Dance, MFA

Program Overview

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The ASU MFA in Dance program cultivates artists, educators, and scholars in the field of dance. It offers a comprehensive curriculum in dance practices, somatic inquiry, teaching, technology, scholarship, and community engagement. Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education, commercial dance, community dance, wellness programs, stage production, and as independent artists. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary focus, cross-cultural perspectives, social engagement, and research-based creative practice.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The program aims to cultivate your unique strengths as an artist, educator, or scholar in the field of dance. It welcomes diverse applicants, encouraging those who are self-motivated, have clear objectives, and are willing to explore new possibilities in dance and beyond.

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Description:

The ASU MFA program in dance typically takes three years to complete. It provides in-depth study in a range of dance practices and related fields, including choreography, performance, creative practice, somatic inquiry, teaching, technology, scholarship, and social/community-engaged practices. The program emphasizes developing your potential as a creator, performer, teacher, thinker, and art advocate, requiring frequent showings for degree completion.

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Outline:

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Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Dance Performance and Creative Practice: This includes the development of technical and expressive skills, as well as the creation of original work.
• Somatic Inquiry: This explores the relationship between mind, body, and movement.
• Dance and Technology: This explores the integration of technology into dance practice.
• Scholarship and Theory: This examines the history, theory, and criticism of dance.
• Socially and Community-Engaged Practice: This explores ways to engage communities through dance.

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Structure:

The program consists of a combination of coursework, independent study, and performance. Students are required to take a variety of courses in dance and related fields. They also have opportunities to work on independent projects and to perform in concerts and other events. However, students can expect to take courses in the following areas:

• Dance Technique: Ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, hip-hop, and other dance forms.
• Dance History: History of dance, dance theory, and dance criticism.
• Dance Composition: Choreography, improvisation, and performance.
• Dance Pedagogy: Methods of teaching dance.
• Somatics: Body-mind centering, yoga, and other somatic practices.
• Community Engagement: Community-based dance projects, teaching dance in community settings, and social justice issues in dance.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Performances: Students are required to present work in progress and finished work in studio settings and public performances.
• Writing: Students write critical reflections on their work and the work of others.
• Presentations: Students present their research and creative work to their peers and faculty.
• Portfolio: Students develop a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their progress and achievement in the program.
• Technical proficiency: The student's ability to execute dance movements accurately and skillfully.
• Creativity: The student's ability to generate new ideas and concepts.
• Expression: The student's ability to communicate meaning through movement.
• Critical thinking: The student's ability to analyze and evaluate dance work.
• Research: The student's ability to conduct research and apply it to their work.
• Professionalism: The student's ability to work effectively in a professional setting.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lecture: Faculty members present information and ideas to students in a lecture format.
• Discussion: Students engage in discussions with faculty and peers about dance and related topics.
• Studio work: Students work in the studio to develop their technical skills, explore movement possibilities, and create new work.
• Independent study: Students work independently on projects and research under the guidance of faculty.
• Mentorship: Students receive individual mentorship from faculty members.

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Faculty:

The program has a distinguished faculty with expertise in a variety of areas, including:

• Choreography: Faculty members are internationally recognized choreographers who are creating new work and pushing the boundaries of the field.
• Performance: Faculty members are accomplished performers who have extensive experience in a variety of dance genres.
• Dance History and Theory: Faculty members are scholars who are experts in the history, theory, and criticism of dance.
• Dance Pedagogy: Faculty members are experienced dance educators who are passionate about teaching dance.
• Somatics: Faculty members are experts in somatic practices who are using these practices to explore new ways of moving and thinking about the body.
• Technology: Faculty members are pioneers in the field of dance and technology who are using technology to create innovative dance works.
• Community Engagement: Faculty members are leaders in the field of community-engaged dance who are working to bring dance to diverse communities.

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Unique Approaches:

The program offers several unique approaches, including:

• Interdisciplinary focus: The program encourages students to explore the intersections of dance with other disciplines, such as theater, visual arts, music, and technology.
• Cross-cultural perspectives: The program values diversity and welcomes students from all backgrounds.
• Social and community engagement: The program is committed to using dance to create positive change in the world.
• Research-based creative practice: The program encourages students to engage in research that informs their creative work.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program are prepared for work in a variety of settings, including:

• Higher education: Teaching dance at colleges and universities.
• Commercial dance: Performing in dance companies, musicals, and other professional productions.
• Community dance: Teaching dance in community centers, schools, and other organizations.
• Wellness programs: Using dance to promote health and well-being.
• Stage production: Working as choreographers, dancers, or other creative professionals in stage productions.
• Independent artists: Creating and performing their own work.

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Performing: Performing with world-renowned dance companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Pilobolus.
• Choreographing: Creating work for professional dance companies, theaters, and film and television productions.
• Research: Conducting research in dance and related fields.
• Arts administration: Working in arts organizations and institutions.

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Outcomes:

The program prepares students for a successful career in dance by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to excel in the field. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to:

• Create new and innovative work.

• Teach dance effectively.

• Perform at a high level.

• Conduct research in dance.

• Engage communities through dance.

• Become leaders in the field of dance.
• The program offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options.
• The program has a strong network of alumni who are working in a variety of professional settings.