Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance at Rutgers University is a comprehensive, performance-driven program designed to cultivate technical mastery, artistic expression, and versatile career preparation in the field of contemporary and traditional dance. This rigorous curriculum emphasizes not only the development of a strong foundation in various dance techniques—such as ballet, modern, jazz, and improvisation—but also encourages students to explore choreography, dance history, critically engage with diverse cultural perspectives, and develop their unique artistic voices. The program balances intensive studio training with academic coursework, fostering both physical prowess and intellectual inquiry, to prepare graduates for professional careers as performers, choreographers, educators, or scholars in the dance industry. Students benefit from a dynamic faculty composed of experienced choreographers, performers, and scholars who provide personalized mentorship and innovative pedagogical approaches. Facilities include state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces, and multimedia resources, supporting a vibrant creation and performance environment. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities to participate in concerts, workshops, collaborations with other arts disciplines, and community outreach programs, enhancing their diverse experiences and professional networks. The campus’s strategic location further enables engagement with the vibrant arts scene of New Brunswick and New York City, offering invaluable exposure to live performances, industry events, and potential collaborations. The BFA in Dance at Rutgers University aims to produce well-rounded, creative, and technically proficient artists ready to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of dance and performance arts.

The MFA curriculum includes sequential scaffolding of coursework with intersecting course content in an effort to  encourage integrated learning. Based on the MFA degree program goals, curriculum areas include:

PERFORMANCE THEORY, METHOD AND PRACTICE

• Graduate Technique
• Somatic Survey
• Graduate Production Study
• Faculty and Guest Artist Repertory
• Thesis Repertory
• Self-produced Repertory

CREATIVE THEORY, METHOD AND PRACTICE

• Creative Process I: Improvisational Strategies
• Creative Process II: Choreographic Strategies
• Creative Research I: Cross- and Interdisciplinary Methods
• Creative Research II: Cross- and Interdisciplinary Methods/Thesis Proposal
• Thesis I: Research
• Thesis II: Production

PEDAGOGY THEORY, METHOD AND PRACTICE

• Dance in Higher Education
• Practicum I
• Practicum II
• Assessment

DANCE STUDIES

• Dance Philosophy and Aesthetics (co-requisite with Creative Process I)
• History of Interdisciplinary (co-requisite with Creative Research I)

LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY

• Proseminar I: Portfolio Development
• Proseminar II: Leadership/Job Search

DANCE ELECTIVES

• Dance and Video
• Advanced Yoga
• Special Topics: Dance Practice
• Special Topics: Creative Practice
• Special Topics: Somatic Practice
• Special Topics: Dance Technology

Additional Arts-based electives available in Mason Gross's Music, Theater, and Visual Arts departments as well as the Rutgers Filmmaking Center, based on availability and by permission of the instructor. As a major public university, Rutgers also offers a vast array of study areas from which to select additional elective courses. Note: The curriculum is subject to change at the discretion of the dance department.

CERTIFICATIONS
MFA degree students may also consider completing additional certification in:

• Yoga
• Polestar Pilates

• Applicants for the MFA in Dance must have an undergraduate BFA or BA degree in dance, or its equivalent, and 5 years of post-undergraduate professional experience in the dance field. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, in an area other than dance, may be considered for the MFA if they have significant professional dance experience.
• $70 application fee
• Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample: your writing sample should include 5-10 double spaced pages of academic writing (published or non-published), journalism (e.g., substantial critique or essay on creative or other work), or other writing genres.
• Five business days after submitting the Rutgers Graduate Application applicants will receive an invitation to complete the Mason Gross Supplemental Application. This is an application/registration for the audition and interview. A series of audition dates, including a recorded audition option, will be displayed for selection. $40 application fee
• Audition / Interview. • Live auditions will include a ballet and modern dance class. Live auditions are highly recommended, however, individuals living more than four hours distance from Rutgers may consider the recorded audition option. If you are approved to submit a recorded audition you will be sent an email with instructions and a link for you to submit your recordings. Recorded auditions should include the following:1. 15 minutes of classical ballet or contemporary SOLO dance class, plus a SOLO world dance form, if appropriate.2. 3-5 minute sampling of SOLO improvisational work
• Choreography Sample. After submitting your Mason Gross supplemental application you will be sent a link to upload your digital portfolio. Your digital portfolio should include samples of 3 selected creative works, limited to 12 minutes maximum including solo, small and large group work (if possible).

Scholarships

All full-time graduate students are eligible to receive some sort of financial aid. The level of support is dependent upon the specific graduate program and degree status. There are three forms of financial assistance to graduate students: merit-based, need-based, and non-need based aid. All students who submit a complete application to Mason Gross are automatically considered for talent or artistic merit based scholarships. However, we highly encourage all domestic students to submit additional applications for financial aid in order to expand their opportunities for funding and more comprehensive packaging.

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Rutgers University offers students a comprehensive education in the art of dance, combining rigorous training, academic coursework, and performance opportunities. The program aims to develop students' technical skills, choreographic abilities, and understanding of dance history, theory, and criticism. Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated dance studios, performance spaces, and resources that support practice, rehearsal, and production. The curriculum balances practical dance training with academic inquiry, encouraging students to explore various dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, ballet, and improvisation, while also examining the cultural and historical contexts of dance.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to fostering students’ artistic and academic growth. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and professionalism, preparing graduates for careers in dance performance, choreography, education, arts administration, or further graduate study. Students are encouraged to participate in numerous performance ensembles, workshops, and collaborations with other arts disciplines, providing a well-rounded experience that nurtures artistic development and audience engagement.

Rutgers' dance program also offers opportunities for internships and community outreach, connecting students with local arts communities and industry professionals. The program's location provides access to a vibrant cultural scene, enhancing students' exposure to diverse artistic expressions. Graduates of the program have gone on to perform with notable dance companies, pursue advanced degrees, and contribute to the fields of dance and the arts, demonstrating the program’s commitment to cultivating versatile and innovative dance artists.