Overview

The program at Nazareth University emphasizes both the how and the why of dance, providing a solid grounding in not only the physical, but also the cultural, historical, aesthetic, entrepreneurial, therapeutic, pedagogical and theoretical functions.

Develop as a dancer through diverse classes in movement and theory, performing and choreography opportunities, as well as internships, workshops, and residencies with faculty and with guest artists who are professional dancers and field-certified educators. Grow with personal attention in our small classes, and take advantage of our flexible program to combine studies in professionally relevant ways. Easily collaborate with other departments, such as music, and with the off-campus community.

Broaden your perspective through study abroad, rich cultural experiences on campus, and global perspectives courses such as Dance and Culture, Afro-Caribbean Dance, and Anthropology of Dance.

Nazareth’s Arts Center is the region’s premier mid-size theater and the place to be for world-class dance, international entertainment, and other performances. 

Highlights

• Individualized study: Shape your studies and capstone project to fit your individual needs and interests, gaining relevant and professional experience in your area of focus.
• 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. (video).
• Double major or minor options: There is flexibility in your schedule to add a minor in theatre arts, music, women and gender studies, business, or community youth development, among other options, or take courses towards a possible B.A. or B.S. double major in another field of interest, including teaching (see inclusive early childhood/childhood education program option below).
• Career prep: Prepares you for employment, graduate degrees, and/or certification programs in areas such as performance, choreography, pedagogy, production/stage management, arts administration, therapy, history, criticism, theory and research, somatic therapies, and movement analysis, depending on your interests and combination of electives.
• Study abroad: Intern at a studio in Barcelona or Florence, train with an intensive in Argentina or Ireland, learn West African dance in Ghana, teach dance in Costa Rica or the Philippines, and more.

Careers

• Dance educator - private studio/coach, public school educator, higher education professor
• Dance therapist
• Performer
• Choreographer
• Somatic practitioner (Pilates, yoga, fitness)