School of Theatre and DanceDance Bachelor's Degree
- BA
- BFA
In the Dance bachelor’s degree program at Columbia College Chicago, you’ll learn to communicate your ideas through dance and scholarship while developing your unique artistic point of view. Embracing a variety of dance techniques and styles, the program welcomes students with diverse experiences. As a Dance major, you’ll take technique courses in modern/contemporary, West African, ballet, and hip-hop, along with dance studies courses that enhance your critical thinking about choreography and performance. This comprehensive approach prepares you to enter a dynamic contemporary dance community that celebrates innovative and diverse styles.
Examples of Dance Careers
The Student Experience
At Columbia, you’ll explore a variety of techniques including modern/contemporary, West African, ballet, and hip-hop and related street dance styles. You’ll gain a strong physical foundation in dance technique and improvisation while also studying dance history and theory.
With 40+ plays, musicals, and film productions a year, you'll have plenty of chances to land your dream role or work behind the scenes.
Collaborate with Columbia's film program and perform in student-directed films on a professional soundstage. Talk about resume gold.
With four professional stages, fully stocked scene and costume department, and a makeup and prosthetics lab, we offer aspiring performers and designers the perfect environment to hone their craft and launch successful careers.
Participate in technique classes accompanied by live music, taught by faculty with professional experience.
You’ll work with a faculty mentor to secure an internship, whether in performance, arts administration, or teaching, aligning with your career ambitions.
Career Readiness
Our well-rounded approach will prepare you to teach, produce, choreograph, and perform. You’ll connect with our diverse professional faculty who have deep ties in Chicago, one of the country’s most vibrant and accessible dance communities. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to contribute to the evolving field of dance—and succeed in many other related fields.
Immerse yourself in the city's energy by attending professional productions regularly.
Connect with established dancers, actors, and casting agents through workshops, events, and internships facilitated by Columbia's industry connections and Career Center.
Alumni Spotlight
Vershawn Sanders-Ward '02
Founder of Red Clay Dance Company
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.