Dance
Bachelor of Arts, Minor
About this program
The Bachelor of Arts in Dance gives you training in dance performance, choreography, teaching and dance theory. It prepares you for careers in dance, education or movement‑based work. You will build strong technique skills, explore creative and historical ideas about dance, and learn how to teach and produce dance. You’ll graduate ready for work in studios, schools or your own projects.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The 45-unit Bachelor of Arts in Dance provides professional preparation in dance and an opportunity to study dance performance, choreography, teaching and dance theory. The goal of the program is to help students develop strong foundational skills and knowledge necessary for a variety of professional careers. SF State dancers have established their own companies, performed with professional companies, developed careers in kindergarten through grade 12 education or supplemented their education for work in private dance or Pilates studios.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Dance the student will be able to:
- Students will demonstrate competence at working conceptually and thinking critically about dance technique, performance, and choreography to include aesthetic properties of style and ideas shaped by artistic and cultural contexts.
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge in theatrical, social, and vernacular dance technique, choreography, and production—including intermediate to advanced competence in one or more areas of technique, performance, or choreography.
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of dance theory and the application of research methodologies for undertaking original research on and writing about dance topics.
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of the body and kinesiology as applicable to work in dance.
- Students will demonstrate competence in teaching—including one or more areas of intermediate level dance technique, creative process, or other dance topics.
Minor in Dance
The Minor in Dance gives you foundational skills in dance technique, choreography, and performance. You learn historical, social, and cultural aspects of dance too. You explore dance theory, research methods, and dance medicine or pedagogy. You also study body alignment and kinesiology. Courses include core and elective classes.
Learn more about the Minor in DanceFrequently Asked Questions
Attend the orientation to have the opportunity to meet Dance faculty advisers and other new students. Take notes for the advising portion of day and wear something comfortable for the movement portion of the day.
All new and prospective Dance majors and minors are required to enroll in DANC 170: “Integrated Dance Technique.” In addition to DANC 170, freshmen are advised to enroll in DANC 123: “Music Fundamentals” and/or DANC 208: “Cultural History of Dance – Tap.”
Junior transfers should enroll in DANC 170 as well as DANC 232: “Choreography/Composition I,” DANC 350: “Dance Aesthetics” and/or level II – III Dance technique classes as appropriate. First-semester freshmen and junior transfers should attend the Dance Orientation and Advising Day to ensure you are enrolled in the right courses.
Register for DANC 170: “Integrated Dance Technique” and attend the Dance Orientation and Advising Day with the other new Dance majors and minors. The event is held the Saturday before the first day of instruction.