Dance Performance (B.F.A.)

Embody Forward Movement Through Commercial or Concert Dance

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance at Seton Hill provides students with in-depth technical training in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, modern and tap. As a Dance Performance major, you'll have the option to concentrate in either Commercial or Concert Dance. Professional dance faculty will be with you every step of the way as you work toward your goals and develop yourself as an artist.

The Seton Hill Dance Program

In the Dance Program at Seton Hill, you will:

Explore movement.
Foster collaboration.
Develop and embrace your individual artistry.

At Seton Hill, we strive to develop well-rounded dancers who are also "thoughtful artists." As a dance major at Seton Hill, you will participate in a review at the end of your sophomore year. This review will assess your progress within the program. You will receive one-on-one guidance in completing your degree. Learn more about the Seton Hill Dance Program here.

Dance Performance Concentrations

Concert Dance

Concert dance can broadly be described as dance performed for a live audience. It generally occurs in a theatre-style or concert hall setting. Traditionally, students interested in concert dance focus on training in ballet, modern or jazz dance. At Seton Hill, you have the opportunity to enhance these skills with dance electives in a range of dance styles.

Course topics include:

Ballet, jazz and modern dance.
Dance composition.
Introduction to theatre design.

Commercial Dance

Commercial dance includes a strong element of showmanship. Students focusing on commercial dance often have an interest in performing in the popular entertainment industry in music videos, television, film, or touring with musical performers or Broadway shows. At Seton Hill you have the opportunity to study a variety of styles, enhance your performance skills, and network with active professionals in the field while earning your degree.

Course topics include:

Commercial dance.
Musical theatre dance.
Professional practices for dance.

Arts Center & Performing Arts Center

Seton Hill’s award-winning Arts Center is the home of the Dance Program and offers spacious studios, new classrooms and plenty of places to practice, study, hang out or grab something to eat. The Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center, one block away, provides a variety of performance venues, including an expansive concert hall and a black box theatre.

Performance & Production Opportunities

As a Seton Hill dance student, you will receive individualized training coupled with abundant production and performance opportunities. Every year, Seton Hill produces a full season of theatre and dance performances.

Students also have the opportunity to:

Audition for three concerts per year (auditions are open to all Seton Hill students).
Present work at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conference.

Internships & Apprenticeships

Seton Hill dance majors are employed in the university’s costume and scene shops as well as in the box office. Dance majors also have a long track record of success working as interns, apprentices and performers in theatre companies and theme parks around the country.

Students have been accepted for continuing study into:

Mark Morris Dance Group Summer Intensive
Joffrey Ballet
New York City Ballet
American Ballet Theatre New York

...and have held internships with:

American Dance Festival
Attack Theatre
Ballet de Montreal

Artist-Faculty

Dance faculty at Seton Hill have backgrounds in performance, teaching and choreography. Faculty areas of specialty include:

Dance Science
Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
Dance Pedagogy
Performance
Choreography

Students also get exposure to professionals working in the field through adjunct faculty. Guest artists work with students through semester-long courses, master classes and residencies.

Partnerships

As a Seton Hill dance student, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of unique partnerships that will enhance your dance education experience. We are currently a member of the Jacob's Pillow College Partnership Program.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Seton Hill's Study Abroad Program helps dancers take the leap to experience somewhere new, including locations like London, Dublin and New York City. In the past, students have had the opportunity to attend the Dublin Dance Festival, take dance classes in other countries, and meet in-person with professional choreographers and dancers.

Clubs & Organizations

Student Dance Organization (SDO) - a student-run organization that offers master classes, performance opportunities, and other group events
University Dance Team - performs at events throughout the year

Careers

The concentration you choose will influence your future career path, as you develop a deeper understanding of a specific area of dance. Graduates from Seton Hill’s Dance Program are prepared to perform in a wide variety of settings, from entertainment venues to Broadway.

Your professors and Seton Hill’s award-winning Career and Professional Development Center will work with local, regional and national employers to provide you with the career preparation skills, internship opportunities and placement services you need - as a student and after you graduate.

Recent graduates have gone on to work with:

Jacob’s Pillow
Mid-Atlantic Ballet
RWS Entertainment Group
Seton Hill University Dance Academy

Admissions & Aid

At Seton Hill University, we offer streamlined admissions requirements and a comprehensive aid program.

Interview & Audition

Once you apply and have been accepted to Seton Hill, you must successfully complete an interview and audition with members of the dance faculty to be admitted into the Dance Program (and to become eligible to compete for merit-based dance scholarships.)

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