Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Georgia offers students a comprehensive and dynamic education in the art of movement. Designed for aspiring performers, choreographers, and dance educators, this program provides rigorous training in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and cultural dances, fostering both technical mastery and creative expression. Students will engage in intensive coursework that combines practical dance techniques with theoretical studies in dance history, theory, and criticism, enabling them to develop a well-rounded understanding of the discipline. The program emphasizes not only the development of strong performance skills but also encourages students to explore choreography, dance production, and dance entrepreneurship, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in the dance world. Collaborative projects, master classes with visiting artists, and opportunities to perform on national stages are integral parts of the curriculum, offering students real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. The department’s state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple dance studios and performance venues, support a vibrant and inspiring learning environment. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, community outreach programs, and research activities, which enhance their practical skills and cultural awareness. Graduates of the program will be equipped with the technical proficiency, artistic sensibility, and professional confidence necessary to pursue careers as dancers, choreographers, dance educators, or arts administrators. The University of Georgia’s rich tradition of fostering creativity, scholarship, and community engagement makes it an ideal place for students committed to advancing their careers in dance.

Required Courses (54 hours)

Dance Technique and Training (25 hours)

• DANC 2642 - Jazz Dance II (1 hour)* or DANC 3643 - Jazz Dance III (1 hour)* (1 cr. req.)
• DANC 3653 - Contemporary Dance III (2 hours)*
• DANC 3663 - Ballet III (2 hours)*
• DANC 4654 - Contemporary Dance IV (2 hours)*
• DANC 4664 - Ballet IV (2 hours)*
• DANC 4754 - Contemporary Dance IV (2 hours)*
• DANC 4764 - Ballet IV (2 hours)* 

Choreography and Production (12 hours)

• DANC 2000 - Production Assignment I (1 hour)
• DANC 2900 - Young Choreographer's Lab I (1 hour)
• DANC 3000 - Production Assignment II (1 hour)
• DANC 3400 - Introduction to Dance Composition (2 hours)
• DANC 3900 - Young Choreographer's Lab II (1 hour)
• DANC 4400 - Dance Composition and Technology Interface (3 hours)
• DANC 4900 - Choreographic Project and Concert Production (2-3 hours)

Performance (4 hours)

• DANC 3250 - Performance Company III (1 hour)* or DANC 3850 - Pre-Professional Performance Company II (1-2 hours)* (assigned by faculty)

Dance Theory (13 hours)

• DANC 3010 - Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals (2 hours)  
• DANC 3020 - Principles of Science and Somatics in Dance Training (3 hours)  
• DANC 4030 - Classical Ballet Forms (2 hours)
• DANC 4500 - Studies in Dance History (3 hours)
• DANC 4700 - Issues in Dance Education and Pedagogy (3 hours)

Major Electives (3-5 hours)

Choose three to five hours from the following:
 

• Transcripts. High School Transcripts (secondary school) from each and every institution must be submitted for review. If your high school is outside of the United States and not accredited by a U.S. Regional Association of Colleges and Schools, we recommend (not required) that you use a "course-by-course" (not document-by-document) evaluation service to ensure that your transcript is evaluated properly. College Transcripts from each institution attended during high school must be submitted for review. If you have attended college after high school graduation, you are not eligible to be a First-Year applicant and should submit a Transfer application. If your college is outside of the United States and not accredited by a U.S. Regional Association of Colleges and Schools, we REQUIRE that you use an evaluation service that does a "course by course" evaluation to ensure that your transcript is evaluated properly (if you do not submit, your application to UGA will be incomplete).
• Official SAT or ACT scores
• Verbal SAT scores above 430 OR
• ACT scores above 17 OR
• A band score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS OR
• Submit a TOEFL score of at least 213 on the computer-based exam, or a 550 paper based score, or an 80 on the internet based TOEFL.
• The University of Georgia accepts TOEFL and IELTS results from testing headquarters.
• School/Counselor Evaluation AND Teacher Recommendation
• Certificate of Finance

Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships
• Diversity Scholarship
• Balanced Man Scholarship
• Helping Hand Scholarship

The University of Georgia offers a comprehensive program in Dance designed to cultivate students' artistic expression, technical skills, and understanding of dance as a cultural and artistic form. The program emphasizes a balanced training approach that includes classical ballet, contemporary dance, and movement techniques, enabling students to develop versatility and adaptability in various dance styles. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple dance studios equipped with sprung floors, mirrors, and audio-visual equipment, fostering an optimal environment for rehearsal and performance. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework in dance technique, choreography, dance history, and theory, alongside opportunities for performance, improvisation, and collaborative projects to enhance creative and interpretative skills. Faculty members are accomplished professionals with extensive performance and teaching experience, providing personalized mentorship and guidance to nurture each student’s artistic development. The program encourages participation in departmental productions, internships, and community outreach initiatives to build performance experience and professional networks. Students graduating from the Dance program at the University of Georgia are well-prepared for careers in dance performance, choreography, dance education, and related fields. The program also supports graduate study and research in dance for students interested in advanced academic or artistic pursuits. With a focus on diverse dance traditions and contemporary practices, the University of Georgia’s Dance program aims to produce versatile, skilled, and thoughtful artists who can contribute meaningfully to the arts community locally and globally.