Dance Graduate Programs

Dance Graduate Programs and Curriculum

In a dance graduate program, students learn creative, technical, and intellectual practice enabling them to integrate body, mind and spirit, and ultimately, master the art of dance. Students gain these skills in their roles as performers, creators, and spectators. Most graduate dance programs provide coursework in the following areas:

• Experiential anatomy
• Dance history
• Lighting design and stagecraft
• Music for dancers

In order to apply for admission to master’s programs in dance, students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many programs require an application and an audition. All programs will value experience in the field.

An M.F.A. in Dance averages two years in length, and students take a variety of coursework. Classes may include:

• Reading
• Writing
• Research
• Choreographic inquiry
• Daily technique practice

Coursework covers many different types of dance such as:

• Contemporary dance
• Classical ballet
• African dance
• Yoga
• T’ai chi ch’uan
• World dance

Dance Career Paths

Those with a master’s degree in dance can become dancers, choreographers, instructors, studio managers or professors. Dancers and choreographers worked in a variety of industries, such as public and private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities; food services and drinking establishments; performing arts companies, which include dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks. About 14 percent of dancers and choreographers are self-employed.

Dance Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wages of dancers were $12.22 in May 2008. The BLS indicates that choreographers receive an average annual salary of $37,570. The factors that may impact this range include years of experience, type of employer, and location. Dancers who are on tour usually receive an additional allowance for room and board, as well as extra compensation for overtime. Earnings from dancing are usually low because employment is irregular. Dancers often supplement their income by working as guest artists with other dance companies, teaching dance, or taking jobs unrelated to the field.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Dancers and choreographers face a greater competition for jobs due to a large talent pool. The BLS expects the employment to grow for choreographers through 2014. However, rising production costs threaten the smaller production companies and may cause a decrease in job opportunities. The growing popularity of recreational dance has led to an increase in the number of dance teaching positions, and this trend is expected to continue.