Dance degrees are associated with the area of the performance art and universities normally offer a Dancerscombination of lecture and performance classes with a specialized production nearing graduation. Most dancer majors will have begun training between the ages of 5 and 15 years old and are expected to begin professionally auditioning professionally by age 17. The dance industry is extremely competitive resulting in only the most talented choreographers and dancers finding success.
Common Specialized Degree Programs
Artistic Direction
Choreography
Classical Ballet
Contemporary
Dance Education
Hip-Hop
Historical Studies of Dance
Jazz
Performance Art
Tap
Theatre
Average Salary
Entry level $21,000 to $43,000 mid-career
Degree Programs
A certificate of completion, which take about eight weeks to a year to complete, or a 60 credit hour of study associate’s degree is satisfactory for entry-level work, however a bachelor’s degree is preferred for mid-level work from a completion of between 120 and 128 credit hours depending on the university. Master’s degree and doctoral degrees are preferred for educational teaching.
Top Dance Colleges
(according to online reports, 2010)
Julliard
New York University
Adelphi University
Butler University
University of Washington
Main Courses of Study in College
Performance Art, History of Dance
Recommended High School AP Courses
Music Theory
Psychology
Careers Obtained with Education Degrees
Arts Administrator
Arts Council Director
Booking Agent
Broadway Star
Choreographer
Coach
College Professor
Dance Company Grants Specialist
Dance Company Personnel Manager
Dance Company Press Agent
Dance Company Pubic Relations Manager
Dance Company Rehearsal Director
Dance Designer
Dance Studio Manager
Dance Teacher
Dance Therapist
Leisure and Recreation Instructor
Pilates Conditioning Instructor
Private Tutor
Professional Cheerleader
Professional Dancer
Notable Dance ProfessionalsFred Astaore Dance Professional
Alvin Ailey, Notable Dance Educator
Audrey Hepburn, Ballerina and Actress
Fred Astaire, Dancer, Singer, Choreographer and Actor
Gene Kelly, Dancer, Choreographer, Singer, Actor and Director
Ginger Rogers, Dancer, Singer, Actress
Mia Michaels, Emmy Winning Choreographer and Television Personality
Napoleon D’umo, Teacher, Choreographer, Creative Director, Television Personality
Tabitha D’umo, Teacher, Choreographer, Creative Director, Television Personality