»BFA in Dance Performance

Train to become a professional dancer and/or choreographer in our BFA in Dance Performance program.

In this BFA program, you will:

• Further develop the performance skills you built in the BA in Dance program.
• Pursue balanced training in multiple techniques.
• Learn choreography and choreograph your own pieces.
• Study the fundamentals of dance theory, history, science, and pedagogy, the science of teaching dance.
• Develop dance production skills, preparing yourself to become a well-rounded dance professional.

Please note:

• All dance majors begin in the BA in Dance program.
• In your sophomore year, you can choose to audition for the BFA in Dance Performance program or continue in the BA in Dance program.
  
  

 

Curriculum

At Chapman, we’re dedicated to immersing you in 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.
• Dance in world cultures.
• Hip-hop.
• Music for dancers.
• Somatics.
• Tap.

More information about the BFA in Dance classes and program requirements is available in the four-year plan in 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 sophomore year, you will decide whether you would like to continue earning your BA or audition for 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.
• BFA Students are required to complete 3 choreography credits, while choreography is optional for BA students.
• 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

As a BFA student, you will have the chance to perform through:

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

The BFA in Dance Performance degree at Chapman is a performance-focused program. Students begin performing and choreographing during their freshman and sophomore years as BA students, and continue to build on those experiences in the BFA program during their junior and senior years.

You will also continue to build choreography skills. Between curriculum, student choreography, and clubs, we produce 80–90 pieces of student choreography per semester.

Dance careers

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

• Broadway.
• Commercial industry.
• Community centers.
• Dance companies.
• Dance conventions.
• Dance studios.
• Music artist tours.
• Professional performing arts organizations.
• Public schools.
• Talent agencies.
• And more.

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

• Arts administrator.
• Athletic trainer.
• Bodywork practitioner.
• Dance historian.
• Dance movement therapist.
• Event coordinator.
• Physical therapist.

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:

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

Dance facilities at Chapman

As a Dance BFA 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.

For a quick look inside the Musco Center, check out this virtual, 360-degree 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 BFA Dance Performance 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.