Bachelor’s (BA) Degree in Dance

Q: What can I do with a dance degree?

Dance majors are typically detail-oriented, goal-setting professionals who may excel in many areas of art. While dance, choreography and teaching are obvious career paths for dance majors, the training received in a dancing degree can also translate into strong communication and non-verbal skills, problem-solving skills and teamwork, which can open the door to various career opportunities.

Q: What degree do you need to be a professional dancer?

To become a professional dancer, you need the muscle strength, flexibility and techniques to potentially turn dance into a career. To achieve this, professional dancers may choose to pursue a bachelor’s in dance to gain formal training.

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Fine Arts

Program

BA in Dance

Current Education Level

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High School Graduation Year

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High School Name

Country

United States

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Overview

Pursue Your Passion as a Dance Major at GCU

A Bachelor of Arts in Dance degree from Grand Canyon University can help equip you to position yourself for potential career opportunities in the arts industry. Dance majors who graduate from this program may enter professional industries of concert dance, commercial dance or musical theatre. Those who pursue a dance BA offered by the College of Arts and Media at GCU may be prepared to attend graduate school in a diverse set of areas including dance therapy, choreography performance and business.

As a dance major at GCU, you will have the opportunity to engage in creative collaboration and varied movement practices to cultivate your artistic skills and processes. The bachelor’s degree in dance supports dance artists by teaching them how to communicate effectively through movement and reach broad audiences. Dance artists often work for themselves and can pursue a range of career opportunities.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Offered By

College of Arts and Media

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Coursework

Study How To Grow as a Dancer, Choreographer and Artist

Dancers who are admitted to GCU’s dance BA program are already skilled. The program is designed to enhance existing expertise in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Dancing technique courses are offered at five levels and, as a dance major, you can also participate in master classes and guest artist intensives. At GCU, you are taught how to grow as a dancer, choreographer and artist.

Your BA in Dance at GCU can help you gain experiences to pursue professional roles, such as performing and participating in concert productions such as the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts, the GCU Elementary Dance Tour and Student Spotlight Dance Concerts. Through these programs, GCU faculty can help dance majors cultivate the collaboration, innovation, critical thinking and cultural literacy for a career in dance.

Choosing this dance program at GCU can help prepare you with advanced coursework that is necessary to:

Perform various dance forms with technical proficiency and self-expression
Choreograph for professional dance concerts
Plan and direct productions
Teach dance and related subjects
Integrate dance, technology, and media
Pursue related studies (e.g. dance medicine, dance therapy)

True Life of a Dancer

Witness the collaborative spirit and passion that fuels GCU dance students and their performances, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of dance at GCU.

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a Bachelor’s in Dance

Graduates with a BA in Dance may have the training to position themselves to pursue many kinds of creative careers. After graduating with a dance BA, you may find work as a dancer or choreographer. Dancers with the skill and drive to continue training can benefit from a dancing degree and join other movement-based artists at GCU.

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

Achieve your educational dreams at a trusted and accredited university. GCU secures the excellence and acknowledgment your education deserves by earning accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation affirms GCU's adherence to rigorous criteria and standards, substantiating the university's commitment to delivering quality academic programs.

FAQ

Bachelor’s Degree in Dance FAQs

Seeking a bachelor’s degree is a substantial investment. Explore frequently asked questions about this dance degree program to aid your decision.

What degree do you need to be a dance teacher?

If you choose to step into a formal teaching role in a school setting, most public and private schools will have different requirements for what is needed to be a dance teacher. However, you should expect most requirements to say that you may need a bachelor’s degree in dance as well as a teaching license in the state you wish to teach in. This includes any dance experience you gain through traditional performances.

If an educational dancing degree interests you, GCU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dance for Secondary Education that is specifically designed for dance education in a classroom setting for middle schools, high schools and community colleges.

What is the difference between BA and BFA in Dance?

In general, the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) comes down to the amount of academic focus on the respective topic. In this case for dance majors, a BA will have more exploration into the academic side of dance, including the dance history, kinesiology, somatics and pedagogy. A BA in Dance may also allow dance majors to minor in another area of interest or possibly double major if you so choose.

A BFA in Dance on the other hand is focused more on dance performance to satisfy credit hours. While general education requirements may still be required, it should be expected to have more studio time than classroom time with a BFA in Dance.

What can I do with a dance degree?

What degree do you need to be a professional dancer?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major68 credits

Open Elective Credits12-18 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

MUS-210

4 Total Credits

COM-263

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on improving communication among people with different racial, ethnic, cultural, and minority backgrounds. Students explore verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in a variety of communication media and contexts. Communication styles, rituals, and traditions are explored through an examination of mass media, family structure, religion, politics, education, social life, art, and literature.

Core Courses

DAN-100

1 Total Credits

DAN-101

1 Total Credits

DAN-215

0 Total Credits

Course Description

Required every semester for dance majors except student teaching, this course is designed to prepare the student for a dance concert production in a theatrical setting. Through the rehearsal process and culminating performances, students gain dance proficiency by working in a range of styles and choreographic approaches. Students audition choreography and may be cast as dancers, understudies, stage managers, and production assistants. This course is open to non-majors. Prerequisite: Audition.

DAN-180A

0 Total Credits

DAN-200

2 Total Credits

DAN-250

1 Total Credits

DAN-260

1 Total Credits

DAN-120

1 Total Credits

DAN-180B

0 Total Credits

DAN-395

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the elements of technical theater specific to a dance production and to prepare students to organize a production in a variety of media. The course covers the fundamentals of lighting and costume design; sound/music/video recording and other multimedia devices; and basic elements of production management, such as contracts, labor issues, budgets, facility rentals, marketing and fundraising.

DAN-270

1 Total Credits

DAN-210

1 Total Credits

DAN-305

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the style, technique, and foundation of Hip Hop movement and culture. Students will explore Hip Hop styles with emphasis on Freestyle development, cultural understanding, and the Five Elements of Hip Hop. Development of proficiency includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, artistic expression, theory and practice specific to Hip Hop culture. Students will explore Hip Hop dance through historical and social views as well as exposure to some Street Style dances. This course is available for non-majors.

DAN-350

1 Total Credits

DAN-360

1 Total Credits

DAN-370

1 Total Credits

DAN-355

4 Total Credits

DAN-375

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on the elements of time, space, and energy as related to choreographic design. It is a study of these primary dance elements and their intrinsic role in developing diverse understandings of dance. The course considers design in the related fields of music and art as relevant to choreographic design and communication in dance. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Students needing field experience hours should take DAN-385N.

DAN-405

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a continuation of the style, technique, and foundation of Hip Hop movement and culture. Students will explore Hip Hop styles with emphasis on proficiency in Freestyle dance, social competence, and the practice of the Five Elements of Hip Hop. Students will develop proficiency in choreography, groove, theory, and practice specific to Hip Hop culture. Students will continue to explore Hip Hop dance through present social views and gain further exposure to some Street Style dances. This course is available for non-majors. Prerequisite: DAN-305.

DAN-315

4 Total Credits

DAN-322

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores the innovative intersection of dance and technology using a variety of digital tools and media. Students will learn ways to integrate technology to enhance dance creation, performance, and promotion. Key topics include copyright law, audio editing and design, videography in dance, applying technology to project design, technology for personal branding, and social media.

DAN-390

2 Total Credits

DAN-353

1 Total Credits

DAN-363

1 Total Credits

DAN-340

4 Total Credits

DAN-475

4 Total Credits

DAN-373

1 Total Credits

DAN-453

1 Total Credits

DAN-455

2 Total Credits

DAN-470

2 Total Credits

BUS-302

4 Total Credits

DAN-410

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This class is designed for the pre-professional dancer. Students will further their studies in commercial-style dance or a blend of jazz, street, and Hip Hop as seen in the entertainment industry. Students will experience fast-paced choreography to enhance their mastery of technical and artistic expression. This course will include mock auditions and informal performance opportunities to reflect professional contexts in commercial dance to prepare students to succeed as professional performers. Prerequisite: DAN-360.

DAN-463

1 Total Credits

DAN-300

2 Total Credits

DAN-302

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the style, technique, and rhythmic structures of tap dance with emphasis on increasing movement capabilities and personal expression. It includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to tap. Students will explore tap dance through historical, social, and improvisational contexts. This course is available for non-majors.

DAN-430

2 Total Credits

DAN-490

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the practical and applicable skills involved with starting, managing, and flourishing as an entrepreneur in arts administration. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be applied to all aspects of managing and marketing for arts and cultural organizations. The implementation of these skills will give artists an insight into the many career options that are available above and beyond being onstage performers, including careers in entrepreneurial, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.

DAN-402

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a continuation of the style, technique, and rhythmic structures of tap dance. Students will explore various tap styles with emphasis on increasing movement capabilities and personal expression. Development of proficiency includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to tap dance. Students will explore tap dance through historical, social, aesthetic and improvisational contexts. Students will also develop basic choreography skills, and learn how to combine steps to formulate dances. Prerequisite: DAN-302.

DAN-473

1 Total Credits

DAN-435

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is a continuation of Dance Research Seminar I, which provides an opportunity for students to define their career goals and to network in preparation for a career and/or further dance studies. Students will explore current issues and career trends in dance. Topics will include academic research skills, creating a collaborative arts project, and business applications. Prerequisite: DAN-430.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Start Your Journey Today

Enroll today and embark on an extraordinary journey toward realizing your passion for dance with our BA in Dance program. Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your passion into a profession. Apply now to begin shaping your future as a dancer.

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Bachelor’s (BA) Degree in Dance

Pursue Your Passion as a Dance Major at GCU

Benefits of the BA in Dance Program

Study How To Grow as a Dancer, Choreographer and Artist

True Life of a Dancer

Career Paths for Graduates With a Bachelor’s in Dance

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

Bachelor’s Degree in Dance FAQs

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Required General Education Courses

Core Courses