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College of Arts and Media

Dance

Train in ballet, modern, and jazz while developing your artistic voice and preparing for a professional career in performance, choreography, or dance education.

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Degree
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
Location
  • Huntsville
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
Length

4 Years

Artistry in Motion. Built for the Stage.

The BFA in Dance at SHSU offers rigorous training in modern, ballet, jazz, and partnering, paired with opportunities to perform, choreograph, and collaborate. Students develop their technique and creative voice through studio classes, academic coursework, and interdisciplinary exploration, including the integration of media. With frequent performance opportunities and access to nationally recognized faculty, graduates are well-prepared for careers in performance, choreography, dance education, or advanced study. The program balances tradition with innovation to shape artists ready to contribute to the future of dance.

How Do I Get Into the Dance Program?

To pursue the BFA in Dance, students must be accepted to SHSU and complete a dance audition. Admission is based on both the audition and university acceptance. The audition includes faculty-led classes in ballet, modern, and jazz, along with improvisation. Students are strongly encouraged to apply to SHSU before their audition. Final admission is determined after both audition results and university admission status are reviewed.

What Is the Sophomore Gate?

The Sophomore Gate is a faculty evaluation that takes place during Choreography II and helps determine your readiness to continue in the BFA program. You'll present a faculty-mentored solo and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in dance courses. Based on your performance, you may pass, be asked to repeat the review, or be advised to pursue a different degree path.

Perform in major concerts such as Dance Spectrum in Concert and gain experience that prepares you for a professional career. Every performance is a chance to grow as an artist and share your work with the community.

Train. Perform. Grow.

The BFA in Dance offers intensive training in ballet, modern, and jazz, paired with regular performance and choreographic opportunities. You'll grow as both an artist and a mover, supported by experienced faculty and a community of peers.

  • Technique-Focused Training

    Classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and partnering help you build the strength, precision, and artistry needed for a professional dance career.

  • Performance Opportunities

    Whether in faculty concerts, student showcases, or guest artist works, students have multiple chances to perform and grow as dancers throughout the program.

  • Choreographic Experience

    Develop your voice through guided choreography projects, improvisation, and the integration of media into your creative process.

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Find Your Future Career

Students with Dance degrees go on to perform professionally, choreograph, teach in studios or schools, and pursue graduate study in dance or related fields.

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Faculty Who Guide and Inspire

Our faculty are nationally recognized performers, choreographers, and educators who are committed to helping you grow as a dancer, artist, and scholar.

Become a Bearkat

Ready to see what a degree can do for you or to start your application to SHSU? Our Admissions team is here to help.