Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance Faculty
Meet our hard-working faculty who are both subject-matter experts and dance professionals.
Immerse yourself in the study of modern dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and more with a major in Dance from Dean College.
Program Overview
Raise the barre. Dance offers a powerful path to creative expression and artistic fulfillment.
A Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College provides an ideal blend of purposeful liberal arts studies and conservatory-level training needed to prepare you for success, both on and off the stage.
For more than 50 years, Dean has been a nationally recognized educational center for dance. We are the only college in New England to offer both associate and bachelor's degree programs in Dance, as well as a minor and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Our dedicated faculty and staff foster creativity, broaden perspectives, expand knowledge, develop proficiency, and prepare you for excellence in the field of dance.
Combining our rigorous, well-rounded technical training with a purposeful liberal arts curriculum, our dance program is ideal for those pursuing performance, choreography, teaching, studio management or other fields. The program combines academic courses in dance history, dance composition, Laban Movement Analysis, dance pedagogy, writing for the arts, anatomy and kinesiology with conservatory-level training in all techniques. Starting year one, you'll have the opportunity to perform, create and engage in real-world experiences.
You can choose a track in your area of interest:
A liberal arts core will compliment your training. You can also broaden your career options by adding a double major or minor in a related field.
Beyond the Classroom
Starting your first year on campus, you’ll have extensive opportunities to perform, choreograph and engage in real-world experience.
- The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers private auditions for Dean students interested in professional summer study.
- Our dancers have participated in highly selective performances at the Kennedy Center, Joyce Theater and Ailey Citigroup Theater.
- The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance participates in the American College Dance Festival (ACDF), where we've ranked in the top 30 schools nationally. Choreographic works by Dean students have been chosen for performance in the ACDF gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
- 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. They’ve taught creative movement in public schools, worked side by side with our athletic trainer and helped spearhead new dance conventions.
And when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to be an entertainer, entrepreneur and artist in the field. Our graduates have successful careers as performers, choreographers, dance journalists, instructors, studio owners, directors and dance therapists, working for companies such as the Boston Ballet, Disney Corporation, The Rockettes, Norwegian Cruise Lines, The Kraft Group and so much more.
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.
I chose Dean because of the distinguished dance program. I loved the variety of dance styles and techniques I was able to study on a daily basis and I looked forward to attending classes every day with the dance faculty and students who became like my second family.
During my time at Dean, I danced in as many shows as I could, attended dance festivals and had my original choreography performed in the Regional American Dance Association Festival. I was also given the opportunity to dance in Rome during the summer. Dean allowed me to pursue these opportunities and follow my dreams.
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.
Uniquely Dean
Through Dean’s Dance program, you’ll be performing and learning in real-world settings beginning in your first semester.
- Participate in first-year dance seminars that help you discover the relationship of dance to other fields of study and introduce possible career paths to help you design your future.
- Experience live music in class performed by talented local musicians.
- Take 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. Recent master class guest artists have included Gabrielle Hamilton, award-winning Broadway cast member of the reimagined musical Oklahoma! and its national touring company, and Chris Rice-Thomson, a member of the touring company of Hamilton.
- 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.
- Dean College has been recognized as the #4 Best Dance School (Undergraduate) in Massachusetts as part of the 2022 PLEXUSS Global Rankings.
Space to Learn and Perform
As a Dance major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take the stage in our first-class performance and teaching venues, study on-stage and behind-the-scenes techniques and receive support from our talented faculty and staff. Explore the photo gallery below to see the spaces you’ll learn and perform in.
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The Guidrey Center, located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, is one of our first-class teaching and performance venues.
Take courses with faculty and staff and master classes with guest artists in the Guidrey Center.
The Guidrey Center is the venue for student showcases and productions like the annual Arts Mosaic.
Located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, the Main Stage Theatre is a 16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art teaching and performance venue.
The Main Stage is home to the majority of our dance and theatre productions, as well as events and showcases.
The Main Stage is also complete with a costume shop, stage construction space and state-of-the-art control booth.
Your courses will be held in a number of classrooms and studios across campus, including the Performing Arts Studio, offering a unique setting to learn, practice and find inspiration.
You’ll have access to a dedicated performing arts athletic training office, where you can receive preventative care and training exercises from Amanda Donahue, our full-time performing arts athletic trainer.
Program Requirements
Prospective students are required to complete an audition for the Dance program as well as an application for admission. Learn more about the audition process, requirements and dates.
The Dean College Dance program offers concentrations in Dance Pedagogy, Performance/Choreography, Dance Studies and Studio Management. The course requirements listed below are based upon the bachelor’s degree program.
Dance Pedagogy
| 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 lI | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 132 | Pilates | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 7 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 7 |
| DAN X4X, DAN X6X, DAN X9X | Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| 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 210 | Creative Movement for Children | 3 |
| DAN 304 | Dance Composition ll | 3 |
| DAN 306 | Dance Pedagogy ll | 3 |
| DAN 385 OR DAN 381 | Film Survey in Dance or Laban Movement Analysis | 3 |
| EDU 103 or EDU 111 | Foundations of Education or Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| PSY 111 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 211 | Child Development | 3 |
| ELE | Electives | 3 |
Total Credits
81
| 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 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics 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
Performance/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 lI | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 132 | Pilates | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 7 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 7 |
| DAN X4X, DAN X6X, DAN X9X | Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| 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 X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 5 |
| DAN 205 | Partnering Techniques | 1 |
| DAN 231 | Dance Improvisation ll | 1 |
| DAN 304 | Dance Composition ll | 3 |
| DAN 385 | Film Survey in Dance | 3 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
| ELE | Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
81
| 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 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics 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
Dance Studies
| 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 lI | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 132 | Pilates | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 7 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 7 |
| DAN X4X, DAN X6X, DAN X9X | Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| 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 313 | Performance Theory and Criticism | 3 |
| DAN 380 | Research Methods in the Performing Arts | 3 |
| ENG 219 | Introduction of Journalism | 3 |
| ENG 222 | Creative Writing: Non-Fiction | 3 |
| COM 211 OR ENG 331 | Media Writing or Writing for the Arts and Entertainment World | 3 |
| LAS 415 | Critical Theory | 3 |
| ELE | Electives | 6 |
Total Credits
81
| 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 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics 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
Studio Management
| 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 lI | 3 |
| DAN 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DAN 131 | Dance Improvisation l | 1 |
| DAN 132 | Pilates | 1 |
| DAN X5X | Ballet Technique | 7 |
| DAN X7X | Modern Technique | 7 |
| DAN X4X, DAN X6X, DAN X9X | Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop | 8 |
| DAN X24 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| 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 210 | Creative Movement for Children | 3 |
| DAN 306 | Dance Pedagogy ll | 3 |
| BUS 123 | Foundations of Business | 3 |
| BUS 230 OR BUS 235 | Principles of Management or Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| AMGT 203 OR AMGT 305 | Venture and Facilitiy Management or Principles and Foundations of Not-For-Profit Fundraising | 3 |
| ELE | Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
81
| 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 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics 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
RECENT STORIES
Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Dance major at Dean.
Related News
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Dean College Announces 2023-2024 Theatre and Dance Season
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Dance Major Interns at Boston Ballet School
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TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY: Q&A WITH MARIAH S. ’23
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Guest Artist Jay T Jenkins ’77 Holds Master Classes at Dean
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Now Playing: Faculty Dance Works
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Dance Majors Take the Stage in the Cape Symphony's Performance of The Nutcracker
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Now Playing: New Thespian and New Dancer Showcases
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Now Playing: Arts Mosaic
-
COLLEGE DANCE PROGRAMS: NOT ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL
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Dance Major Gains Teaching Experience at the Boston Ballet School
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DEAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE WELCOMES MARY KATZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CARSON CENTER
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Technology Helps Dance Students Adapt to COVID-19
-
Dean College Dance Faculty Featured in Hit Film, Little Women
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We prepare students to perform at Dean and beyond through student concerts, faculty and guest artist concerts, a freshman showcase and senior performances.
Dean participates in the American College Dance Festival (ACDF), where we've ranked in the top 30 schools nationally.
Dance is movement with meaning.
Experience master classes with dancers from Boston Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, and many more.
Beginning in your first semester, you have opportunities to connect your classwork to the stage.
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.
Many of our dancers earn roles in Dean's musical and theatre productions.
Choreographic works by Dean students have been chosen for performances in the ACDF gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Dean's first-year dance seminars will help you discover the relationship of dance to other fields of study and introduce career paths to help you design your future.
There's no doubt that pursuing a Dance degree at Dean will be challenging, but we will offer you all the support you need to succeed.
A liberal arts core will complement your training. You can also broaden your career options by adding a double-major or minor.