Dance – Performance and Choreography Bachelor's Degree

Our Dance—Performance and Choreography Major (B.F.A.) curriculum emphasizes a broad foundation in dance while centering the creative process and the development of individual student voice. Our rigorous program prepares dancers for vibrant, lasting careers by embedding the study of varied techniques and composition into every semester.

Complementary coursework in dance pedagogy, dance history, kinesiology, dance production, movement analysis, and interdisciplinary studies of the arts provides a well-rounded education in all aspects of dance as a field. Students gain practical experience teaching in community contexts and acquire professional skills for producing a dance concert.

The School of Dance is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance. Entrance and graduation requirements are in compliance with standards set by the association.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to general admission requirements to Ohio University, the Dance program requires a dance application and dance audition. Acceptance to the Dance major or minor program in choreography and performance is by talent audition. Auditions are scheduled to coordinate with various University application deadlines.

The audition class includes modern, ballet, and jazz portions, and improvisation. Each of these provides the dancer with an opportunity to demonstrate his or her talent, level of training, and aptitude for further study in dance. Auditionees are not expected to demonstrate proficiency in all techniques. The audition committee evaluates technical proficiency, physical strength and flexibility, spatial and rhythmic accuracy, and performance quality. Dancers should be prepared to take class in dancewear that allows freedom of movement. You will need to dance barefoot for the modern portion of the audition class and may bring ballet slippers or jazz shoes to wear for the ballet and jazz portions of class.

We offer several audition dates in the fall and winter, on our beautiful Athens campus and at off-campus sites such as dance festivals. All listed auditions offer you the opportunity to be considered for admission and scholarship

Although attending a scheduled audition is the best possible means of representing your talent, if you are unable to attend, please contact the School of Dance at dance@ohio.edu or 740.593.1826 to discuss the possibility of other arrangement

On-Campus Auditions & Information

More about Dance Auditions

OHIO Admissions

Dance B.F.A. Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for the Dance—Performance and Choreography Major.

The first year of the program introduces the dancer to the expectations of the school for its pre-professional training program.

The second year of the program deepens the discipline and practice of dance for the B.F.A. major in Choreography and Performance. Students are expected to devote more time to their work outside the usual class period.

The third year intensifies focus on training and the application of knowledge in a variety of areas including kinesiology and teaching courses. A junior choreography project is undertaken in the spring of the junior year to prepare the B.F.A. major for the senior capstone project work.

The final year refines the dancer's technique, choreographic production and concert management in a senior choreographic project. Students who have an interest in teaching may be invited to teach under supervision.

Internships

Many students in the School of Dance complete internships during their undergraduate career in order to gain professional experience. Academic credit can be granted for internships. Our students have completed internships at Bates Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the Yard on Martha’s Vineyard, OhioDance, Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble in Switzerland, and many other organizations.

The School of Dance also offers an internship program through Factory Street Studio, a local non-profit dance studio. Ohio University students gain hands-on learning in dance education by assisting teachers, teaching their own classes, or helping to plan dance events in the community. This internship is available to all students who have successfully completed the Dance Pedagogy course.