Dance

Do you love that feeling when your body moves perfectly across the stage or studio? Do you stay awake at night thinking about how to choreograph routines? Do you want to spend your life performing, directing or teaching dance? 

If so, then majoring in dance might be right for you. It's a program that will keep you on your toes—both literally and metaphorically. So if you want a lifetime of doing what you love (with people who love it as much as you do), then it's time to take the next step.

What will I learn?

Modern. Ballet. Tap. Jazz. At UB, you’ll study and practice them all as you build your portfolio, performance reel and resume. Of course, you'll also learn about dance history, how the body moves, choreography and much more. UB is a leading public research university, so you can expect a high level of rigor in the studio and the classroom. It's all designed to give you the experience and training you need to succeed in the professional dance world, wherever your career may take you. 

Dance BA vs. BFA
  • Both degrees offer depth and breadth in ballet, modern, jazz and tap.
  • The BA typically offers more flexibility in choosing a style to focus on.
  • The BFA requires more upper-level courses in ballet, modern and jazz.

What can I do outside of class?

Whether you want to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, there's something for you here. 

  • Performances. With a variety of shows throughout the year, you can share your talent in a multitude of roles, including performer, choreographer or director.
  • Internships. Teach dance in local schools, provide dance therapy and find other ways to get real-world experience.
  • Student organizations. Make friends for life and get support.
  • Study abroad. Spend time in London and other cultural destinations, exploring and learning and attending world-class performances.
  • Research. Even as an undergraduate, you may have opportunities to work with faculty and attend conferences. 
  • Workshops and events. Learn from visiting experts; UB also hosts the National Dance Masters of America Teachers' Training School.
Internships
Student Clubs
Study Abroad
Events

What can I do with a dance degree?

Broadway. Cirque du Soleil. Urban Bush Women. Disney. Twyla Tharp. From world-famous stages and international touring companies to TV and Las Vegas, UB dance graduates have entertained, taught and promoted dance around the world.

Of course, it's not just about where you can go; it's about what you can do there. Some of the dance-related career options you’ll have include:

  • Director or manager (including artistic director).
  • Choreographer.
  • Costume designer.
  • Critic.
  • Historian.
  • Performer.
  • Producer.
  • Teacher.
  • Studio owner.

Who will I learn from?

Practice routines with a dance captain from national tours. Share ideas with choreographers whose work has been shown in New York City, Toronto and around the world. Study with researchers who have presented at national and international conferences. These are just a few of the people who UB students have learned from. 

At UB, you’ll find faculty who are as passionate about dance as you are. They are committed teachers and actively involved in the American Dance Guild, Dance Masters of America, the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and other leading organizations.

In addition, UB hosts visiting artists through dance residencies. These residents offer classes, workshops, lectures and performances—all designed to inspire you and help you make valuable connections with working professionals.

Admissions

Financial Aid

Student Guide