Dance Studies
Bachelor of Science
Develop as a dancer, understand the how and the why of dance, and prepare for a career, graduate degree, or certification program
in performance, choreography, pedagogy, production/stage management, arts administration, therapy, history, criticism, theory and research, somatic therapies, or movement analysis, depending on your interests and choice of electives. Gain mastery from diverse classes in movement and theory, courses with global perspective, performing and choreography opportunities, internships, workshops, and residencies with faculty and guest artists who are professional dancers and field-certified educators. Grow with personal attention in our small classes.
Highlights
Enjoy dance-focused study abroad options in South America, Europe, Africa, or Asia
Choose a minor such as theatre arts, business, music, women and gender studies, or community youth development
Collaborate with peers in music and theatre and with the off-campus community
Shape your studies and capstone project to fit your individual needs and interests
Career Paths
- Dance educator
- Professor
- Dance therapist
- Performer
- Choreographer
- Somatic practitioner (Pilates, yoga, fitness)
Example Internships
- Professional dance company administrative intern
- Studio teaching intern/summer workshop intern
- Choreographer, dance captain, or performer in community/regional theatre productions
Graduate Schools
- Ohio State University
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Goddard College
- Rutgers University
Double Up
Take courses towards a possible B.A. or B.S. double major in another field of interest, including teaching
Go Global
Broaden your perspective through courses such as Dance and Culture, Afro-Caribbean Dance, and Anthropology of Dance
$4,000
Our SPARK Grant provides up to $4,000 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad. SPARK details »
How to Audition
Auditions are required for this major. View audition details and register »
Want to teach?
For elementary school (birth to grade 6): You can double major in dance studies and in inclusive early childhood/childhood education, for a curriculum that includes both dance and teaching younger children, preparing you to get teaching certification.
Work with Professional Artists
Each year, Nazareth's Movement and Dance (MAD) Weekend offers dozens of master classes in a myriad of styles and cultural forms. Faculty and student dancers regularly perform in the Rochester International Fringe Festival. Nazareth hosts professional residencies on campus such as The David Dorfman Dance Co.
Program Director
Alumni Spotlight
“The dance program at Nazareth gave me the tools I needed to grow as an artist, choreographer, and educator. I received so much support as a dance and social work double-major to pursue both degrees and gain necessary experience in both fields.
“My long-term goal is to continue creating a body of work that represents me as an artist through my dance company, 32nd Pack, where I am a co-founder and co-director. I also hope to continue sharing my passion and love for dance as an educator and make dance accessible in my community. I plan to continue creating programming that incorporates social-emotional learning in dance education.”
— Rachel Daly-Johnson ’21, co-director of 32nd Pack Dance Company, and an educator at Dancenter of Utica & Herkimer