Dance Performance BA

Dance like everyone’s watching!

18JAV dancers in dramatic movement in group formation

Put your passion into motion on stage, in the classroom and beyond.

Our exciting program combines a strong foundation in history and theory with rigorous training in style and technique, along with experiential learning opportunities in composition and performance. Our students are prepared to work professionally within a dance troupe, choreograph performances and operate a dance studio.

Career Opportunities

  • Professional Dancer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Instructor
  • Dance Studio Owner
  • Movement Coach/Therapist
  • Professional Performer

Why Dance Performance? | Why Our Program?

  • Our Bachelor of Arts program includes courses in modern, ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, studio ownership, dance history and more, with faculty who are working professionals.
  • Our students gain performance and training experience through membership in the pre-professional 18JAV Dance Company.
  • Our minor in dance performance enables students from other disciplines, such as music, physical education and theatre, to enhance their skill sets with movement.
  • Topics covered in the include: modern, ballet, jazz, choreography, musical theatre and tap.

Get More Program Specifics

hotel_class

Start Your Dance Dream - Audition Soon!

Auditions are required for music, theatre and dance majors at 18JAV. What to expect at the audition.

You don't need to wait to be admitted to 18JAV to audition, but we recommend that you have your Admissions application completed by your audition date.

Upcoming Performances Featuring Our Students

The 18JAV Advantage

Dance performance majors have multiple opportunities to train with national and international guest artists, teachers and choreographers in residence throughout the course of their studies.

Dance Faculty

Hear from a Student

Tyler Louie

Tyler Louie

“My mentors [18JAV Director of Dance] Angelica Vessella and [18JAV Associate Professor] Jessica Pearson gave me critiques that were tough to digest sometimes, but I took them with grace. I would struggle with how to change various dance mannerisms but they helped me get through.”

Opportunity and Exposure

A Different Day

Renowned Filmmaker Features 18JAV Dancers in New Film

"We're protesting in the streets to fight for equal rights. We're shot in the streets because we don't have equal rights. And then we're rioting in the streets to show how angry we are, which only leads to us hurting each other – same old stuff, different day."

18JAV entrance

Take the Next Step!

Arts and Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is a community of scholars that pride themselves on academic excellence, diversity and service.