Dance degree programs offer various options for both undergraduate and graduate levels, including performance, academic, and analytical approaches. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees differ in their focus on liberal arts and dance, respectively. Graduate programs focus on creating professionals in the field, while a Ph.D. in dance focuses on dance history and philosophy. Certificate programs and awards are also available, with different programs focusing on different types of dance.
There are several different types of degree dance programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of these degree programs emphasize dance performance, but it is also possible to study dance from a purely academic or analytical point of view. While many choreographers are also dancers, a choreography degree is often different from a performance degree. Dance can also be combined with other disciplines such as theater or anthropology to create exciting dual courses that can lead to unique career opportunities.
One of the most common types of degree programs in dance is the bachelor’s degree in dance. A Bachelor of Arts in this subject must include liberal arts topics and completion of the academic disciplines required of all Bachelor’s degree holders. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Fine Arts focuses more exclusively on dance and may involve almost all classes in practice and technique. Some schools differentiate between these two types of degrees and some only offer one or the other.
Dance degree programs are generally more focused on creating professionals in this field. For example, a master’s degree in dance could teach people to become dance teachers. Many dance degree programs of this type focus on individuals who are already established dancers but need verification of their skills or education to advance to the next level. Most graduate programs do not teach dance techniques.
A Ph.D. in dance can be achieved, but usually not necessary for working professionals. This type of degree usually focuses on dance history or the philosophical ideas underlying the movement. Often, dance degrees are combined with theater degrees due to the close association of these two types of art. The focus of a Ph.D. in dance depends on the interests of the individual, although different schools come from different philosophical backgrounds.
In addition to degrees available at universities, there are many certificate programs available in this discipline, as well as awards related to completing certain levels of courses at dance schools. It is not uncommon for dancers to forego a university degree in favor of performance, as the age at which many types of dancers can be successful is very young and a degree is believed to interfere with a dancer’s career. Even so, the academic study of dance takes many forms, and different programs may focus on different types of dance. While some dance degree programs may have ballet as their specialty, others focus primarily on contemporary dance. As such, it is important to investigate not only degree levels, but also the current courses taught at the school.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
