The Department of Dance through the KU School of the Arts offers a BFA or BA degree in dance with integrated training in ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques, as well as courses in choreography, dance theory, history and pedagogy. Majors in the BFA program focus on technique, performance and choreography. They are also required to take classes in Classical East Indian Dance, Musical Theatre Dance, Introduction to Flamenco, and Conditioning and Injury Prevention for Dancers.
Dance Department website
Sample Career Paths in Dance
Choreography: Involves the art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form or both are specified. It also refers to the design of a dance.
Dance Administration: Includes all aspects of running a business in the dance industry. Jobs may include skills such as management, booking, public relations, and grant specializations.
Dance Therapy: Centers on the power of physical movement to provide therapy in a mental or physiological aspect as well as the proper upkeep of professional dancers.
Education: Focuses on the training and teaching of new dancers as well as professional dancers. This can include private tutoring, dance studio ownership, college professor, or K-12 teacher.
Performance: Involves pursuing a career that focuses on the applied aspect of dance.
Possible Employers in Dance
- Ballet Companies
- Dance Companies
- Dance Studios
- Dance Camps
- Entertainment Companies
- National Endowment for the Arts
- Performing Arts Centers
- Recreation Facilities
- Schools/Universities
- Theatre Companies
- Theme Parks
- Touring Companies
- Treatment/Counseling Centers
- University Theatre/Dance Troupes
- Wellness/Alternative Health Care Centers
Possible Job Titles in Dance
- Artistic Director
- Ballet Mistress/Master
- Choreographer
- Costume Designer
- Dancer
- Dance Critic
- Dance Company Manager
- Dance Studio Owner
- Dance Therapist
- Dance Writer
- Production Manager
- Talent Agent
- Teacher
- Tour Manager
- Stage Manager
Strategies for Finding Employment in Dance
- Identify specializations that interest you most and pursue courses and experiences that allow you to explore these interests further.
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e. advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications) for occupations you are considering.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you through independent study, internships, part-time jobs or volunteering.
- Set up email alerts through KU Career Connections and join the internship Listserv to receive automated weekly emails (see sample) with industry specific information.
- Consider joining a professional organization in dance to broaden your network.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest: The University Dance Company, Dancesport KU, and Swing Society at KU.
The quick link for this page is: KUCareerHawk.com/Dance