Contemporary Dance BFA
About the Degree
The Contemporary Dance BFA at the University of Utah integrates the rigors of technical physical practice, creative investigation, and intellectual exploration to prepare dancers for the opportunities and challenges of the profession. The major is a four-year degree requiring completion of 120 total semester credit hours, a majority of which are fulfilled through School of Dance coursework in addition to University’s general education requirements.
The degree is distinguished by excellence, professionalism, humanism, and a proud commitment to a lively spirit of creative inquiry. The quality of faculty instruction, the rigors of the curriculum, the dance facilities available to the students, and the national/international reputation of the degree all contribute to the high standards set by the School of Dance. Upon graduation from the degree, students are fully prepared for the demands and expectations of the dance profession as future performers, choreographers, teachers, scholars, dance artists, and dance advocates as seen by our extensive alumni network.
Academic Coursework
The University of Utah is accredited by the National Associations for Schools of Dance (NASD) and our coursework follows the curricular standards outlined by NASD, including Performance, Choreography, Theoretical and Historical Studies, and Teaching. The degree’s learning outcomes and course requirements are available through the Academic Catalog.
In addition to daily technique classes and studio courses that represent a variety of dance forms, students follow a consistent improvisation and composition sequence. Students additionally receive training in somatics and anatomy, dance history, pedagogy, criticism, screendance, music for dance, and various sides of stage production. Students also audition for School of Dance productions. Contemporary Dance BFA majors are evaluated each semester with regard to:
Technical ability and growth
Choreographic/creative ability
Academic performance
Motivation and commitment
Performance Opportunities
School of Dance students are supported by outstanding production staff who maintain the 330-seat Hayes Christensen Theater, facilitate performances, and create stunning costumes for classical ballets and contemporary works. An average of six fully produced performances in the Hayes-Christensen Theater each year give School of Dance majors substantial performance opportunities through a variety of work by renowned guest artists, faculty members, and graduate students. Collaborations between professional dance companies and local professionals in the Salt Lake community, namely artists from Ballet West, Repertory Dance Theatre, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company occur regularly. Numerous student-driven performances including a senior concert and more informal presentations by student organizations also give opportunities for collaboration across the School of Dance and with artists in other disciplines, fostering rich creative environments for performance opportunities and experiences.
Audition & Admissions
All incoming students must audition for admission into the Contemporary Dance BFA as well as comply with regular University admission procedures (review the information for Undergraduate Admissions & Auditions). Declared Contemporary Dance BFA majors wishing to transition into the Ballet BFA major must re-audition for acceptance into that major. Students admitted as BFA majors in the School of Dance are eligible to pursue the Dance Minor without an additional audition and may contact Academic Advising to declare the minor.
Contact Us
For questions about this degree, please reach out to:
Natalie Desch
Recruitment Director
natalie.desch@utah.edu