B.F.A. in Dance, Education Concentration

Colorado State University offers a rigorous classical and contemporary dance program culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Education Concentration. The CSU Dance degree requires a strong physical and mental commitment and an eagerness to learn and improve.

Our unique B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in dance education prepares students to teach in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and the community at large, with field experience in all three areas. Each of the classes in dance education involves supervised teaching and field experience, giving students extensive professional experience while in the program. Students have multiple opportunities to apply practical and theoretical knowledge in tangible ways. The degree equips students to apply for dance teaching licensure (grades P-12) in the state of Colorado in conjunction with CSU’s Center for Educator Preparation. Dance students receive in-depth training in pedagogy, classical, contemporary, and urban dance techniques and performance, and choreography. This holistic approach also includes anatomy and kinesiology, music for dance, production design, and career development. The program strives to center equitable teaching practices and philosophies that reflect best teaching practices. Beginning in the first year, students are eligible to perform in five annually produced dance concerts.

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is comprised of esteemed faculty and administrative and production staff, all dedicated to supporting student education in the arts.

Program-Level Learning Objectives

• Apply research, assessment, critical thinking, and advocacy skills to develop best pedagogical practices as a dance teacher in elementary and secondary schools, dance studios, and the community at large.
• Assess the backgrounds, abilities, developmental levels, and individual identities of students and plan a curriculum that considers their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Explore the multitude of ways in which community engagement is embedded in dance, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
• Demonstrate technical and artistic achievement in the areas of classical, contemporary, and urban dance performance, teaching, and choreography.
• Create solo, group, and site-specific choreography utilizing established and inventive devices and movement vocabulary.
• Interpret and perform original and historic repertoire with confidence and discuss the development and significance of dance forms across cultures.