collageCollege Magazine has honored Florida State University’s School of Dance and Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) for their outstanding dance and choreography programs.
Keep reading this post to see more details on florida state university dance minor, fsu dance major requirements, university of florida dance program ranking, and florida state university summer dance intensive.
Colleges with Dance Majors
Find tips for selecting a school with dance programs, and check the prerequisites for enrollment. Read how earning a bachelor’s degree in dance can prepare you for a career as a professional dancer or choreographer.View Schools
A dance program can lead to graduates becoming professional dancers or teaching others how to dance. Dance majors are available at 4-year institutions, and master’s degree programs are also available.
How Do I Pick a Dance College?
While a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary to become a professional dancer or choreographer, pursuing a dance major can allow you to hone your skills, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. When choosing a dance school, you might want to look at those that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. This professional organization grants accreditation status to dance programs that meet its quality standards.
You may also want to check out schools with extensive dance studios and concert halls or opportunities to perform in student dance companies. If you want to be a dance teacher, look for schools offering majors in dance education.
What Are Some Undergraduate Program Requirements?
You’ll need to undergo an audition to be admitted to most undergraduate dance programs. This can entail a 5-minute performance that demonstrates your technique in different styles of dance. Once you’re accepted, you may need to complete yearly dance evaluations before you can progress to upper-level coursework. Some programs also require you to put together a senior concert to showcase your skills. These 4-year programs often culminate in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
Which Schools Offer Bachelor’s Degrees in Dance?
Bachelor’s degree programs in dance aren’t hard to come by. You can commonly pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
- George Washington University has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in dance
- At Belhaven University, students can choose from a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance
- The University of Maryland’s dance program awards a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance
What Kind of Classes Can I Take?
Coursework for a dance major often teaches you about the theoretical, historical and cultural aspects of dance. Some programs even require you to take interdisciplinary courses in acting and music. However, most of your classes focus on the mastery of different dance forms. You’ll work with faculty to develop your technique or learn how to teach technique to others. Due to the hands-on nature of this training, these courses must be completed on campus. Some course options include the following:
- Ballet technique
- Modern dance
- Choreography
- Dance kinesiology
- Jazz technique
- Flexibility training
- Dance partnering
What Are My Continuing Education Options?
If you’ve finished your undergraduate studies, you might go on to a 2- to 3-year master’s program in dance, through which you’ll be exposed to dance research, as well as more extensive theory and history. Graduate programs also can teach you about stage craft and lighting, along with human anatomy and its role in dance.
Which Schools Offer Master’s Degrees in Dance?
Studying dance through master’s degree programs is possible in M.F.A. and M.A. structures. Some certification degrees are available in dance programs for potential teachers.
- UCLA offers a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree program in dance
- At NYU, dance degree options include a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching Dance, All Grades, Initial Certification, and Professional Certification; Teaching Dance in the Professions, Non-Certification, and ABT Ballet Pedagogy; and a dual Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching Dance, All Grades, Initial Certification and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Dance
- Sarah Lawrence College’s program leads to a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Dance
Dance can be studied at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Students can often choose from fine arts degrees or teaching programs specifically in dance.
florida state university dance program
College Magazine ranked Florida State No. 6 on the list of The 10 Best Schools for Dance in 2019 and No. 4 on the list of The 10 Best Schools for Aspiring Choreographers in 2019.
Florida State was recognized for its rigorous focus on choreography knowledge and skills, and the program’s required 10 credit hours for composition and repertory. The publication also cited the unique opportunity Florida State offers for aspiring dancers and choreographers through MANCC, the only national center for choreography in the world located in a major research institution.
MANCC is embedded in FSU’s School of Dance and offers choreographers a space to practice, develop and refine their work. Guest choreographers are welcomed to MANCC to complete residencies where they may research and explore their creative processes, while students collaborate and learn with the guests. The opportunity for students to work with choreographers from around the globe provides FSU’s students with an unmatched experiential education.
Dance students have access to a costume shop, conditioning studio and centers for music and technology with media labs and a recording studio.
The magazine also acknowledged FSU’s exceptional study abroad programs, which give dance students the chance to study international dance, performance and choreography in Paris and Valencia.
College Magazine considered degree options, challenge of auditions, instructor rigor, extracurricular opportunities and coursework engagement to create its rankings.
Seminole Dance Force (SDF) was created in 2001 as a competition and performance dance team at Florida State University and has become a nationally ranked college team throughout the years. Practicing 3 to 4 times a week, team members develop their technique with a diverse repertoire in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet by dancing at many on-campus events, attending master classes or conventions and by competing annually in NDA National Collegiate Dance Competition. The team has performed at many of FSU’s events such as Pow-Wow (Florida State’s Homecoming Pep Rally), Spear It Night, Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Market Wednesday, while volunteering in the Tallahassee community at the BIG Event.
SDF is a self-run organization, promoting dance as an industry. Every year we put together our very own showcase where members of the team are given the opportunity to showcase their own talent. This team gives a dancer many great opportunities and many ways to grow as a dancer and a person. From costume design, music selection and editing, business, choreography, and coaching, members are provided an opportunity to expand their interests and talents in dance.
QUICK FACTS
- Roster Size: between 25-30
- Home Practice Facility: Tallahassee Dance Academy
- Practice Times: 3-4 times a week, two hours a day
- Governing Body: National Dance Alliance (NDA)
- Regular Opponents: At NDA we compete against schools like Clemson, NC State, Brigham Young, Louisville, West Virginia, ECU and many more
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