Course Overview!

Ball State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance is a four-year program focusing on the impact of dance on the world and vice-versa. It emphasizes self-direction, innovation, and collaboration, preparing students for professional dance careers. The curriculum combines individual technique development in various styles (West African, hip hop, musical theatre, jazz, tap, modern, and ballet) with the study of choreography, pedagogy, and dance history. Students gain performance experience through immersive studio and venue opportunities, and participate in external professional development like attending the American College Dance Association conference or the Gibney Dance Center Group Study Program. The program culminates in a senior capstone project, where students showcase their work and prepare for a professional career. The program is highly competitive and requires an audition.

Course Structure

The BFA in Dance curriculum integrates technical training in multiple dance forms with theoretical studies. Students will engage in classes focusing on ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, and West African dance techniques. Alongside technical skill development, the program includes coursework exploring choreography, dance history, pedagogy, and potentially related theoretical subjects like movement analysis or dance studies. The curriculum is designed to build upon skills progressively throughout the four years, culminating in a senior capstone project which is a portfolio showcasing their abilities and a reflection of their individual artistic journey within their chosen area of focus within dance. Opportunities for performance and participation in professional development programs are also integral aspects of the course structure.