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Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Program

Callouts

LEVEL

Undergraduate

DEGREE

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (BFA)

COLLEGE

College of Visual and Performing Arts

LOCATION

On Campus

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Degree

Do you have a passion for the art and expression of movement? What better way to hone your craft as a competitive and versatile dancer than choosing one of the best university Dance programs in the nation? Alabama State University is one of only two institutions in Alabama and two Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in dance.

At ASU, we empower our dance majors and minors to become productive scholars, creative artists and collaborative individuals. Along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree, you’ll earn a technical proficiency in various dance forms and a positive sense of self — plus the confidence to continue studying at the graduate level or enter the world of professional dance and choreography.

What makes Alabama State University one of the best schools for dance?

Because it is nationally recognized and respected, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from ASU can take you places. Our dedicated faculty help open the door for our dance degree students to earn opportunities with internationally known institutions such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the American Dance Festival, Atlanta Dance Connection, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Gus Giordano Dance School and many more.

Explore BFA in Dance Courses at ASU

Our practical and philosophical approach to dance studies provides a holistic and diverse education. You’ll practice foundational techniques of ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop. ASU’s BFA in dance students also have the unique opportunity to expand their knowledge with courses on the African diaspora. Outside of performing, further your comprehensive dance skills and knowledge through courses that include:

  • Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology
  • Dance Partnering
  • Dance Production
  • Improvisation
  • Stretch and Conditioning for Dance

Your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree culminates with a senior capstone performance to showcase your growth and development as an artist, choreograph and present an evening of your own compositions, and perform a solo created by an industry professional.

Online auditions for the ASU Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance major and minor are accepted year-round for admission into the program and for dance scholarships.

 

What Can You Do With a BFA Degree in Dance?

There are so many opportunities to take your place in the world as a highly prepared, well-rounded dance artist with a BFA in dance from ASU. Graduates from our program are prepared to continue their studies in dance performance, choreography and dance education at the graduate level.

In addition to performing in local, regional, state and national dance companies, your career may lead you to:

  • Performing in commercial industries such as television, film, casinos, theme parks and cruise ships.
  • Serving as a dance competition judge.
  • Teaching dance in a school or studio.
  • Owning a dance retail store.
  • Creating a nonprofit dance company or school.
  • Working as a choreographer, dance therapist, dance historian or dance injury specialist.

Overall employment for dancers and choreographers is expected to grow 31% by 2030, much faster than the average of all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Places Alumni Work

Why You Should Choose ASU for Your Bachelor’s Degree in Dance

What makes ASU one of the best schools for dance majors? Hands-on learning is at the forefront of our training in the dance degree program at ASU. Simply put, you will be immersed in dance. Alongside talented students from across the country, and supported by dedicated faculty, your BFA in Dance will provide you plenty of opportunities to shine. Your experience in ASU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance program will include:

Intensive performance opportunities.

Participate in the production of seasonal dance concerts on campus, perform as honored guests at special events and work regularly with local dance companies and guest artists.

Dynamic, student-centered faculty.

Our faculty are seasoned professional performers too. They bring their passion and expertise into the classroom and the community through creative research and service.

Professional connections.

Your ASU dance coursework will include guest artists and master classes, and you’ll join a network of successful, sought-after graduates who have gone on to work professionally with Off-Broadway productions, National Football League dance teams, national ballet companies and much more.

Program Callouts

20+

The Department of Music has been inspiring musicians for over 20 years

100%

Percent of Bachelor of Music Education graduates who are employed after graduation

14:1

The remarkably small student-to-faculty ratio for our degrees in music

3

We offer three degrees in music to prepare you for the career of your dreams

What ASU Dance Alumni Say

 

The level of preparedness this dance program equips you with is unmatched! The gap from collegiate dance to professional performance is connected through hard work that is earned through discipline. Therefore, it carries you throughout your career and life

Trinity C
’18, Dance | Columbia City Ballet
 

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Connect with ASU

Department of Theatre Arts

Develop your natural talent and unlock new professional skills for your creative outlet at ASU through theatre and dance training that is second to none. Join trailblazers and artists in rigorous academic and practical hands-on training to prepare for a career in the arts.