Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
An intensive study of dance technique and theory.
The UMass BFA in dance is a professional degree program preparing students for performance and choreography careers or graduate study. Through practice, inquiry, and research, our students gain a substantial knowledge of dance theory and its application to various aspects and issues in the field of dance.
BFA students undertake intensive study in dance techniques and theory: 16 courses in technique, 14 courses in dance theory, and a senior project. Technical courses include ballet, modern dance, and jazz, while academic courses include dance history, composition, rhythmic analysis, scientific foundations of dance, and dance production.
Our program provides diverse opportunities for performance and choreography, and exploring disciplines outside the field. The curriculum is supplemented with special events, guest choreographers, and master classes with dance professionals, and we produce three major concerts each year. Dance majors also benefit from the combined resources of Five College Dance. The faculty coordinate curricula, performances, and services and provide opportunities for students to experience a wide spectrum of performance styles and techniques.
Featured faculty
Matthew Westgate
Director of Wind Studies
Associate Professor
Conductor Matthew Westgate leads with a combination of expressivity and crispness. His performances are praised as dramatic, incisive, and passionate.
Thomas Vacanti
Professor
Thomas Vacanti received his dance training at the Festival Ballet of New York, Boston Ballet, and Skidmore College.
Dance
Grow as a dancer and scholar in a program combining a rich curriculum, broad extracurricular opportunities, and the diverse resources of the Five Colleges.