In Training: Degree in Three
Students of Trinity Laban. Photo by jk-photography, Courtesy Trinity Laban.
A dancer’s career isn’t a long one, so four years of college can seem like a big drawback. That’s where three-year bachelor’s degrees become an ideal compromise. Though these programs are intense—with concentrated classes often calling for extra-long days and summer sessions to complete dance and academic requirements—students up to the challenge can get out into the professional world a year earlier than most graduates.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
New York, NY
Degree offered:
BFA in dance
No. of dance majors:
About 100
Audition required:
Yes
Curriculum:
Four to five ballet and modern classes each week, plus somatics and composition
Fitting it in:
The program is three years and two summers. During the six-week summer courses, six companies are in residence, giving students the opportunity to work with artistic directors and dancers. Additional academics can be completed during NYU’s January or summer terms.
Notable opportunities:
Senior year, students become members of the program’s Second Avenue Dance Company, which simulates the experience of being in a professional troupe. Guest artists set or create new work on students.
BFA students work closely with MFAs, many of who have already established careers in dance and choreography.
TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC AND DANCE
London, England
Degree offered:
BA in contemporary dance
No. of dance majors:
About 300
Audition required:
Yes
Curriculum:
Nine technique classes per week: three ballet, three of one contemporary technique and three of another, including Graham, Cunningham, Limón and release techniques. Choreography is mandatory in the first and second years.
Fitting it in:
Trinity Laban’s school year runs from September into July. Students often use summers or holiday breaks to work with dance companies for required credits.
Notable opportunities:
In their third year, students work with choreographers and have the opportunity to perform in the London area and beyond. One piece is selected to tour abroad.
Three-year programs are more common in the U.K. Trinity Laban students range in age and come from about 35 different countries.
STEPHENS COLLEGE
Columbia, MO
stephens.edu/academics/sopa/dance
Degree offered:
BFA in dance
No. of dance majors:
25
Audition required:
Yes
Curriculum:
Equal emphasis on ballet, modern and choreography. Guest artists are brought in each semester to teach different types of world dance.
Fitting it in:
Students complete the program in three years and two summers. Summer programs are six and a half weeks long and taught by guest artists. Students also dance on Saturdays during the school year.
Notable opportunities:
In the past, senior students have choreographed works in collaboration with University of Missouri’s Mizzou New Music Initiative, featuring student composers and musicians.
Stephens is a women’s college, though the dance department’s two-year, non-credit conservatory program is also open to men.
