Bachelor of Arts
Students majoring in dance at Winthrop University will experience a program that encourages a breadth of knowledge that includes many different styles of dance. All dance majors have opportunities to assume artistic leadership roles during their academic careers in the department. Advanced students take on solo performance roles, stage management positions and choreograph pieces in student concerts. Very few undergraduate programs offer these many opportunities for students to perform, design, direct, choreograph, stage manage and run productions.
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The B.A. degree in dance aligns with the university's liberal arts-based vision of education that encourages breadth of knowledge. Faculty shape class projects and mentor students in production work in a way that promotes collaboration — an essential skill for success in the performing arts and a very valuable skill in any profession.
All majors complete a core curriculum that exposes them to the broad range of dance technique and studies. This core curriculum includes courses in performance (modern, ballet, jazz technique and choreography), production (technical production and performance skills) and theory (music theory, kinesiology and dance history).
Students continue with focused studio work in modern and ballet technique as well as courses in advanced choreography, dance pedagogy, and career development. They select a minor to complement their dance studies.
Students pursuing the focused, professional degree program in teacher education take advanced courses in pedagogy, ballet and modern technique and career development. They will graduate with both a B.A. in Dance and a K-12 Teacher Certification through the College of Education.
Our dance program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
Each year, the department presents one main stage dance production, two student choreography showcases, and as many as six studio dance/theatre productions and other informal performances.
Students seeking employment after graduating with a degree in dance education have a 100 percent job placement rate.
"My degree from Winthrop has provided me with many opportunities post-graduation. It allowed me to work for an amazing dance and cirque company, Caroline Calouche & Co. Because my degree is in dance and education, it allowed me to dance professionally as well as do educational outreach work for the same company. Along with this, I have connected with other dancers who attended Winthrop before I went there. This allowed me to create relationships with other Winthrop Alumni and bond over our shared experiences. The best experience at Winthrop that has impacted my career was participating in the dance performances. I was provided many opportunities to perform at Winthrop in shows such as Winthrop Dance Theater, Junior Showcase, Senior Showcase and Winthrop Repertory group. Participating in all of these performance opportunities allowed me to refine my craft by finessing my dance and performance skills."