Mission
The Department of Dance prepares articulate artists in an intensive learning environment through performance, choreography, teaching, scholarship, and service that integrate body, mind, and spirit.
General Information
The BYU Department of Dance major programs have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) since 1989. The Department includes four areas: Ballet, Ballroom Dance, Contemporary Dance, and World Dance. These areas work cooperatively to provide opportunities for all students at the university to develop their potential in dance. To this end, the department offers a wide variety of foundational courses.
Performing opportunities are provided both on and off campus with various groups that travel locally, nationally and internationally. Most dance technique and performance classes are not restricted to dance majors. Placement in technique and performance classes is determined by audition.
In addition to the wide variety of foundational courses and advanced technique and performance classes, intensive major course work includes studies in the dance sciences, dance history, and additional academic work that develops performance, choreography, teaching, scholarship and leadership skills in all types of dance. At Brigham Young University, dance celebrates the best in humankind and strives to enrich the lives of all who experience it.
Career Opportunities
Traditional career paths in the dance field include teaching, performance, and choreography. Teaching opportunities are available in a variety of venues, including but not limited to colleges and universities (for those with graduate degrees), K-12 public and private schools, community education and recreational programs, private studios, health and fitness facilities, preschool and day care centers, and rehabilitative facilities. Performing opportunities are available by audition with professional and regional companies and in theatrical, television, and film production. Opportunities to create choreographic work as either a guest or resident artist are also available in various venues, including but not limited to professional and regional companies, university dance programs, public and private schools, private studios, community programs, theatrical, television and film venues. Equally rewarding dance-related careers are also available in the areas of dance and arts administration, criticism, dance athletic training, dance therapy, history, research, notation, and reconstruction, and theater arts studies. A degree in dance also has many transferrable skills that relate to creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking (21st Century Skills).
Admission to Degree Program
The degree programs in the Department of Dance carry special enrollment limitations. Please see the college advisement center for specific details.
Departmental Requirements
- Students must pass a dance audition for acceptance into the major. Please see the Dance Department for dates and further details.
- Majors must complete annual mandatory advisement.
- Dance technique courses (including Dance 243R and 244R) require a grade of at least B– for advancement to next level.
- Majors will participate in mandatory mid-program assessments.
- Majors are required to complete an e-portfolio that documents performance in each program learning outcome. E-portfolios must be submitted as a prerequisite to graduation.
- Majors are counseled to maintain healthy lifestyle practices.
