Dance Program Overview
Dance is a physical, embodied art form. It connects people without words – and connects us to our own humanity through an awareness of the body. Dance allows you to focus and free yourself at the same time. Come fulfill the magic of movement at USF Dance.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s dance program prepares and inspires students for
a life in dance. Our exclusively undergraduate program emphasizes intensive training
in ballet, modern dance, and choreography. Students acquire understanding of dance
theory and dance kinesiology to enhance movement and prevent injury. Dance faculty
members are well-known professionals with wide-ranging experience as dancers, choreographers,
and teachers. They maintain a close mentoring relationship with students in all classes.
Central to the dance program is our commitment to the creation of original choreographic
works by students, faculty, and guest artists. These works are presented in regular
public performances by students throughout the year.
Housed in its own Dance Center, students at DanceUSF enjoy the support of a strong dance community, as well as access
to services and resources from a large public research university.
DanceUSF offers the following degree/certificate programs:
- BFA in Dance Performance (with a concentration in ballet or modern dance)
- BA in Dance Studies
- Dance Minor
- Advanced Dance Studies Certificate
- Dance Medicine and Science Certificate
Comprehensive Dance Curriculum
The curriculum for all dance majors includes courses from three areas. Studio Technique consists of four progressive levels in ballet and modern dance, with live music provided by professional musicians. Creative Studio Studies emphasizes improvisation and features four levels of choreography. Dance Theory provides extensive study in music for dance, dance kinesiology, movement analysis, dance history, pedagogy, and research in dance. Students are encouraged to expand their view of dance to include other cultures and ideas of performance.
Exciting Guest Artists
USF Dance brings renowned guest dancers and choreographers to work with students in workshops and performances. With support from the Holloway Endowment and Macy’s Visiting Artist Endowment, Trisha Brown, Bill T. Jones, Doug Varone, Rosie Herrera, Donna Mejia, Robert Moses, and more have set original or existing works on DanceUSF students.
Study Dance in Paris
USF Dance offers one of the most exciting study abroad options available to dance majors. The faculty-directed USF Dance in Paris Program offers semester and summer courses of study. Both are one-of-a-kind opportunities for serious dancers to take classes, see performances, live in and experience the French capital from the point of view of a dancer.
Dance Performance
Students pursuing the BFA in Dance Performance will select an emphasis in ballet or modern dance, although focused study of both is required.
Dance Studies
Students seeking the BA in Dance Studies will explore dance in relation to other fields of interest, leading to a thorough liberal arts education within a focused area of study.
Dance Minor and Undergraduate Certificates
The USF dance department also offers a dance minor, an Advanced Dance Studies Certificate, and a Dance Medicine and Science Certificate.