Bachelor of Arts in Dance: Career Path

Overview of Bachelor of Arts in Dance

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study and practice of dance as an art form. The curriculum typically includes courses in dance technique, choreography, performance, history, and theory. Students may also have opportunities to participate in dance productions and performances. The program may also offer elective courses in related fields such as music, theater, or kinesiology. The degree typically takes four years to complete, with the option to do some form of internship as part of the program. Graduates of the program may go on to careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration.

Course Outlines

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program typically includes a combination of dance technique, performance, choreography, and theoretical courses. The specific course offerings will vary by school, but some examples of classes that may be included in the program are:

• Dance Technique: Classes in various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop, which focus on building technical skills and strength.
• Choreography: Classes that focus on the process of creating and composing dance works, including elements such as movement invention, use of music, and stage design.
• Dance History and Theory: Classes that explore the historical and cultural context of dance, including the study of different dance styles and choreographers, as well as the theoretical foundations of the art form.
• Performance: Classes that provide opportunities for students to perform in dance productions, either as part of a larger ensemble or as soloists.
• Electives: Classes in related fields such as music, theater, or kinesiology may also be available as electives, which can be taken to supplement the core curriculum.

In addition to the above classes, students may also have to do a senior project or thesis, which is a research or creative project that is usually completed in the final year of the program.

It's worth noting that some programs offer more specific focus, like contemporary dance, ballet, or even a hybrid of different disciplines.

Objectives, Goals, and Vision

The objectives, goals, and vision of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program may vary by school, but generally they aim to provide students with a comprehensive education in dance as an art form. The program typically aims to:

• Develop students' technical skills in various dance styles, such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop.
• Provide students with a strong foundation in choreography, including the process of creating and composing dance works, movement invention, and the use of music and stage design.
• Give students an understanding of the historical and cultural context of dance, including the study of different dance styles and choreographers.
• Provide students with performance opportunities, so that they can develop their stage presence and gain experience performing in front of an audience.
• Prepare students for careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration
• Provide students with a well-rounded education, which may include elective classes in related fields such as music, theater, or kinesiology.

The vision of the program may be to produce graduates who are well-trained, versatile and creative dancers with knowledge of the history and culture of dance, who have the ability to create and perform their own work, who have a good understanding of the technical aspects of the art of dance, and who are able to pursue their careers in a variety of professional contexts.

It could also be to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue advanced education in dance or related fields.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program may vary by school, but generally, applicants will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed a certain level of dance training. Some schools may also require applicants to take an audition or provide a portfolio of their previous dance experience.

Here are some general requirements that are common among schools:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completed a certain level of dance training, which may include taking classes in various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop.
• Audition, which may include performing a short dance piece and taking a dance class
• Meeting a minimum GPA requirement
• A portfolio of previous dance experience, which may include videos of performances or choreography.
• A personal statement or essay

It's important to note that some schools may have additional requirements, specific dance experience, or a certain level of proficiency in another language. It's always best to check with the schools you are considering for their specific requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in dance as an art form, and to prepare them for careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration. The program will impart a wide range of knowledge and skills to the students, some of which are:

• Dance Technique: Students will develop their technical skills in various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop. They will learn proper alignment, body mechanics, and movement vocabulary.
• Choreography: Students will learn the process of creating and composing dance works, including elements such as movement invention, use of music, and stage design. They will learn the skills to create their own choreography and how to work with different themes and ideas.
• Dance History and Theory: Students will gain a deep understanding of the historical and cultural context of dance, including the study of different dance styles and choreographers, as well as the theoretical foundations of the art form.
• Performance: Students will get opportunities to perform in dance productions, either as part of a larger ensemble or as soloists. They will develop their stage presence and gain experience performing in front of an audience.
• Music and Musicality: Students will develop an understanding of how music and dance are related, and how to create choreography that is in sync with music.
• Anatomy and Kinesiology: Students will learn about the human body, how it moves and how to move it safely and efficiently.
• Critical Thinking and Analysis: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze dance works and to understand the creative process behind them.
• Communication and Collaboration: Students will learn how to communicate and work effectively with others, including other dancers, choreographers, and other members of a production team.

In addition to the above, students may also develop other skills such as time management, self-discipline, and the ability to work under pressure. The program may also prepare students for further education or research in dance or related fields.

Scope

The scope of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program is to provide students with a comprehensive education in dance as an art form and to prepare them for careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration. The program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to:

• Perform professionally in various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop.
• Create and choreograph their own dance works.
• Understand the historical and cultural context of dance and the theoretical foundations of the art form.
• Analyze and critique dance performances and choreography.
• Teach dance to others in a variety of settings.
• Pursue further education or research in dance or related fields.
• Manage and administrate dance companies or venues.

Graduates of the program will have a broad range of career options available to them, including opportunities to perform with professional dance companies, choreograph for theater, film, and television, teach dance in schools or studios, work in arts administration, or pursue advanced degrees in dance or related fields.

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program will also provide students with transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers, such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and time management. The program will also help students to develop discipline, self-motivation and a strong work ethic which are valuable skills in any field.

Career Path

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree provides graduates with a variety of career opportunities in the dance and performing arts field. Here are a few examples of potential career paths for graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program:

• Professional Dance Performance: Graduates can audition for roles in professional dance companies, perform in productions and tour the country or the world.
• Choreography: Graduates can create and choreograph dance pieces for theater, film, and television, and work as independent choreographers.
• Dance Education: Graduates can teach dance in schools, universities, or in private dance studios.
• Arts Administration: Graduates can work in arts management, marketing, or development for dance companies, theaters, or other arts organizations.
• Dance Therapy: Graduates can use their knowledge of dance and movement to help individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, or social needs.
• Dance Research: Graduates can pursue advanced degrees in dance or related fields and conduct research in areas such as dance history, theory, or education.
• Dance Fitness or Wellness: Graduates can teach dance-based fitness or wellness classes, or become a personal trainer, movement therapist or physical therapist.

Keep in mind that many dancers have multiple jobs and may not be employed full time in one specific career. Some may also have to take on additional jobs to support their dancing career. It's also worth noting that not all career paths are directly related to dance, the skills and discipline acquired during the program can be applied to other industries.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program can vary depending on the specific career path they choose.

The demand for dancers will vary depending on the type of dance and the location. For example, the demand for ballet dancers may be stronger in larger cities with more ballet companies, while the demand for hip-hop dancers may be stronger in areas with a thriving commercial dance industry.

It's worth noting that the dance industry, like many other arts industries, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decrease in performances, rehearsals and touring, which has affected the job opportunities for dancers. However, as the situation evolves, the industry is adapting to new ways to create and perform, and the job outlook may change accordingly.

Overall, while the job outlook for dancers may be somewhat uncertain, those who are well-trained and versatile, and have a strong work ethic and a willingness to be flexible and adaptable, will have the best opportunities to succeed in the field.

Duties, Tasks, Roles, and Responsibilities

The duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities of a graduate of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program will vary depending on the specific career path they choose. Here are a few examples of the types of duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities that graduates may have in a few common career paths:

• Professional Dance Performance: Dancers in professional companies will typically have to rehearse and perform in productions, sometimes for extended periods of time. They may also be required to travel for tours and may have to perform in a variety of settings, including theaters, stadiums, and other venues. Duties may include rehearsing, physical conditioning, and taking care of their bodies to maintain good health, as well as learning choreography and working on perfecting their performance.
• Choreography: Choreographers may create and choreograph dance pieces for theater, film, and television. They may work with a director, music composer, and other members of a creative team to develop the choreography for a production. Duties may include creating movement, working with dancers, and rehearsing and perfecting choreography.
• Dance Education: Dance teachers may teach dance in schools, universities, or in private dance studios. They may be responsible for creating lesson plans, teaching technique and choreography, and providing constructive feedback to students. They may also be responsible for organizing and directing student performances.
• Arts Administration: Arts administrators may work in arts management, marketing, or development for dance companies, theaters, or other arts organizations. They may be responsible for managing budgets, coordinating rehearsals and performances, and promoting and marketing the organization.
• Dance Therapy: Dance therapists may use dance and movement to help individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, or social needs. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or in private practice. Duties may include creating treatment plans, working with clients, and documenting progress.
• Dance Research: Dance researchers may conduct research in areas such as dance history, theory, or education. They may work in universities, research institutions, or other organizations. Duties may include designing and conducting research studies, analyzing data, and writing and publishing research papers.
• Dance Fitness or Wellness: Dance fitness or wellness instructors may teach dance-based fitness or wellness classes, or become a personal trainer, movement therapist or physical therapist. They may work in gyms, studios, or other fitness facilities. Duties may include creating workout plans, teaching classes, and working with clients to achieve their fitness goals.

Keep in mind that many dancers have multiple jobs and may not be employed full time in one specific career. Some may also have to take on additional jobs to support their dancing career.

Career Options

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree can open up a variety of career options in the dance and performing arts field. Here is a list of 15 potential career options for graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program:

• Professional dancer in a ballet, modern, jazz, or hip-hop company.
• Choreographer for theater, film, and television productions.
• Dance teacher in a school, university, or private dance studio.
• Arts administrator for a dance company, theater, or other arts organization.
• Dance therapist working with individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, or social needs.
• Dance researcher conducting studies in areas such as dance history, theory, or education.
• Dance fitness or wellness instructor teaching dance-based fitness or wellness classes.
• Dance company manager or producer.
• Dance costume designer or maker
• Dance photographer or videographer
• Dance writer or critic
• Dance historian or archivist
• Dance marketer or publicist
• Dance event planner or coordinator.
• Dance consultant for film or television productions, or for the development of new dance works.

It's important to note that many dancers have multiple jobs and may not be employed full time in one specific career. Some may also have to take on additional jobs to support their dancing career. Additionally, the skills and discipline acquired during the program can be applied to other industries.

Challenges

A career in dance can be challenging, as the field is highly competitive and often requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Here are a few examples of the types of challenges that graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program may face:

• Physical demands: Dancing is a physically demanding activity that requires dancers to be in peak physical condition. Dancers may have to maintain a rigorous training and fitness regimen to be able to perform at the highest level.
• Injury: Dancing can be hard on the body, and dancers may be more susceptible to injuries. Dancers may have to manage and recover from injuries, which may limit their ability to perform.
• Limited job opportunities: The number of professional dance performance opportunities is limited, and competition for jobs can be intense. Dancers may have to audition for multiple companies and roles before landing a job, and many may not be able to secure a full-time position.
• Short-term contracts: Many professional dance jobs are on a contract basis, and dancers may have to find new work every few months. This can make it difficult to plan for the future and can be challenging for dancers to make a living.
• Low pay: Many dancers earn low pay, particularly early in their careers. This can make it difficult for dancers to afford the costs of training, rehearsals, and other expenses associated with their craft.
• Constant Rejection: Dancers face constant rejection and criticism, from not being selected for jobs, auditions, or parts in productions, to being given feedback on their performances. It can be hard to stay motivated and maintain self-confidence.
• Long hours and hard work: Dancers often have to work long hours, including rehearsals, performances, and classes. They may also have to work on weekends and holidays, which can be tiring and demanding.
• Constant learning: Dance is an ever-evolving art form, and dancers must be willing to learn new techniques, styles, and choreography. This requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to adapt.
• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has had a huge impact on the dance industry, leading to a decrease in performances, rehearsals and touring. This has affected the job opportunities for dancers and the way the industry operates.

Despite these challenges, many dancers find the rewards of a career in dance to be well worth the effort. The sense of accomplishment and the joy of performing can be incredibly fulfilling, and the bonds formed with other dancers can be a source of lifelong friendships.

Why Choose a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree. Here are a few examples:

• Passion for dance: For many, the love of dance is the primary reason for pursuing a degree in the field. A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree provides students with the opportunity to study and practice dance at a high level and to develop their skills as dancers and choreographers.
• Professional development: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the dance industry, such as professional performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration.
• Comprehensive education: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree is a well-rounded program that covers a wide range of topics, including dance technique, choreography, dance history, music and performance. This can provide students with a broad understanding of the art form and give them a competitive edge when seeking employment.
• Opportunities to perform: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree program will provide students with many opportunities to perform in front of live audiences, which can be invaluable experience for those interested in pursuing a career in dance performance.
• Personal growth: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree can be a challenging and demanding program that requires discipline, hard work, and dedication. The program can also help students to develop self-discipline, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic, which are valuable skills in any field.
• Flexibility: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree can be a versatile program that can open up a variety of career opportunities. The skills and discipline acquired during the program can be applied to other industries, such as entertainment, fitness, therapy, or teaching. Even if a student does not pursue a career in dance, the experience and skills gained through the program can be valuable in many other fields.
• Networking: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program provides students with the opportunity to interact and network with other students, professors, and professionals in the field. These connections can be valuable when seeking employment or other opportunities in the dance industry.
• Creative outlet: A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program allows students to express themselves creatively and to explore their artistic interests. The program can provide students with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can be hard to find in other fields.
• Cultural enrichment: Dance is a form of art that is deeply connected to culture, history and human emotions. A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program will provide students with knowledge about dance styles, choreographers and the cultural context of dance, which can help to enrich their understanding of the world around them.

In summary, a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree program can provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in the dance industry, as well as personal growth, creativity and cultural enrichment. It can also be a great foundation for a versatile and fulfilling career.

FAQ

What is a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree?

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree is an undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive education in dance as an art form. The program includes courses in dance technique, choreography, dance history, performance, and other related areas. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration.

What are the requirements to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program?

The requirements to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program may vary by school, but generally, applicants will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed a certain level of dance training. Some schools may also require applicants to take an audition or provide a portfolio of their previous dance experience.

What skills will I develop by studying a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree?

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in dance as an art form, and to prepare them for careers in professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, or arts administration. The program will impart a wide range of knowledge and skills to the students, such as dance technique, choreography, dance history and theory, performance, music and musicality, anatomy and kinesiology, critical thinking and analysis, communication and collaboration.

What are the career opportunities for graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program?

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree provides graduates with a variety of career opportunities in the dance and performing arts field such as professional dance performance, choreography, dance education, arts administration, dance therapy, dance research, dance fitness or wellness, dance company management, dance costume design, dance photography or videography, dance writing or criticism, dance history or archiving, dance marketing or public relations, dance event planning or coordination, dance consulting for film or television productions, or other related fields. However, it's worth noting that the dance industry is highly competitive and many dancers may have to take on multiple jobs to support their dancing career.

What are the challenges of a career in dance?

A career in dance can be challenging as the field is highly competitive and often requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Some of the challenges include physical demands, the risk of injury, limited job opportunities, short-term contracts, low pay, constant rejection, long hours and hard work, the need for constant learning and adaptation, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, many dancers find the rewards of a career in dance to be well worth the effort.

Is a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree suitable for someone who wants to become a professional dancer?

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in professional dance performance. The program includes dance technique classes, and performance opportunities, and may also offer courses in audition techniques and the business of dance. However, it is important to keep in mind that the dance industry is highly competitive and many dancers may have to take on multiple jobs to support their dancing career.

How long does it take to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree? A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree typically takes four years to complete when studied full-time. However, the duration of the program may vary depending on the school and the specific program requirements.

Can I study Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree part-time? It is possible to study a Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree part-time, but it may take longer to complete the program. This can be a good option for those who are working or have other commitments and cannot commit to a full-time program.