other industries. Skills gained will include critical analysis, time management, project management, teamwork, and idea development.