Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

Develop a balanced set of skills in dance technique, performance, choreographyÌý²¹²Ô»å theory with the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance in 51¶¯Âþ Boyer College of Music and Dance. This 124-credit undergraduate degree program gives students intensive training in a range of dance genres, including ballet, modern and postmodern, and African diasporic forms.  Students also form the foundation for choreography, dance history, theoryÌý²¹²Ô»å performance. 

The curriculum integrates a range of dance techniques with investigation of composition, creative process, dance science, improvisation and repertory. A sequence of theory courses explore analytical, cultural and historical approaches to the study of dance so you form a deeper understanding of the discipline. Throughout your time in the program, you’ll have multiple opportunities to perform at 51¶¯Âþ’s Conwell Dance Theater, culminating in a senior concert during your final year.

Graduates of this bachelor's program have gone on to be artistic directors, choreographers, dance educators and therapists, entrepreneurs, dance administrators and dance writers. Some continue on to master's and doctoral studies to prepare for futures in research and advocacy.

This degree program may be completed on Main Campus during the fall or spring semester.

Classes & Curriculum

As a student of the Dance BFA, you will further develop your cognitive, analytic, intuitive and creative skills—all while learning a variety of forms within a historical, social and cultural framework. A few courses you can anticipate exploring are

  • Dance Science and Somatics,
  • Music for DancersÌý²¹²Ô»å
  • Ways of Knowing Dance.

Learn more about Dance BFA degree courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Four dancers perform on stage in a circle.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $21,504.00 per year
Out-of-state: $37,752.00 per year

BC-DANC-BFA

Additional Program Information