Description

The BFA training program is a comprehensive, organic approach to dance. Students earn their degree through an intensive three-year plus two-summer curriculum. First-year course work focuses on learning to dance in the most efficient and healthy way. Technique classes emphasize placement and alignment principles. Additional coursework includes dance composition, kinesthetics of anatomy, and music theory. The second year develops these principles with courses in dance history, acting, improvisation, music literature, and advanced dance composition: tools acquired in music and composition classes in the first year are now integrated in a course involving phrase manipulation as it applies to choreography. The third year focuses on integrating the previous years of training into staged performance and choreography. Third year students gain professional dance experience as ensemble members of Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company. Elective courses are available to students with specific areas of interests. Along with departmental work, students take required academic courses throughout their stay in the program. Transfer students may transfer up to 8 dance credits toward electives at our discretion. All required dance courses must be completed at Tisch. Summer dance curriculum may be needed to earn the required 82 credits for the major and/or overall 128 credits required for the BFA degree. * Please note that a second major declaration and/or minor(s) declaration may require the student to study for an additional year and graduate in four years. The NYU Tisch Department of Dance values the essential bond between musician and dancer. Live music is vital to our dance technique classes. We honor the long history of the musicians’ presence in ballet and modern dance, and also foster new creative pathways and dialogue between contemporary musicians and dancers. We are proud of our esteemed team of dance musicians, who represent a variety of styles, instruments, techniques and creative perspectives.