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Earn a Degree in Dance

Earn a Degree in Dance

Grand Canyon University describes dance degree programs as the preparation to pursue "a career in dance-related arts." Many college programs focus on the performers, but there are also concentrations for choreographers, dance therapists, administrators, and professional dance critics. Of its own dance program, Grand Canyon University says, "The curriculum for a dance degree often emphasizes physical work. You can expect to become immersed in many different dance forms, including ballet, jazz and vernacular dance such as hip-hop."

Students will also typically learn how to improvise, learn how to perform as a group, and how to develop careers in the field of dance and related industries

What can you do with a Degree in Dance?

With a Degree in Dance students can pursue any number of career interests including:
  • Dancer
  • Dance Instruction
  • Choreography
  • Fine Arts Education (Dance, Art, Drama, etc.)
  • Arts Administration
  • Entrepreneurship

Is a Dance Degree hard?

There is a degree of physical discipline associated with some performing arts, including dance. Students should expect both mental and physical challenges depending on their dance degree concentration.

It is important to note that there are two major types of degrees in dance, including Dance Performance (Fine Arts) and Dance Studies (Arts). The core curriculum for a Dance Degree includes a wide variety of topics:
  • Dance History
  • World Dance
  • Biomechanics
  • Improvisation
  • Choreography
  • Musical theatre
  • Production
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Music study
  • Anatomy for Dance
  • Kinesiology
  • Aesthetics of dance

Bachelor’s Degree in Dance

Students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Dance may choose a performance track (Bachelor of Fine Arts) or a more theoretical track (Arts). For both types of degrees students will acquire the same basic skills, including:
  • Understanding and performance of a wide range of dance works
  • Creation and presentation of original choreography
  • Understanding the many diverse dance forms and their histories
  • Understanding the many diverse dance forms and their representation in contemporary culture
  • Understanding of dance theory, aesthetics, and choreography

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance

  • Dancer– Uses dance performances to express ideas and stories. Some dancers work in performing arts companies or are self-employed. Median Annual Salary: $50,000.
  • Choreographer– Use performances to express ideas and stories. Choreographers may work in dance schools, and others may work as self-employed choreographers. Median Annual Salary: $50,000.
  • Secondary Teacher – Teach academic lessons and various skills students need to attend college. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.

Master’s Degree in Dance

A Master’s Degree in Dance is a popular choice for those seeking career paths such as performance, entrepreneurship, or postsecondary teaching. A Master’s Degree is also a great choice for those choosing to attain supervisory positions or seeking extra pay commensurate with education.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Dance

Take advantage of educational entitlements such as the MyCAA program for eligible spouses that can provide funding for Associate Degree and Certificate programs. Other popular educational entitlements include the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program where students can earn a degree for zero money out-of-pocket!

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools for Dance Degrees

Ready to start your Degree in Dance? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with concentrations in Dance for the Professional Dancer, Production/Management, and Performance and Choreography. University of Nevada Las Vegas is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Colorado Boulder

Offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Arizona

Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance. The University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon School.

Kent State University

Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.