Contemporary Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre with a concentration in Contemporary Dance at Case Western Reserve University offers students a rigorous and immersive education in the art of modern dance and performance. This program is designed to cultivate skilled dancers, innovative choreographers, and versatile performers equipped with a strong technical foundation and creative vision. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous technical training, choreography, dance history, and performance studies, providing a well-rounded education rooted in both tradition and contemporary practices. The program emphasizes developing individual artistic voices while fostering collaborative skills essential for success in the performing arts industry. Through studio classes, rehearsals, and performances, students gain practical experience and stage confidence, preparing them for professional careers or graduate study in dance and related fields. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students throughout their artistic journey. Students also benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, including dedicated dance studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, integrating dance with other art forms such as theatre, music, and visual arts to create innovative and meaningful performances. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers as choreographers, dancers, dance educators, and performance artists, or to continue their education at leading graduate programs. Case Western Reserve University's location in Cleveland offers students unique opportunities to engage with a vibrant arts community, attend festivals, and participate in collaborative projects. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Contemporary Dance is ideal for individuals passionate about exploring movement as a form of artistic expression and committed to developing their craft at a high level of professional excellence.

Requirements for the MFA degree include:

1. A minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all course work on the graduate level
3. Completion of the course requirements for the MFA Thesis Portfolio
4. Successful completion of the third year in performance in the Mather Dance Center mainstage season

Specific requirements for the MFA degree are as follows:

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
• Applicants must meet all of the undergraduate prerequisites for the proposed field of graduate study.
• Statement of Objectives — Some programs have this built into the application. If not, create your own using "Statement of Objectives" as the heading. The statement should be one to two pages and include your purpose in undertaking graduate work as well as an explanation of your study and research interests as they relate to your undergraduate/graduate study and professional goals.
• Academic Transcripts – You are required to identify all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended on your application form, and to submit an official transcript from each. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is conditional on final certification of degrees awarded. Note to International Students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.
• Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from those individuals sufficiently familiar with you, and who can assess your academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities.
• Test Scores – Your department will identify required standardized tests. When you fill out forms for these use 1105 as the institutional code for Case Western Reserve University. The School of Graduate Studies will forward all official score reports of standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) to the program of interest. The department will inform you which standardized tests are required for your program. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 577 if paper-based, or 90 if Internet-based. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. Some departments may require higher scores. International applicants cannot be admitted without receipt of an acceptable official TOEFL score. The TOEFL is valid for two years after the test date. The GRE is valid for five years after the test date.
• Application Fee - A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted.

The financing of the Contemporary Dance program at Case Western Reserve University encompasses various aspects, including tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, payment plans, and external funding sources. Tuition fees for undergraduate students enrolled in the program are designed to be competitive within the context of private university education and typically align with the university’s standard undergraduate rates. These costs cover instruction, studio maintenance, access to performance facilities, and other educational resources essential for students pursuing a degree in dance.

Financial aid opportunities are available to both incoming and current students to support their academic pursuits. These include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs. The university offers institutional scholarships specifically targeted toward performing arts students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden for talented dancers demonstrating exceptional promise. Applications for these scholarships often require a portfolio, audition, or interview process, emphasizing both academic and artistic achievement.

In addition to institutional funding, students are encouraged to explore external sources such as federal and state financial aid programs, private scholarships, and arts-specific grants. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary document used to determine eligibility for federal aid, including loans and work-study options. The university provides comprehensive financial advising to assist students in understanding the full scope of available funding options, budgeting appropriately, and planning their finances over the course of their studies.

Payment plans are typically available to help students spread out tuition costs over several installments, making it more manageable to finance their education without incurring excessive debt. The university recognizes that dance programs often include supplementary expenses such as costumes, travel for performances, and workshop fees; these costs are also considered when advising students on their overall financial planning.

Students are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities for funding early in their academic careers, as competition for scholarships can be intense. The university’s financial aid office maintains detailed policies, deadlines, and resources to assist students in maximizing their financial aid packages. Overall, the financing studies for the Contemporary Dance program are structured to ensure that talented students can pursue their artistic and academic goals while receiving adequate financial support from multiple sources.

Contemporary Dance at Case Western Reserve University offers students a comprehensive education that combines rigorous technical training with creative artistic development. The program emphasizes the development of versatile dance skills, including choreography, performance, and critical thinking in dance practices. Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles within the contemporary genre, fostering an understanding of both traditional and innovative approaches to movement. The curriculum includes courses in dance technique, composition, performance, dance history, and theory, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Faculty members are distinguished artists and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and encouraging artistic exploration. The program often collaborates with other departments, providing students with interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance their artistic and academic growth. Facilities include state-of-the-art dance studios equipped with sprung floors and multimedia capabilities, facilitating a professional training environment. Students participate in student and faculty productions, gaining valuable performance experience. Additionally, internships and community engagement initiatives allow students to connect with the broader arts community, preparing them for careers in dance performance, choreography, teaching, and arts administration. The program also prepares students for graduate studies in dance or related fields. Graduates of the Contemporary Dance program have gone on to perform professionally, choreograph works for various companies, and contribute significantly to the arts community. The program's focus on innovation, artistic integrity, and technical excellence makes it a dynamic choice for aspiring contemporary dancers committed to artistic growth and professional development.