The Alfred University Interdisciplinary Dance Program is a leader in dance studies, promoting creative research and exploration through dance and choreography. Our program welcomes students of all levels, regardless of previous experience or training. Courses emphasize composition, dance technique, performance skills, and the historical and aesthetic aspects of dance, encouraging students to connect with the art form in meaningful ways.
The Performing Arts at Alfred University is a welcoming space open to everyone, regardless of background or experience. With seating for 700+, the Miller Performing Arts Center serves as cultural hubs for the region. Students can find their place by joining courses, ensembles, private lessons, theater productions, clubs, or attending events. The Alfred University Performing Arts community embraces all who seek connection and collaboration through creativity in the arts.
Receive personalized mentorship in the performing arts through hands-on experiences like internships, research, and performance projects. Our dedicated faculty and visiting artists offer close guidance to help you develop your creative talents and technical skills. With small studio classes and the opportunity to lead or participate in projects, you'll be supported in every step of your artistic journey, ensuring your growth and success.
Collaborate across music, theater, dance, performance design and technology as well as disciplines outside the performing arts with mentorship from dedicated faculty and visiting artists. Our intimate studio classes foster cross-disciplinary innovation, helping you develop both artistic and technical skills while connecting with others to create bold, collaborative work that reflects diverse perspectives and talents.
Alfred University offers B.F.A. degrees in Interdisciplinary Performing Arts with focus areas in Dance, Music-Performance, Music-Sound Studies, Performance Design & Technology, and Theatre Applicants.
Submit your PortfolioDance equips students with a profound understanding of dance as both an art form and a way of knowing. It nurtures an appreciation for embodied knowledge, critical thinking, self-discipline, wellness, and collaboration. Through creative research, practice, and imagination, you will dance and choreograph in diverse spaces, exploring contemporary dance, somatics, and various genres, while engaging with pivotal historical figures and eras. You will also develop the skills to describe, interpret, evaluate, and contextualize dance performances and practices.
At Alfred University, our dance programs welcome students of all levels, embracing diversity in experience and style. We weave together dance theory and history, practice, and choreography to help students grow as both dancers and creators. Through hands-on practice and the art of choreography, students develop their skills, which they then bring to life in captivating performances. Our inclusive environment encourages every dancer to express their unique artistry, preparing them to thrive both on stage and in creative roles beyond.
At Alfred University, our dance program provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration and artistic growth. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty and guest artists, who guide them through technical training, choreography, and performance opportunities. We embrace inclusivity, welcoming dancers of all backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to express their unique voice. The interdisciplinary nature of our program encourages collaboration with peers in theatre, music, and performance design, inspiring innovative movement and creative exploration. Through this rich integration, students develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the diverse world of dance and beyond.
The program brings nationally acclaimed dance companies, choreographers and artists to AU, offering phenomenal opportunities for students to work and learn with innovative artists who are leaders in their field. Our guests have included Brian Brooks and Wendy Whelan, Ann Carlson, Kyle Abraham/Abraham in Motion, Jane Comfort, Yoshiko Chuma, Ishmael Houston Jones, Nick Cave and many more.
More About the Dance ResidencyCourses for the Dance BFA are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Dance as a double major is available to any AU student. Courses for the Dance Double Major are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Courses for the Dance Minor are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
A degree in dance provides students with a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base that open doors to various professional opportunities in the arts and beyond. Through rigorous coursework in performance, choreography, dance history, and somatic practices, students build a strong foundation for successful careers in the dance industry.
In our programs, students engage in collaborative projects, ensemble work, and live performances, enhancing their ability to work effectively with others. These experiences foster essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across all career paths. Additionally, students develop time management and self-discipline through consistent practice and rehearsal, preparing them for the demands of the professional world.
Graduates of our dance programs are well-equipped for diverse careers, including dance performance, choreography, educational outreach, arts administration, and many others. They often find roles in schools, theaters, dance companies, and cultural organizations, where they utilize their creativity and technical expertise to inspire and connect with audiences.
Moreover, with the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, students learn to integrate various movement styles and approaches, enhancing their adaptability in an evolving industry. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking and the exploration of new technologies in dance, enabling students to remain relevant in a rapidly changing arts landscape. By the time they graduate, students possess not only the technical skills required for their chosen profession but also the soft skills and readiness to thrive in diverse environments, both within and outside the Performing Arts.
Students interested in the Dance minor often explore other related minors and majors, such as:
