Undergraduate Programs

Dance

Dance Fundamentals

Dancers express ideas, stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies. They perform in a variety of settings, presenting an array of dance types. UA’s dance program combines traditional academics with performance opportunities and technical training in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz and tap.

  • Program combines traditional academics with performance opportunities and technical training in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz and tap
  • Admission is by placement audition
  • Study choreography, dance history, teaching techniques, nutrition and physical analysis
  • Gain a clear understanding of:
    • dance techniques
    • history of dance
    • pedagogical background for preparation to teach
    • awareness of the developments in dance medicine research

Our Faculty

  • have extensive performance backgrounds
  • are innovative and interactive
  • use multimedia technology to enhance classroom learning

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Experience

As a dance major, you will perfect your craft through study and performance with:

  • The University of Akron Dance Company
  • The University of Akron Dance Company Touring Ensemble - productions are created and performed by dance students using ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance in Akron public schools to expose young audiences to dance as an art form

Real World Experience

Gain practical professional experience through UA's optional cooperative education program. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school while earning a competitive salary.

Dance Student Organizations

Interact with other dance students and professionals in the field through organizations such as: 

  • Terpsichore
  • Touring Ensemble
  • Theatre Guild

Sample Curriculum

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance*

First Year    Second Year 
 
Fall Semester    Fall Semester
 
Ballet Technique   2-4
Ballet Technique   2-4
Modern Technique 
2-3
Modern Technique   2-3 
Dance as an Art Form   Choreography I
2
Dance Organization   Dance Production Ensemble  
English Composition I   Learning Theory for Dance
Introduction to Psychology   Human Anatomy & Physiology  
Physical Education Requirement   Introduction to Public Speaking or
Effective Oral Communication  
Total  15-18  Total  16-19 
       
Spring Semester    Spring Semester
 
Ballet Technique 
2-4 Ballet Technique
2-4
Modern Technique     Modern Technique
2-3
Dance History: 20th Century     Choreography II
Dance Organization I    Dance History
English Composition II
  Instructional Strategies for Dance
Math Requirement     Humanities in Western Tradition
Social Science Requirement     Natural Science Requirement
3-4 
Dance Somatics     Dance Somatics 
1
Total  17-21  Total
17-21
    *During the third and fourth years,
BFA Dance students continue their study
of advanced ballet and modern dance,
choreography, dance history, etc. 
 

 

Career Opportunities

Degrees and Preparation

A degree in dance offers preparation for careers as performing, teaching or creating choreography.

Career Outlook 

Opportunities will continue to grow for talented and creative individuals.

Center for Career Management

Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:

  • Career Resource Library
  • co-op/internships through Career Advantage Network
  • computer stations for resume writing and employment research
  • UA Career Fairs

The University of Akron

302 Buchtel Common. Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
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