Dance BFA

Dance, BFA

Take your craft and creative vision to the next level with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance from Dean College.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is the most rigorous undergraduate course of study for aspiring professional dancers. At the Schools of Performing Arts, you’ll train under veteran performers, directors and choreographers who will prepare you for your big break.

A professional dance education immerses you not only in the physical artistry of dance in all its forms but also in the history, theory and power of creative expression. For more than 50 years, Dean has been a nationally recognized educational center for dance. Our dedicated faculty and staff foster creativity, broaden perspectives, expand knowledge, develop proficiency and prepare you for excellence in the field of dance.

Our conservatory-level training in ballet, jazz, tap, modern and related techniques, combined with targeted allied studies, will help you develop the skill and artistry necessary for a successful career as a performer or choreographer.

Applicants to the School of Dance BFA major are required to choose one of these specialized tracks prior to the audition:

Choreography
Performance

Choreography

In the choreography track, you’ll engage with each step of the choreographic process, and learn how to develop and communicate your own artistic vision. Additionally, you will gain a sophisticated understanding of dance making, dance concert production, problem solving and the ability to communicate effectively.

performance

The performance track will hone your strength and discipline through conservatory-style training in the studio and on the stage. You will learn and engage in skill sets, practices and perspectives of today's professional-level dance.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Prospective students are required to complete an audition for the Dance BFA program as well as an application for admission. Learn more about the audition process, requirements and dates.

Performing Arts Brochure

Dean College dance professor instructing a class of dancers

Joan Phelps Palladino Dance Faculty

Meet our hard-working faculty who are both subject-matter experts and dance professionals.

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to countless creative and performance opportunities on campus, you’ll get invaluable industry experience.

Complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional dance company or choreographer.
Participate in highly selective performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Joyce Theater, Ailey Citigroup Theater and American College Dance Festival (ACDF), where Dean College is ranked in the top 30 schools nationally.
The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance has earned a reputation for producing truly gifted and hardworking young dancers. The BFA program takes the proud tradition of Dean College dance to the next level.
Our dance majors have interned at Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, Battery Dance Company, Broadway Dance Center, Rhee Gold, Boston Ballet and the National Dance Education Organization.

And when you graduate, you’ll be a highly trained performer, choreographer and dancer ready to share your art with the world. Our alumni have found successful careers with dance and performing arts companies such as Universal Studios, Disney Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Urbanity Dance Company, Boston Ballet and so much more.

Get Involved

Learn more about how to get involved in student groups and performances, both on campus and beyond.

Campus Productions Perform in showcases, concerts, musicals and plays on campus.
Dance and Performance Groups Join one of our numerous student performance groups.

Uniquely Dean

Dean College dancers onstage during a performance.

Gain valuable, real-world performance experience through the unique programming that the Dean College Dance BFA program has to offer.

Begin performing and set out to create a body of work in your first semester.
Experience live music in class from talented staff musicians. Some of our accompanists are also composers who create original music for practice and for performance.
Receive rigorous conservatory-style dance training enriched by a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Participate in master classes with dancers from Boston Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway, Ballet West, The Martha Graham Dance Company, Complexions Dance company and many more. Recent master class guest artists have included Gabrielle Hamilton, award-winning Broadway cast member of the reimagined musical Oklahoma! and its national touring company, and Chris Rice-Thomson, a member of the touring company of Hamilton.
Receive highly specialized injury prevention and care services, provided by a full-time certified and licensed athletic trainer who has extensive experience in working with dancers.
Complete a for-credit internship with a professional dance company or choreographer.
Find professional opportunities through Dean College’s extensive dance alumni network.
Dean College has been recognized as the #4 Best Dance School (Undergraduate) in Massachusetts as part of the 2022 PLEXUSS Global Rankings.

Space to Learn and Perform

As a Dance major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take the stage in our first-class performance and teaching venues, study on-stage and behind-the-scenes techniques and receive support from our talented faculty and staff. Explore the photo gallery below to see the spaces you’ll learn and perform in.

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