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The mission of the Department of Dance and Choreography is to create an environment where the student experiences the demands and challenges of the professional dancer/choreographer. In a community setting where communication, mutual respect and self-motivation are encouraged, classes provide students with disciplined training that maximizes their potential to become dancers of technical excellence, choreographers with original and powerful voices, and thinkers with high academic standards.

Students train to be performers, choreographers and teachers. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary dance practices and includes courses in technique, creative practices, dance theory, choreography, and more. Additionally, prospective students can expect experiential learning in performance, choreography, and production. These opportunities provide professional training in dance technique, knowledge of dance philosophies, and a foundation in history, enabling students to work as independent and creative artists in the dance field.

VCU Dance is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

The Dance and Choreography degree is specifically designed to prepare students for a variety of options within the art. Alumni have started dance companies as choreographers, screened their video dances at national and international film festivals, and developed collaborative partnerships with other artists. Alumni are actively working in positions including but not limited to dancing in professional companies like Urban Bush Women and commercial dance in Broadway shows like The Lion King and Harry Potter.

Many alumni teach in performing arts high schools, privately-owned dance studios, pre-professional training schools, recreational programs, yoga and Pilates studios, and dance departments. Additional career paths in dance-related fields include stage management, design for dance, theater management, grant writing, dance technology, dance sciences, physical therapy, and more growing opportunities within hybridized industries.

Students who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to submit an application here.

We consider talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance; prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques; ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range; and a healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury free and openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem solving.

An audition is required.