»Bachelor of Arts in Dance

There are two dance degree programs at Chapman: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance Performance.

• All dance majors begin in the BA in Dance program.

• In your sophomore year you can choose to apply to the BFA in Dance Performance program or continue in the BA in Dance program.

In the BA program you’ll receive rigorous performance training in styles such as jazz, ballet, modern and more.

You will also build skill in all of the following, becoming a well-rounded dancer ready to enter the professional dance world:

• Choreography.
• Concert production.
• Dance theory.

You’ll be able to hone your dance skills, perform in your first year, take electives, and (if you want) still have time to double-major in an additional academic subject. Our Dance BA majors have the ability to:

• Start performing in concerts your first year.
• Learn choreographic theory and choreograph pieces for concerts.
• Develop leadership skills through roles backstage to understand all aspects of a dance production.
• Refine your technique and hone your creative process.
• Receive training in modern, jazz and ballet technique (we’re one of the few universities that offer comprehensive training in all three).
• Build a thorough understanding of dance theory, history and science.
• Collaborate with other students and industry professionals.
  
  

 

 

Curriculum

At Chapman, we’re dedicated to exposing you to different styles of dance. Here, you’ll get to explore a wide-ranging curriculum with classes in:

• Acting.
• Ballroom.
• Choreography.
• Conditioning/Pilates.
• Dance history.
• Dance performance.
• Dance production.
• Dance science.
• Dance teaching methods.
• Hip-hop.
• Music for dancers.
• Somatics.
• Tap.

More information about BA in Dance classes and program requirements is available in this four-year plan on our undergraduate catalog.

What is the difference between Chapman’s BA in Dance and BFA in Dance Performance?

At Chapman all dance students begin in the BA in Dance program. In your second year, you will decide whether you would like to continue earning your BA or apply to the BFA in Dance Performance program.

The main differences between the two programs are:

• The BA in Dance takes fewer credits to complete than the BFA in Dance Performance. This makes the BA a better option for double majoring.
• Students in the BFA in Dance Performance program end their final year with a capstone performance, a solo concert. This capstone performance is not part of the BA program.
  
  

Performance and choreography opportunities

The Dance BA at Chapman is a performance-focused program. We’re dedicated to giving you plenty of opportunities to perform and choreograph throughout your time here.

Starting your first year at Chapman, you will have the chance to perform through:

• Your classes.
• Student clubs.
• Off-campus opportunities.

In your second year and beyond, you will start learning choreography. We produce 80–90 pieces of student choreography per semester.

Dance careers

A BA in Dance from Chapman can help you find roles in:

• Dance companies.
• University dance departments.
• Professional performing arts organizations.
• Dance studios.
• Public schools.
• Talent agencies.
• Community centers.
• And more.

In addition to performance, teaching and choreography, BA in Dance graduates have a great foundation for occupations like:

• Body work practitioner.
• Dance movement therapist.
• Movement analyst.
• Physical therapist.
• Athletic trainer.
• Dance historian.

Career services on campus

Career services are available to all Chapman students, from their first day to graduation and beyond.

As a performing arts student at Chapman, you will have access to dedicated career advising specifically for performing artists.

Your CoPA career advisor is available to help you:

• Navigate career paths.
• Find opportunities that align with your interests.
• Build a robust portfolio.
• And much more.
  
  

Dance facilities at Chapman

As a Dance BA at Chapman, you will have access to all our dance facilities and venues from your first year.

Sandi Simon Center for Dance

The Sandi Simon Center for Dance is Chapman’s state-of-the-art facility for dancers on campus. It includes:

• Five dance studios, including a performance studio.
• Rehearsal studios.
• A dedicated health clinic and training studio.
• A student lounge.
• Classrooms.

Musco Center for the Arts

Since its opening in 2016, The Musco Center for the Arts has been recognized as one of the premier performing arts spaces nationwide. Covering 88,000 square feet, it is the largest performing arts space on the Chapman campus.

Throughout your time at Chapman, you will have the opportunity to perform alongside your professors, peers, and renowned guest artists in this space featuring:

• Modern architectural design by renowned architects Pfeiffer Partners.
• Acoustics by world‑renowned Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics.

• 1,044 seats on three levels.
• A full-scale stagehouse with a unique orchestral shell.

You can check out the Musco Center yourself from wherever you are, and explore the rest of our campus virtually, on this guided 360-degree tour.

Start my tour

 

 

 

Memorial Hall

Constructed in 1921, this on-campus performance space is included in the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of our student-led dance clubs have shows and performances in Memorial Hall.

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Dance scholarships

Our Department of Dance Talent Scholarship is open to all students in the BA or BFA in Dance programs. No separate application is required. By applying to a dance program at Chapman, you automatically apply for the scholarship.

For more info on scholarships and funding as a Chapman Dance student, see our Dance Scholarships and Aid page.

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Student-led clubs and organizations

In college, clubs and organizations help you make friends and connections, gain experience and prepare for your career. At Chapman, our student-led dance clubs and organizations give you opportunities to:

• Audition to perform in pieces beyond what is available through your classes.
• Choreograph for student-run dance concerts.
• Build professional skills that you can use in a dance career — or any career.
• Make friends and colleagues you'll work with throughout college and beyond.
  
  

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Study abroad as a Dance student

Studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and experience what life is like in other countries.

For Dance BA students, one of the best ways to include study abroad in your Chapman experience is by completing general education classes while abroad. This allows you to fulfill those requirements early so that when you return, you can dedicate your time to core dance courses on campus.

Our dance faculty encourage students to study abroad and can help you explore ways to make it a possibility.

Our study abroad programs are designed to:

• Be affordable
• Keep you on track to graduate
• Help you grow personally and professionally

We can also connect you with opportunities to keep up with your dance practice abroad.

 

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Program faculty and guest artists

In addition to our experienced faculty, you will be able to develop your skills alongside guest artists from around the world.

 

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Dance advising

As an undergraduate performing arts student, you will have a team of dedicated advisors here to help you. Your academic advisor can help you plan your classes, learn about performance opportunities and stay on track to graduate.

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Next steps

Interested in connecting with Chapman? Take one of the next steps below to get started:

• Learn how to apply to Chapman.
• See the additional application steps for the BA in Dance program.
• If you are planning on transferring to Chapman, you’ll want to check our transfer prerequisites.
• We are always available for tours and information sessions. We have in-person and virtual options available.
  
  

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