Best Masters's In Dance Programs (2024)

A Master’s Degree in Dance is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and creative expression within the field of dance. This program typically combines practical training, choreography, and research, providing a well-rounded educational experience that prepares you for various professional roles in the dance community.

Some key components of a typical Dance Master’s Degree program include:

• Curriculum Focus:

  • Advanced study in performance techniques.
  • Choreography and composition.
  • Dance history and theory.
  • Research methods in dance.

• Practical Experience:

  • Opportunities to create, perform, and present original work.
  • Collaborations with fellow students and faculty.
  • Internship or teaching assistant positions to apply skills in real-world settings.

• Research Component:

  • Requirement to complete a thesis or capstone project that contributes to the field of dance.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Before entering a Master’s Degree program in Dance, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Educational Background:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Dance or a related field is generally required.
  • Some programs may accept applicants from diverse backgrounds with a demonstrated commitment to dance.

• Portfolio Submission:

  • You will usually need to submit a portfolio showcasing your work in choreography, performance, and any other relevant creative projects.

• Audition:

  • Many programs require an audition to assess your technical abilities and performance skills.

• Letters of Recommendation:

  • Strong letters of recommendation from professionals in the field may be needed to support your application.

• Statement of Purpose:

  • A written statement describing your motivations for pursuing the degree and your professional goals in dance.

By meeting these prerequisites and engaging fully with the program’s offerings, you will be positioned to significantly advance your dance career, whether that involves performing, teaching, or contributing to the scholarly discourse surrounding dance.

In a Master’s Degree program in Dance, you can expect to engage in a diverse array of courses that enhance your artistic, technical, and scholarly skills. The curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of dance as an art form while preparing you for various professional avenues within the field.

• Advanced Techniques in Dance
  Focuses on refining your skills in a specific dance form or technique, such as ballet, modern, jazz, or contemporary, often incorporating composition and performance aspects.

• Choreography and Composition
  Explores the creative process behind dance-making, emphasizing the principles of choreography, improvisation, and the use of space, time, and movement.

• Dance History and Criticism
  Offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of dance, examining key figures, styles, and movements in dance history, as well as methods for evaluating and critiquing dance performances.

• Dance Pedagogy
  Covers the theories and methods of teaching dance, including curriculum development, instructional strategies, and the psychology of learning in a dance context.

• Movement Analysis
  Provides tools to understand and analyze human movement through various frameworks, such as Laban Movement Analysis, focusing on anatomy, kinesiology, and the mechanics of movement.

• Cultural Perspectives in Dance
  Investigates the role of dance within different cultures, exploring how cultural contexts shape movement styles, rituals, and the significance of dance in social and political movements.

• Dance Production and Management
  Examines the logistics involved in producing dance performances, including stage management, lighting, costume design, and marketing within the dance industry.

• Research Methods in Dance
  Introduces methodologies for conducting scholarly research in dance, encouraging you to develop research questions and engage in critical inquiry to contribute to the field.

• Performance and Repertory
  Involves participation in performances, potentially including rehearsal processes, staging, and exploring a range of dance repertoire, giving you practical experience in live performances.

• Capstone Project or Thesis
  A culminating academic experience that may involve creating a choreographic work, conducting in-depth research, or developing an original project that synthesizes your learning throughout the program.

These courses are designed to cultivate your unique artistic voice, enhance your technical proficiency, and equip you with knowledge applicable to a variety of career paths in the field of dance.

Selecting the right school for your Dance Master's Degree program is a significant step in your professional journey. Consider the following factors to ensure you make an informed choice:

• Program Focus
  Identify what aspect of dance you want to specialize in. Different programs may emphasize choreography, performance, education, or dance therapy. Research the curriculum offerings to find a school that aligns with your career goals.

• Faculty Credentials
  Investigate the qualifications and experience of the faculty members. Look for instructors who are not only accomplished dancers but also recognized educators in their fields. Faculty connections can provide valuable networking opportunities.

• School Reputation
  Look for institutions with a strong reputation in the dance community. Alumni success stories, high-profile performances, and participation in festivals can be indicators of a solid program.

• Facilities and Resources
  Assess the quality of the dance studios, theaters, and equipment available to students. Access to state-of-the-art facilities can enhance your training and performance experience.

• Class Size
  Consider the student-to-faculty ratio. Smaller class sizes may offer more personalized instruction and feedback, while larger classes might provide diverse peer interactions.

• Location and Culture
  Think about where the school is located. Being in a city known for its arts scene can present additional performance opportunities and networking possibilities. Consider how the local culture aligns with your artistic vision.

• Financial Aid and Tuition Costs
  Evaluate the cost of the program and available financial aid options. Research scholarships, grants, and assistantship programs that can help offset tuition fees.

• Graduate Outcomes
  Look into the career paths of alumni from the program. A strong network of successful graduates can provide mentorship opportunities and potential job leads after you complete your degree.

• Internship and Performance Opportunities
  Prioritize schools that offer connections to internships, workshops, and performance opportunities. Real-world experiences are integral to your training and can enhance your résumé.

• Program Flexibility
  Determine if the program offers part-time options or online classes, especially if you may want to continue working or performing while studying.

• Personal Visits and Open Houses
  If possible, visit prospective campuses to get a feel for the environment. Meeting faculty and current students can give you valuable insights into the program and culture.

By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can find a Dance Master's Degree program that not only meets your educational needs but also helps propel your career in the dance industry.

• Professional Organizations
  Joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and industry insights. Consider the following:

  • Dance/USA
    • A national service organization for professional dance, offering resources for dancers and educators.
  • National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
    • Supports dance education and provides access to webinars, advocacy resources, and community support.

• Online Journals and Publications
  Familiarizing yourself with current research and trends in dance can enhance your academic experience.

  • Journal of Dance Education
    • A peer-reviewed journal featuring research and articles focused on the teaching and learning of dance.
  • Dance Research Journal
    • Provides scholarly articles on various aspects of dance research and criticism.

• Funding and Scholarships
  Explore various scholarships and funding resources for graduate study:

  • Fastweb
    • An extensive database of scholarships based on your background and interests, including dance.
  • The Fulbright Program
    • Offers scholarships for international study and cultural exchange, beneficial for dance studies abroad.

• Workshops and Masterclasses
  Engaging in workshops can enhance your skills and connect you with industry professionals. Look for:

  • Local dance studios or conservatories that offer workshops or masterclasses.
  • Online platforms such as Coursera or MasterClass that feature dance instructors from prestigious backgrounds.

• Academic Resources and Libraries
  Access to digital libraries and databases is essential for your research:

  • JSTOR
    • A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources, useful for research in dance.
  • ProQuest
    • Offers access to dissertations and academic articles that can support your studies in dance.

• Conferences and Networking Events
  Attending conferences can provide important connections and insights:

  • American Dance Festival
    • Hosts events and workshops offering networking opportunities for professionals and students alike.
  • Dance Education National Conference
    • A vital event for educators and professionals in dance, focusing on innovative practices and resources.

• Online Communities and Forums
  Engaging with peers can furnish you with practical insights and support:

  • Platforms like Facebook Groups
    • Search for dance-related groups that focus on graduate study experiences and professional development.
  • Reddit
    • A community that discusses various aspects of dance where you can ask questions and share experiences.

Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your experience as you pursue a Master's Degree in Dance.