A dance degree is the culmination of higher education-level training in this area of the performing arts and it implies theoretical and technical mastery of the craft. At all colleges and universities, the dance degree incorporates workshop classes and performances in several styles of dance as well as a comprehensive education in subjects like dance history and theory. Students interested in majoring in this subject can study at one of many 4-year colleges with dance majors or they can choose to pursue their studies at specialized arts or dance colleges.
Is a Dance Degree Worth It?
While a dance degree is not a requirement to audition and land a role with a successful company, there are still many professional benefits to earning one. For starters, completing a dance degree provides access to a large network of fellow dancers, choreographers, and alumni in the industry who can help land jobs in the real world.
The curriculum involved in a dance degree also prepares dancers for a life in the industry as many of the best dance colleges in the US run their departments as if they were professional companies. Students will get a sense of the requirements and responsibilities required to be a professional dancer and this will help them stand out on the jobs they eventually land. Plus, because many dance companies mount shows featuring a blending of styles, a wide ranging dance education will help train students to get ahead by familiarizing them with many different genres of this art form.
Would I Make a Good Dance Major?
Dance can be a rigorous and strenuous performing art, requiring precise movements, balance, and graceful leaps. With that in mind, you need to be in good physical shape in order to take part in a dance program for four years. This doesn’t mean that you need to possess a stereotypical “dancer body” but you need to be able to perform for long periods of time without getting winded. Regular exercise is a necessity and you’ll need to practice good nutrition habits and learn proper warm up technique in order to prevent injury.
A dance major also requires a large time commitment during every semester. In addition to classroom work, studying, and putting together dance projects for workshop classes, you’ll also be expected to participate in dance concerts throughout the school year. This will require numerous rehearsals during the week and you’ll have to get used to doing schoolwork around this schedule. During tech week, expect to spend most of your night in the theater.
Auditions are a large part of being a professional dancer and a large part of that process is learning to deal with not landing the role you want. With that in mind, you’ll need to develop an ability to process disappointment in a healthy way and not let that prevent you from getting up and trying again. So when you’re in college, try to audition for as many shows as possible so that you can get used to the process.
Associate Level
Many community and junior colleges offer a dance program for artistically inclined students. The associate degree in dance is designed for graduates to transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete a bachelor of fine arts in the field. As such, the associate degree curriculum provides a foundational education in dance covering subjects such as technique, theory, and history. The associate degree in dance also provides instruction and performance experience in styles like ballet, jazz, and modern.
An associate degree can usually be completed in two years and previous performance experience is often a prerequisite. Classes at the associate level include: dance production, dance history, choreography basics, social dance, and modern dance.
Baccalaureate Level
A bachelor’s degree program in dance covers a comprehensive education in numerous styles and techniques. For students who pursue a dance performance degree at a performing arts or dance academy, an audition is usually required for admission.
Other students attending a liberal arts college can earn drama and dance degrees without an audition and the two performing arts are sometimes headquartered within the same department. At such colleges, crossover between the fields often takes place with dancers taking drama classes and actors enrolling in dance courses. Additionally, bachelor’s degree programs frequently host visiting dance instructors and professional choreographers for special workshops.
Performance classes at the baccalaureate level cover styles like ballet, jazz, and modern dance. The bachelor’s degree curriculum also features a comprehensive education in dance theory, production, and composition. Most colleges and universities are home to dance ensembles staging concerts throughout the school year and all dance students are expected to audition for these performances. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience on the technical side of a dance concert by participating on lighting and sound crews or as assistant stage managers.
For students who want to teach dance after graduation, there are a few colleges and universities that offer a specialized dance education degree at the bachelor’s level. However, these two subjects are usually offered as separate majors at most institutions of higher learning.
Classes at the bachelor’s degree level include: choreography, dance history, dance kinesiology, rhythmic analysis, dance improvisation, and ethnic dance styles.
Examples of Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Include: Professional Dancer, Dance Teacher, Dance Fitness Instructor, Dance Coach, Stage Manager, Dance Writer, Yoga Teacher, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Public School Teacher.
The average Professional Dancer salary ranges from $10,000 to $60,000. However, jobs in this field are very scarce and the industry is incredibly competitive. Most graduates pursuing a career as a professional dancer have to hold a day job to pay the bills. For other positions, the average salary ranges from $41,000 (Fitness Instructor, Dance Teacher) and $49,000 (Stage Manager, Massage Therapist) to $60,000 (Personal Trainer, Public School Teacher).
The American College Dance Association
The American College Dance Association serves to provide networking opportunities in the field of college dance and an opportunity to gain national exposure for their talents. ACDA is a non-profit organization whose membership is made up of students, scholars, teachers, and artists. The Association oversees regional conferences in 13 geographic divisions throughout the country as well as a biennial national conference. These events consist of workshops, master classes, performances, and panels. Membership and conference registration require a fee.
Graduate Level
For students who want a comprehensive education in a specific style of dance or a subject related to the field, certain colleges and universities offer programs at the master’s degree level. These programs are highly competitive and usually accept only a few students per year. Classes at the master’s degree level are small and provide individualized instruction. In addition, the master’s degree curriculum includes master classes with professionals in the dance field and opportunities to perform in ensembles directed by guest artists. A master’s degree program culminates in a dance project that functions as a graduate thesis. Classes at the master’s degree level include: movement analysis, advanced ballet, dancing biomechanics, dance technology, and dance pedagogy.
The graduate level also features degrees in specialized disciplines within the field of dance. Certain colleges offer a dance therapy degree at the master’s level. The curriculum for these programs includes studies on dance in health & healing, therapeutic movement, and body/mind integration. These programs also include hands-on learning opportunities through internships and fieldwork.
Examples of Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Dance Include: Dance Therapist, Choreographer, Dance Notator, Grant Writer, Marketing Manager for a Dance Company, Social Media Manager for a Dance Company, Artist Manager, and Sports Trainer.
The average salary for these positions ranges from $38,000 (Choreographer) to $44,000 (Dance Therapist, Grant Writer) to $68,000 (Artist Manager).
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