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Dancers on a dark stage

School of Theatre and DanceDance Bachelor's Degree

  • BA

About the Dance Major

At the Dance Center of ÒùÆÞÉç, our Dance BA guides students to become boundary-pushing artists with distinct points of view. Our program embodies a progressive approach to dance education, drawing from a wide range of dance techniques and styles, including West African, ballet, hip hop, and modern, to create something entirely new and unique for each dancer. Rooted in history but constantly transforming, we honor dance lineages while encouraging our students to innovate and repurpose the past and forge their own creative pathways.

Examples of Dance Careers

  • Professional Dancer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Teacher/Educator
  • Studio Owner
  • Arts Administrator
  • Dance Critic/Journalist
  • Dance Photographer/Videographer
  • Dance Therapist
  • Production Manager
  • Rehearsal Director

The Student Experience

Dancers progress along learning pathways focused on technique foundations, creative practice, dance studies, and career preparation. You’ll evolve as an artist and be part of a supportive and innovative dance community during and after your time at school. Our program is audacious: by embracing a wide range of styles, we push our students to challenge traditional notions of dance to create bold artists ready to forge new paths in the dance world. And because we’re a vibrant part of a major dance and arts hub, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities to perform and collaborate – within the program and throughout Chicago. ÒùÆÞÉç Dance is the place to make impactful, boundary-pushing work that is recognized and celebrated.

  • Participate in diverse productions

    Every semester, students have the opportunity to perform on our stage through faculty, student and guest artist work, presented alongside professional artists in our internationally known Dance Presenting Series Season.

  • Refine your technique

    The program is made up of diverse faculty that helps to expose students to a wide range of styles, but it still provides the depth that allows students to find themselves as artists.

  • Network with Industry Leaders

    Our Dance Presenting Series brings local, national, and international artists to share their work with our community. Students have the opportunity to not only see their work but also learn firsthand through workshops and guest lectures.

  • Take advantage of our top-tier facilities

    Take classes in one of our eight studios or the Dance Center Theater. Our spaces feature a variety of dance flooring options and professional sound systems, giving you room to explore your ideas in classes and rehearsals across dance styles. Bring your work to life on the Dance Center stage, one of the Midwest’s premier venues for dance.

  • Take your work further through internships

    You’ll work with a faculty mentor to secure an internship, whether in performance, arts administration, or teaching, aligning with your career ambitions.

  • Collaborate With Your Peers

    Find artists across the campus to build your next project, from film to fashion. You’ll connect with other creatives to shape your vision.

Dancers performing lit brightly on a dark stage

Career Readiness

Our well-rounded approach will prepare you to teach, produce, choreograph, and perform. You’ll connect with our diverse professional faculty who have deep ties in Chicago, one of the country’s most vibrant and accessible dance communities. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to contribute to the evolving field of dance—and succeed in many other related fields.

  • Real-world experience

    Immerse yourself in the city's energy by attending professional productions regularly.

  • Networking opportunities with alumni

    Connect with established dancers, actors, and casting agents through workshops, events, and internships facilitated by Columbia's industry connections and Career Center.

Alumni Spotlight

Vershawn Sanders-Ward headshot

Vershawn Sanders-Ward '02

Founder of Red Clay Dance Company

96%

of recent graduates reported being employed, continuing their education, or achieving success in their creative practice within a year.

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