About the Dance Program
Learn more about what it’s like to major in Dance at Dean College.
Take your craft and creative vision to the next level with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance from Dean College.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is the most rigorous undergraduate course of study for aspiring professional dancers. At the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance, you’ll train under veteran performers, directors and choreographers who will prepare you for your big break.
A professional dance education immerses you not only in the physical artistry of dance in all its forms but also in the history, theory and power of creative expression. For more than 50 years, Dean has been a nationally recognized educational center for dance. Our dedicated faculty and staff foster creativity, broaden perspectives, expand knowledge, develop proficiency and prepare you for excellence in the field of dance.
Our conservatory-level training in ballet, jazz, tap, modern and related techniques, combined with targeted allied studies, will help you develop the skill and artistry necessary for a successful career as a performer or choreographer.
Choose from two specializations within the BFA program:
In the choreography track, you’ll engage with each step of the choreographic process, and learn how to develop and communicate your own artistic vision. The performance track will hone your strength and discipline through conservatory-style training in the studio and on the stage.
Meet Our Performing Arts Athletic Trainer
Hear from our Performing Arts Athletic Trainer, Amanda Donahue, about how she provides athletic training services to Dance and Theatre students.
Q&A With The Program Coordinator
Get your questions answered by Todd Shanks, Dance Program Coordinator.
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to countless creative and performance opportunities on campus, you’ll get invaluable industry experience.
- Complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional dance company or choreographer.
- Travel the world (and improve your Spanish) as part of our life-changing DanceAbroad Argentina program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Participate in highly selective performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Joyce Theater, Ailey Citigroup Theater and American College Dance Festival (ACDF), where Dean College is ranked in the top 30 schools nationally.
- The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance has earned a reputation for producing truly gifted and hardworking young dancers. The BFA program takes the proud tradition of Dean College dance to the next level.
- Our dance majors have interned at Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, Battery Dance Company, Broadway Dance Center, Rhee Gold, Boston Ballet and the National Dance Education Organization.
And when you graduate, you’ll be a highly trained performer, choreographer and dancer ready to share your art with the world. Our alumni have found successful careers with dance and performing arts companies such as Universal Studios, Disney Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Urbanity Dance Company, Boston Ballet and so much more.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved in student groups and performances, both on campus and beyond.-
Campus Productions Perform in showcases, concerts, musicals and plays on campus. -
Dance and Performance Groups Join one of our numerous student performance groups.
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DanceAbroad Argentina Study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Uniquely Dean
Gain valuable, real-world performance experience through the unique programming that the Dean College Dance BFA program has to offer.
- Begin performing and set out to create a body of work in your first semester.
- Experience live music in class from talented staff musicians. Some of our accompanists are also composers who create original music for practice and for performance.
- Receive rigorous conservatory-style dance training enriched by a well-rounded liberal arts education.
- Participate in master classes with dancers from Boston Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway, Ballet West, The Martha Graham Dance Company, Complexions Dance company and many more.
- Receive highly specialized injury prevention and care services, provided by a full-time certified and licensed athletic trainer who has extensive experience in working with dancers.
- Complete a for-credit internship with a professional dance company or choreographer.
- Find professional opportunities through Dean College’s extensive dance alumni network.
- Dean College has been recognized as the #1 Best Dance School (Undergraduate) in Massachusetts as part of the 2021 PLEXUSS Global Rankings.
- Dean College was ranked #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Colleges, North category.
I chose Dean College because of the distinguished dance program. I love the variety of dance styles and techniques I am able to study on a daily basis and I look forward to attending classes every day with the dance faculty and students who have become like my second family.
Since graduating from Dean, I have received my MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois and have moved to New York City. I am now a full-time freelance dance artist, working and performing with several choreographers. Dean prepared me with the work ethic I have today, to keep pushing for new opportunities while maintaining a full-time performing career.
During my time at Dean, I’ve danced in as many shows as I could, I’ve attended dance festivals and taken my original choreography to the Regional American Dance Association Festival. Now I’ve been given the opportunity to dance in Rome this summer. Dean allowed me to pursue these opportunities and follow the dreams that I have!
Program Requirements
The Dean College Dance BFA program offers concentrations in Choreography and Performance.
Prospective students are required to complete an audition for the Dance BFA program as well as an application for admission. We are currently accepting video auditions for Fall 2021 applicants with plans to resume on-campus auditions in the fall. Additional off-campus audition opportunities are also available. Learn more about the audition process and requirements.
Choreography
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DAN 111 | The Discipline of Dance | 2 |
| DAN 112 | The Profession of Dance | 2 |
| DAN 182 | Rhythmic Analysis | 3 |
| DAN 201 | Dance History l | 3 |
| DAN 204 | Dance Composition l | 3 |
| DAN 206 | Dance Pedagogy l | 3 |
| DAN 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| DAN 301 | Dance History ll | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 231 | Dance Improvisation ll | 1 |
| DAN X4X | Tap | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 8 |
| DAN X6X | Jazz Technique | 4 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 8 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| DAN 304 | Dance Composition ll | 3 |
| DAN 483 | Dance Composition lll | 3 |
| DAN 385 | Film Survey in Dance | 3 |
| DAN 381 | Laban Movement Analysis | 3 |
| AMGT 112 | Theatre, Dance, and Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
Total Credits
80
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| BIO 175 | Anatomy Essentials | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Choreography Track Dance and Theatre Electives | 8 |
Total Credits
8
Performance
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DAN 111 | The Discipline of Dance | 2 |
| DAN 112 | The Profession of Dance | 2 |
| DAN 182 | Rhythmic Analysis | 3 |
| DAN 201 | Dance History l | 3 |
| DAN 204 | Dance Composition l | 3 |
| DAN 206 | Dance Pedagogy l | 3 |
| DAN 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| DAN 301 | Dance History ll | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 231 | Dance Improvisation ll | 1 |
| DAN X4X | Tap | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 8 |
| DAN X6X | Jazz Technique | 4 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 8 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| THA 315 | Acting Lab | 1 |
| ELE | Performance Track Dance and Theatre Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
73
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| BIO 175 | Anatomy Essentials | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DAN TECHNIQUE ELE | Dance Technique Courses (Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop) | 15 |
Total Credits
15
1
of
9
Dean College students have the opportunity to choreograph their works, and then receive feedback from industry leaders during the Choreographers' Concert.
Beginning in your first semester, you have opportunities to connect your classwork to the stage.
Choreography is a staple component of a student's dance curriculum at Dean College.
Choreographic works by Dean students have been chosen for performances in the ACDF gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Many of our dancers earn roles in Dean's musical and theatre productions.
Experience master classes with dancers from Boston Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, and many more.
Dean College dancers are encouraged to collaborate with their peers on and off the stage.
We prepare students to perform at Dean and beyond through student concerts, faculty and guest artist concerts, a freshman showcase and senior performances.
Jay T Jenkins ’77, recognized around the world as the versatile creator of the “JAZZ FUNK” style, shared his in-depth knowledge of classic jazz and musical theater in a dance master class with Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance students. Jay T's experience includes choreography for feature films, industrials, music videos and recording artists’ concert tours. He has worked with Prince, Salt N’ Pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Cyndi Lauper, Jennifer Lopez, Color Me Badd and many others.