The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College provides rigorous, well-rounded technical training within a purposeful liberal arts curriculum.

Raising the Barre

For more than 50 years, Dean has been a nationally recognized educational center for dance and the only college in New England that offers both bachelor's and associate degrees in dance.

For those pursuing focused studies in dance performance, teaching, choreography, studio management and other allied fields, our bachelor of arts in dance and our bachelor of fine arts in dance programs are an ideal blend of the academic study and training needed to prepare students for success, both on and off the stage. Some of our students elect to first pursue an associate degree in dance, which prepares them for transition into Dean's bachelor of arts in dance degree program or into another four-year program. 

Dean College Performing Arts

In the News 

Below are recent news stories featuring talented faculty and staff members, as well as students, from the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance. 

Awards and Recognition 

Below are awards that Dean College has received. 

  • Dean College earned national recognition in 2023-24 as a College of Distinction.
  • Dean College ranked 29th in the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report for Best Regional Colleges - North category. This is the 13th consecutive year that Dean College has received the Best College honor. 
Three ballet students performing on stage.

Academic Programs

Dance is a unique, powerful modality, and at Dean you'll be challenged to develop your proficiency and knowledge while broadening your perspective.

A dance professor helping a student in class.

Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance Faculty

Meet our hard-working faculty who are both subject-matter experts and dance professionals.

A group of students performing on the stage.

Box Office

Performances are at the heart of our dance program. Visit our box office to purchase tickets to watch our talented students perform.

School of Dance By The Numbers