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Dance

Create, Connect and Perform

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.

School/Division

Performing Arts

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Dance (BFA)

Minor

Dance

Program Contact

D. Chase Angier

angierc@spicydom.com

607-871-2568

Why Dance at Alfred University?

Inclusion

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.

Mentorship

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.

Intersections

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.

About Our Dance Programs

Dance 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.

From Theory to Performance to Practice

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.

Learn and Collaborate

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.

Dance Residency

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 Residency

Sample List of Courses for BFA and BA

DANC 120 - Fundamentals of Dance
DANC 211 - Dance History
DANC 212 - Walking the Walk: Creativity, Perception and Walking
DANC 214 - Embodied Anatomy
DANC 222 - Modern Dance I
DANC 223 - Jazz Dance I
DANC 224 - Contact Improvisation
DANC 225 - Laban Movement Studies
DANC 226 - Hip Hop Dance
DANC 227 - African Dance
DANC 230 - Improvisation/Composition I
DANC 270 - Alfred University Dance Theatre
DANC 322 - Modern Dance II
DANC 331 - Site Specific Composition
DANC 340 - New and Existing Repertory
DANC 370 - Choreographic Practicum
DANC 385 - Dance Internship

Dance Minor – 18 credits

Core Courses

DANC 120 Fundamentals of Dance
DANC 211 Dance History
DANC 222 Modern I
DANC 230 Improvisation/Composition I
DANC 270 Alfred University Dance Theatre (taken twice)
DANC 330 Improvisation/Composition II
or DANC 331 Site Specific Composition (can be an elective)

Electives in Dance (select 2 credit hours)

DANC 223/323 Jazz Dance I and II
DANC 224 Contact Improvisation
DANC 225 Laban Movement Studies
DANC 322 Modern Dance II
DANC 325 Laban Movement Applications
DANC 340 New and Existing Repertory
DANC 370 Choreography Practicum
DANC 450 Independent Study
DANC Special Topics: African Dance, Fundamentals of Hip Hop Dance

Coursework (See Catalog)
AU Dance Theater
Dance Productions Choreography
Major (BFA) available
Minor available

For more information, please contact Performing Arts Secretary Monica Reginio.

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.

Student Stories

Mechanical Engineering and Dance

"I really appreciate the people that I have gotten close to at Alfred University. These individuals have been comforting, resourceful and loving since I first arrived at Alfred."

Eli Cordova, 2021

Find out more about Eli