200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Embark on Your Journey as a Performer, Choreographer and Educator
A Curriculum That Supports Your Aspirations
Webster University's Department of Dance prioritizes individual excellence through a dynamic curriculum tailored to students' needs. Our dance programs seamlessly integrate rigorous technical training with creative exploration, empowering students for diverse careers in dance, including performance, choreography, teaching and scholarship. Explore the opportunities available through our BA and BFA programs in Dance.
Performance and Choreography Excellence
Elevate your skills through intensive training in ballet, modern dance, and diverse genres such as jazz, tap, hip-hop and aerial dance. Graduates are equipped with the versatility demanded by many professional dance performance opportunities.
Technical Expertise and Artistic Insight
Extensive technical training is complemented by studies in dance history, anatomy and pedagogy. Both BA and BFA graduates emerge as informed and progressive dance educators ready for roles in private and public entities.
Develop Functional Expertise
Embark on a journey of intensive, individualized research with the BA Capstone, or present original work with the BFA Capstone. Many BA and BFA in Dance graduates carry their learned expertise into their graduate studies in Dance, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and other fields.
“I came into myself in these studios and have applied skills for critique, movement composition and moving in partnership with my studies and professional work ... including roles in psychology, social work and sexual health.”
L. Mattson
BA in Dance, BA in Psychology, '21
As an Alum
Following graduation, L. Mattson completed a master's in Social Work, and now works in sexual health promotion and violence prevention education at a college in the Pacific Northwest.
Choose Webster for Your BA or BFA in Dance
The curriculum for both the BA and BFA in Dance prepares you for diverse professional paths, including performance, teaching, scholarship and choreography. Rigorous technical training in ballet and modern dance, coupled with exposure to various genres, positions graduates to actively pursue opportunities requiring exceptional skill and versatility.
BA in Dance: Foundation and Specialization
Gain foundational skills through introductory studies in improvisation and choreography. The BA Capstone allows you to refine your research practices and delve deep into a chosen dance aspect, providing a stepping stone to graduate studies in various fields.
BFA in Dance: Specialized Choreography
Specialize in improvisation and choreography, acquiring skills for professional choreographic pursuits. The BFA Capstone involves extensive research, choreography and presentation of original work. Develop skills in fundraising, marketing, technical design and budgeting, gaining valuable life skills alongside career preparation.
Collaborate with Dance Professors and Peers
Imagine dance class alongside dozens of guest artists of national and international acclaim. Recent dance class residencies have included Ballet Hispánico, the José Límon Dance Company, Abby Z and the New Utility, Cleo Parker Robinson, Prince Lyons (a Webster Dance alum) and Gregory Dawson.
A Space to Study Dance
The Jean and Wells Hobler Center for Dance is a place for curious and talented dance degree students to blossom into professional artists. All ballet, modern and tap classes feature live musical accompaniment. The large dance studio is scheduled for a floor replacement in January 2024, featuring the top-tier sprung dance floor, Harlequin Woodspring. This 3,500 square-foot studio also transitions into a performance space with dedicated theatrical lighting.
BA or BFA in Dance
The BA in Dance (59 credit hours) provides many of the same technique requirements for BFA students (96 credit hours), but allows the flexibility to minor in another subject area or double major.
What Can You Do With a BA or BFA in Dance?
A BA or BFA in Dance can open up various career opportunities in the field of dance and related areas. Many Dance graduates pursue professional dance performance, choreography and teaching opportunities. Additionally, some continue into graduate programs for dance, art therapy, occupational therapy and social work. Here are some potential career paths and options:
- Professional Dancer
- Choreographer
- Dance Educator
- Arts Administration
- Dance Therapy
It's important to note that career prospects may vary based on the level of your degree (BA or BFA), your specialization, additional training and your personal interests. Webster's Department of Dance forges strong connections with local dance companies and arts organizations, providing valuable opportunities for our dance students. Many of our students engage in internships and part-time positions within these organizations, and numerous alumni establish professional careers with them post-graduation.
Step into Your Future as a Professional Dancer
A Webster education goes beyond the dance studio: On-campus performances, student-led dance demonstrations at area schools, internships, career opportunities with St. Louis partner businesses and a global look at dance and culture, including opportunities to Study Abroad.
Schedule Your Audition
The Department of Dance is always looking for talented and curious students to join our program. Fine Arts Talent Grants are available to incoming dance majors based on their performance in the audition process, so a limited number of these awards are granted, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Additional endowed and annual scholarships are also available. Schedule an audition and take the first step to join us on stage.
Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the Dance program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.